On Capitol Hill This Week Volume XIX, Number 11

On Capitol Hill This Week Volume XIX, Number 11
April 23 - 27, 2012

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

DOMESTIC ISSUES

Special Focus: Bills We Are Watching

1.    JOBS ACT SIGNED INTO LAW
2.    HOUSE PASSES CANTOR'S SMALL BUSINESS TAX CUT
3.    HOUSE CLEARS HIGHWAY BILL WITH KEYSTONE MANDATE; THWARTS OBAMA
4.    S. 2291/H.R. 4375: SMALL BUSINESS TAXPAYER BILL OF RIGHTS
5.    H.R. 2353: THE CYBER INTELLIGENCE SHARING AND PROTECTION ACT
6.    THE RIGHT TO HABEAS CORPUS ACT
7.    NATIONAL ID THREATENS "ULTIMATE CONTROL"
8.    PRESERVING AMERICA'S FAMILY FARM ACT
9.    H.R. 3828: MILITARY RELIGIOUS FREEDOM PROTECTION ACT
10.    PELOSI AIMS TO REWRITE FIRST AMENDMENT

1. JOBS ACT SIGNED INTO LAW

After clashing repeatedly last year, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and Obama made nice on Thursday (April 12) as Obama signed Cantor's JOBS Act into law. The relationship between Cantor and Obama has been rocky, and reached a low point during last summer's debt-ceiling negotiations, when Obama reportedly warned Cantor to not "call my bluff."

But the strain has eased this year, and the two men were all smiles in the Rose Garden as the president affixed his signature to legislation that had been a top priority of Cantor's. Obama praised the measure as "exactly the kind of bipartisan action we should be taking in Washington to help our economy" and signed the bill with 11 ceremonial pens, one for each letter of his name.

Cantor stood directly behind Obama for the signing, and said in a statement he hoped it was a sign of things to come. "We have a very difficult economic situation still," Cantor said. "The president said today that he has always believed that it is the private sector that is the job generator in this country. I agree with him. I think most Americans agree with him." (The Hill) Read more.

- God, in Your mercy we pray that Mr. Cantor and others who are supporting this Act are not being deceived by pleasantries, only to find that the agreement was self-serving to promote a compromising position in the future to the basic intent of the Act. Protect our people and our country, Father God. Pull all these together to serve the Lord's purpose and enter into that which God has ordained. In the Name of Jesus, we ask, amen

- "Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain you: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." (Psalm 55:22)

2. HOUSE PASSES CANTOR'S SMALL BUSINESS TAX CUT

The House approved legislation backed by Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) Thursday that would cut taxes on small business by 20 percent. For the second day in a row, the House ignored a veto threat from Obama in passing the tax bill in a 235-173, mostly party-line vote. On Wednesday, the House approved transportation legislation that also mandated approval of a controversial oil pipeline.

In Thursday's vote, Republicans overcame Democratic objections that the tax cuts are not paid for, and would add $46 billion to the budget deficit in just one year. The bill won the support of 18 Democrats, while 10 Republicans voted against it. (The Hill)

- Father, we thank You for the passage of this small business tax cut. Raise up our government to covenant together and to stand for better ordering, and preservation and furtherance of sound policies. God, we ask that You raise up the members of the House, the Senate, Congress, Republicans and Democrats to be united and vote for good, and against evil and destructive bills. Return us back to God as a nation wholly given to doing Your will. In Jesus' Name, amen.

- "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance." (Psalm 33:12)

3. HOUSE CLEARS HIGHWAY BILL WITH KEYSTONE MANDATE; THWARTS OBAMA

Defying a White House veto threat, the House on Wednesday passed legislation that extends transportation program funding through September and mandates construction of a controversial oil pipeline from Canada to the Gulf Coast. All but 14 Republicans, with support from 69 Democrats, voted 293-127 for legislation that falls far short of Speaker John Boehner's (R-Ohio) earlier plan to move a sweeping five-year, $260 billion package.

But Boehner's retreat serves two crucial tactical and political purposes for the Speaker. It sets up talks with the Senate on the highway bill and keeps the Keystone pipeline - a centerpiece of GOP attacks on White House energy policy - front and center ahead of the November election.

Republican leaders hailed the bipartisan vote as a rebuke of Hussein Obama. Two senior Democrat leaders, Reps. James Clyburn (S.C.) and John Larson (Conn.), approved the measure."The House is on record again in support of the Keystone XL energy pipeline - a project Obama blocked, personally lobbied against, then tried to take credit for, and now says he'll veto," Boehner said in a statement. "There's no telling where the president stands from one day to the next on Keystone, but he knows the pipeline has broad and bipartisan support in Congress and among the American people."

The House and Senate transportation committee chairmen said they hoped conferees would be appointed quickly. "The purpose of this extension is that we can hopefully bring about resolution and conference legislation to complete our transportation bill," Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said Wednesday. A number of key Democrats also said they were supporting the plan as a way to get to a House-Senate conference. "It appears that the House has finally found the path out of dysfunction junction," said Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "We've been there too long."

The bill creates another clash with the White House over the Keystone pipeline - a project at the heart of the Republicans' energy agenda and their election-year attacks against the president. (The Hill) Read more.

- Dear Lord, we ask You to intervene in this convoluted maneuvering to get a fair and reasonable solution to our having to buy oil from those who hate us. We pray that somehow, out of this complicated situation, You would manage to see that this pipeline is built and the needed supply of oil is secured in spite of the threats of a veto.

- "God is my strength and power: he maketh my way perfect." (2 Samuel 22:33)

4. S. 2291/H.R. 4375: SMALL BUSINESS TAXPAYER BILL OF RIGHTS

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced new legislation on Wed., April 18, aimed at making it easier for small companies to navigate the IRS. A companion bill, H.R. 4375, was also introduced in the House the same week by Rep. Sam Johnson.

Cornyn's Small Business Taxpayer Bill of Rights came just a week before House Republicans are expected to move legislation that would give small companies a 20 percent tax cut, and shows Republicans are eager to use Tax Day, traditionally April 15, as a reminder that they support efforts to ease the tax burden. "With Tax Day fast approaching, Americans are being reminded of just how complex, illogical, and inefficient our federal tax system really is," Cornyn said. "Small business owners face an especially crushing burden of paperwork, but they lack the key financial and legal resources that multinational corporations do. "Now more than ever, with an economy struggling to recover and increased tax burdens from the 2010 health care law around the corner, we need to ensure our small businesses are spending more time creating jobs and opportunity and less time dealing with the IRS and an archaic tax code."

Among other things, Cornyn's bill would create a new path for small businesses to contest IRS audits, limit IRS authority during appeals, make it easier to win attorney's fees if the IRS is found to have abused tax law, and give companies access to judicial review if the IRS fails to act on a request to refund certain interest payments. (The Hill) Read more.

- Father, we thank You for Senator Cornyn's proposed legislation to ease the tax burden on small business owners, which in many ways, is at the heart of our economy. We pray You would cause both the House and the Senate to look on this proposed "Bill of Rights for Small Businesses" with favor, and pass this bill, and that our President would sign it into law. Lord, especially as we know that many more burdensome taxes are set to go into effect on January 1,2013, we ask for mercy, so these businesses can survive. We do ask for Godly wisdom for those who must vote on this bill, and also for the President. May their hearts be inclined to show favor, and ease these businesses, who are the "backbone" of our economy, and which will also cause these businesses to grow and hire more people. Amen.

- " But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." (Psalm 5:11,12)

5. H.R. 2353: THE CYBER INTELLIGENCE SHARING AND PROTECTION ACT

Online activists who helped sink the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) earlier this year have now turned their sights to a House cybersecurity bill, the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA). A Google search for "CISPA" now returns numerous blogs that decry the legislation as an attempt to censor the Internet. One online petition opposing the bill has already gathered more than 300,000 signatures.

But a House aide who supports CISPA said the measure has nothing to do with anti-piracy enforcement or censorship. "There's no authority to censor or block sites in the bill," he said. "The only authority is to share information with the private sector and for them to voluntarily share it with the government. There's nothing in here that would allow you to block or shutdown a website. "The Internet industry loves this bill," the aide said. "They want these authorities."

CISPA, which is authored by Reps. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) and Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.) and has 112 co-sponsors, is expected to come to the House floor for a vote during the week of April 23. The goal of legislation is to help companies beef up their defenses against hackers who steal business secrets, rob customer financial information and wreak havoc on computer systems.

"Every day U.S. businesses are targeted by nation-state actors like China for cyber exploitation and theft," Rogers said in a statement last month. "The broad base of support for this bill shows that Congress recognizes the urgent need to help our private sector better defend itself from these insidious attacks." (The Hill) Read more.

Update: House gears up for 'cyber week,' but security bill's fate rests with Senate

The House is set to vote on a host of cybersecurity bills next week, but the fate of the legislation rests in the Senate. The House is expected to approve the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA), which would tear down legal barriers that discourage companies from sharing data about cyber attacks. . .

But the White House and Senate Democrats argue CISPA is inadequate. They say any cybersecurity legislation should include tougher privacy protections and should require critical infrastructure systems to meet minimum security standards. (The Hill) Read more.

- Pray that, as Congress struggles with the real issues of making our internet more secure, the public will discern the difference between this bill, and the earlier legislation (SOPA) which would have censored our use of the net. Pray for passage of CISPA in both the House and the Senate, and for passage into law soon.

- "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (Matthew 21:22)

6. THE RIGHT TO HABEAS CORPUS ACT

In order to clear up the confusion and gratuitous infighting within our coalition, Reps. Scott Rigell (R., Va.) and Jeff Landry (R., La.) plan to introduce the Right to Habeas Corpus Act this week. This bill will explicitly clarify that "nothing in the Authorization for Use of Military Force . . . [2001] or the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 shall be construed to deny the availability of the writ of habeas corpus in a court ordained or established by or under Article III of the Constitution for any person who is detained in the United States pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force."

This is a great unifying bill designed to ensure that our military and intelligence agencies will have wide latitude in fighting our foreign enemies, while preserving basic habeas corpus rights at home. (The Madison Project)

- Raise up a mighty cry before the Throne Room of heaven for the passage of this act. This is the beginning of turning the tide back against this wicked law, that would otherwise serve to enslave our people!

[For more about the impact of the NDAA on average citizens. please see the alert posted by Rep. Kay Granger, R-TX Thank you.]

- "Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people. . . For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory." (Psalm 149:1,4)

7. NATIONAL ID THREATENS "ULTIMATE CONTROL"

Letter warns against trying to revive failed effort A coalition of organizations led by officials at the Rutherford Institute is urging members of Congress not to even consider plans to revive the failed Real ID Act of 2005, which mandated "costly and restrictive" nationwide standards for a drivers' license database. The plan, although made into law, never has been implemented, and according to John Whitehead of the Rutherford Institute, half the states adopted resolutions or other prohibitions on the federal plan.

The new coalition includes the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Library Association, Asian Law Caucus, Constitutional Alliance, Consumer Watchdog, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Electronic Privacy Information Center, Floridians against REAL ID, Liberty Coalition and others representing a broad range across the spectrum of politically active groups.

"Civil and privacy rights advocates, as well as liberal-, conservative-, and libertarian-leaning organizations, have long raised concerns that a national ID card would enable the government to track citizens and, thus, jeopardize the privacy rights of Americans," Whitehead said. "When all is said and done, the adoption of a national ID card serves one purpose only: to provide the government with the ultimate control over the American people," he said.

Now the federal government, if it tried to impose the system, would fail, the letter said. "DHS cannot mandate compliance because implementing its sole penalty under the statute - barring the use of non-compliant licenses for boarding airplanes - would bring air travel to a halt," the letter said. The letter to the House Judicial Subcommittee on Crime said the only possible outcome to an attempt to enforce the plan would be "harm" to individual liberties and a "waste" of taxpayer resources. (WorldNetDaily) Read more.

- Dear Heavenly Father, as the article says, this is about control and manipulation, and not about helping us as citizens. Half of the states in this country have risen up in opposition to this law, with some states passing actual laws and not just resolutions. The enactment of this national ID would be extremely costly in a time when so many states and citizens are struggling with just having essentials.

. Forgive us O Lord, for being such a fallen nation. We fall before You in repentance. Guide us Lord. We stand in the gap for the people in this country who seem to have no understanding of what is happening to our nation. Protect us Lord and direct our ways to come back to being a nation under Your ways and laws, not those of a controlling evil authority. In Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen

- "As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord shall save me. Evening and morning and at noon I will pray and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice. He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me. God will give ear and humble them, he who is enthroned from of old, because they do not change and do not fear God." (Psalm 55:16-19)

8. PRESERVING AMERICA'S FAMILY FARM ACT

U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today (3/21/12) introduced common sense legislation, the Preserving America's Family Farm Act, to prevent the Department of Labor (DOL) from enacting its controversial proposed restrictions on youth working on family farms.

"The Department of Labor has proposed 85 pages of unreasonable and overreaching rules that would unnecessarily restrict the participation of young people in agriculture related activities," said Thune. "Family farms and farming communities teach young people responsible work ethics and these proposed rules would change that by severely limiting the commonplace activities in which young people can learn about agriculture. This is another example of the Obama administration initiating unsolicited regulations that would prohibit normal practices that have been carried out in rural areas for generations-not to mention limiting a desperately needed workforce to replace the current generation of farmers whose average age is nearing 60 years old."

Last December, DOL proposed rules that would restrict family farm operations by prohibiting youth under the age of 18 from being near certain age animals without adult supervision, participating in common livestock practices such as vaccinating and hoof trimming, and handling most animals more than six months old, which would severely limit participation in 4-H and FFA activities and restrict their youth farm safety classes; operating farm machinery, etc. At that time, Thune and Moran and 28 of their Senate colleagues sent a letter to Secretary Solis requesting that the proposed rule be withdrawn and outlined numerous concerns. As of today, DOL has not responded to the bipartisan letter. (Office of Senator James Moran) Read more.

- Father, we ask for Your divine intervention regarding this proposal by the Dept. of Labor, to interfere in the relationship between parents and their children on their family farms. We thank You for Senators Moran and Thune and the other 36 Senators who have joined together to block this proposal. We ask You to stir up the people of this great nation, to become aware of this overreach into our private lives, and to express their outrage. Surround these Senators with Your favor, and may this proposal by the Dept. of Labor be soundly defeated. In Your great Name, we pray! Amen!

- "You shall not remove your neighbor's landmark, which the men of old have set, in your inheritance which you will inherit in the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess." (Deut. 19:14)

9. H.R. 3828: MILITARY RELIGIOUS FREEDOM PROTECTION ACT

Military chaplains representing the majority of denominations face career penalties for expressing sincerely held religious or moral beliefs on same-sex marriage. There are no conscience or religious freedom protections for chaplains and the Obama Administration supports open homosexuality in the military. Support is needed for the Military Religious Freedom Protection Act. A vote on the bill may come on April 27th.

If passed into law, H.R. 3828 would "amend title 10, United States Code, to require that implementation of the repeal of the former Department of Defense policy concerning homosexual behavior in the Armed Forces not infringe upon the free exercise of religion by and the rights of conscience of members of the Armed Forces, including chaplains, and for other purposes." Please contact your congressman today and urge him or her to support The Military Religious Freedom Protection Act. (Religious Freedom Coalition)

- Dear Lord Jesus, we come before Your throne and seek Your intervention on behalf of the passage of this bill. We thank You for the members of Congress who are working to ensure that the conscience rights of these chaplains be preserved and protected, so they are free to follow You and not the dictates of man. We know we are in a mighty spiritual battle, but we know You are in control. Guide and direct the passage of this bill so that the chaplains may serve as You would have them serve, in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.

- "Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound . They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all day long, and in Your righteousness they are exalted. For You are the glory of their strength, and in Your favor our horn is exalted." (Psalm 89:15-17)

10. PELOSI AIMS TO REWRITE FIRST AMENDMENT

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi on Thursday endorsed a movement announced by other congressional Democrats on Wednesday to ratify an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would allow Congress to regulate political speech when it is engaged in by corporations as opposed to individuals.

The First Amendment says in part: "Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press . . ." Television networks, newspapers, publishing houses, movie studios and think tanks, as well as political action committees, are usually organized as, or elements of, corporations.

Pelosi said the Democrats' effort to amend the Constitution is part of a three-pronged strategy that also includes promoting the DISCLOSE Act, which would increase disclosure requirements for organizations running political ads, and "reducing the role of money in campaigns" (which some Democrats have said can be done through taxpayer funding of campaigns).  Read more.

- God in heaven, let truth prevail and freedom of speech prevail and stand firm, that there be no amendment to the United States Constitution whatsoever. Block this alien amendment by the power of the blood of Jesus and protect America from this encroachment to our freedom. Defeat it along with the Disclose Act that they turn to sawdust and fall to the ground and die. In the mighty Name of Jesus.

- "Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. The Lord redeems the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in Him shall be desolate." (Psalm 34:21-22)

On Capitol Hill This Week: Vol. XIX, No. 11-2

DOMESTIC ISSUES

1.    SECRET SERVICE PROSTITUTION SCANDAL ROILS D.C.
2.    SECRET SERVICE SCANDAL: GOVERNMENT-FUNDED MORAL BREAKDOWN
3.    OBAMA QUIETLY SEEKING TO CEDE U.S. OCEANS TO U.N. LAW
4.    NEW FEDERAL AGENCY STIRS "ORWELLIAN" FEARS
5.    NIH UNDER FIRE FOR GRANTS TOWARD CREATION OF HOMOEROTIC WEBSITE
6.    OBAMA OFFERS UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS TO EMPLOYED
7.    ALABAMA COURT JUSTICE: OBAMA BIRTH CERTIFICATE "RAISES QUESTIONS"
8.    THE "WARDROBE MALFUNCTION" - FCC ASKS SUPREME COURT TO DECIDE
9.    PENTAGON CHIEF: "WE'RE WITHIN AN INCH OF WAR ALMOST EVERY DAY"
10.    REP. RANDY FORBES DEFENDS MEMORIAL CROSSES AT CAMP PENDLETON
11.    ALLEN WEST: 80 HOUSE DEMOCRATS ARE COMMUNIST PARTY MEMBERS
12.    ALERT! HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS MAY LOSE INTERNET IN JULY

1. SECRET SERVICE PROSTITUTION SCANDAL ROILS D.C.

A prostitution scandal involving the Secret Service has grown in scope, with the disclosure that U.S. agents and military personnel had been with at least 20 women foreign nationals in hotel rooms before Hussein Obama arrived in Colombia for a summit with Latin American leaders. Rep. Peter King, R-NY, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee said it appeared the agency actually had "really lucked out." If the women were working for a terrorist organization or some other anti-American group, King said, they could have had access to information about the Obama's whereabouts or security protocols while in the agents' rooms. "This could have been disastrous," said King. (Fox News)

- Lord, we come to You in repentance this day. We repent for the sickening sins of our people - for the sickness of sin has permeated us and we act like a rebellious nation. Forgive us in mercy through the Blood of Jesus. May we turn back to You and Your righteousness. Lord, how we yearn for You to be esteemed in America throughout the ranks of its citizens. May the Church of Jesus Christ courageously arise in righteousness as a testimony to Your greatness. We pray Lord, that godly behavior will be the desired and popular behavior in our nation, especially among those in leadership! In Jesus' Name we pray.

- " A little leaven, leavens the whole lump . . . For you brethren have been called to liberty, only do not use your liberty as an opportunity for the flesh . . . For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh . . . Now the works of the flesh are evident which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness. . ." (Galatians 5:9,13,17,19)

2. SECRET SERVICE SCANDAL: GOVERNMENT-FUNDED MORAL BREAKDOWN

Is it any wonder that young White House Secret Servicemen and military servicemen have been caught consorting with prostitutes abroad; that GSA managers partied extravagantly in Las Vegas at taxpayer expense? For decades our government has engaged in profligate borrowing and spending, stubbornly funded Planned Parenthood (against the protest of parents) to teach children that "anything goes"; that mistakes can be "covered up" without parents ever knowing; to help teenage sex rings ply their trade right here in America, etc. The administration in power has imposed homosexual practice upon our military and has mandated that religious schools provide contraception, sterilization and abortifacient drugs to all students and staff - at taxpayer expense! What can we expect to come if things are not reversed? (FRC Prayer Targets)

- God, the moral breakdown in America is too far gone for men to turn the tide. We need you to do what only you can do, to heal our land. Nevertheless, show us what you want us to do!

- "Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion." (Psalm 103:1-4)

3. OBAMA QUIETLY SEEKING TO CEDE U.S. OCEANS TO U.N. LAW

Shock recommendation buried in White House report

Hussein Obama's ambitious plan for stepped up government regulation of the oceans includes an unreported effort to cede U.S. oceans to United Nations-based international law, WND has learned. The plan was previously a pet project of Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, whose ocean-zoning scheme was partnered with a globalist group that also aimed to hand over U.S. oceans to U.N. governance.

Obama's plan is still in draft form. It calls for an executive order to be issued for a National Ocean Policy that will determine how the ecosystem is managed while giving the federal government more regulatory authority over any businesses that utilize the ocean. The executive order is to be based on the recommendations of Obama's Interagency Ocean Policy Taskforce, created in 2010 also by executive order. . .The entire third section of the report recommends that the U.S. join the U.N.'s Law of the Sea Convention. (WorldNetDaily) Read more.

- This administration has replaced governing by the Constitution with governing by means of Executive Orders. Father God, without you we are helpless in the face of this abuse of civil authority, but with You, all things are possible. We ask You to move to see this plan dismantled -- by whatsoever means You choose -- for all true authority rests with You. And once again we ask You to forgive this president, for he knows not what he does. In Jesus' Name, amen.

- The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever." (Rev. 11:15)

4. NEW FEDERAL AGENCY STIRS "ORWELLIAN" FEARS

It is the most powerful federal agency you've never heard of -- and lawmakers from both parties on Thursday vowed to keep abreast of its astonishing growth and rein it in, if necessary.

The Office of Financial Research, or OFR, was created by the Dodd-Frank financial services overhaul that President Obama signed into law in July 2010. Technically housed under the Treasury Department, the agency has until now received its funding not from the Congress, but directly from the Federal Reserve. But starting in July, the OFR Fiscal Year 2013 budget, estimated at $158 million, will be funded entirely through assessments -- also known as taxes -- on bank-holding firms with consolidated assets worth at least $50 billion.

As became clear at Thursday's hearing by the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, a close reading of the law the president signed provides no limit on the growth of OFR's budget, nor on the taxes the agency can impose on big banks to fund it.

. . . Congress holds no power of the purse over OFR. Detractors call it "the CIA of financial regulators," and conjure "Orwellian" visions of "an omniscient Soviet-style central risk manager." The agency's official mission is to collect financial data and funnel it to another Dodd-Frank creation: the Financial Stability Oversight Council. These agencies were designed with the idea of preventing another systemic shock of Lehman Brothers magnitude.

But Republicans on the panel remained skeptical about the potential for abuses of power. "You're able to tax corporations without any oversight by the U.S. Congress," said Rep. Steve Pearce, R-New Mex. "Our Constitution is pretty clear, and so if we're a little scratchy on our side, just understand it's because you're conducting things that we feel like are completely unconstitutional." (FoxNews.com)

- Offer praise that Congress is doing its job, and is asking questions about the need for, and the funding of this new "secret" agency. Call forth legislation that will, indeed, prevent the OFR from functioning, for our money can be better spent elsewhere. Pray!

- "The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous."
(Psalm 125:3)

5. NIH UNDER FIRE FOR GRANTS TOWARD CREATION OF HOMOEROTIC WEBSITE

The National Institutes of Health has spent millions of dollars over the past decade to fund the construction of an HIV-prevention website that, among other sexually explicit features, includes a graphic image of homosexual sex and a Space Invaders-style interactive game that uses a penis-shaped blaster to shoot down gay epithets.

The grant money went to a team of researchers at the University of Minnesota that created a site called Sexpulse. The goal was to draw in what are termed MISM -- or "men who use the Internet to seek sex with men" -- in order to educate them and ultimately reduce their risk of contracting HIV.

But the site used unorthodox methods to get subjects' attention and keep them interested. The site includes pornographic images of homosexual sex as well as naked and scantily clad men. It includes several risqué interactive features, like the Space Invaders-style arcade game. (Fox News; Traditional Values Coalition) Read more. 

- Holy God in heaven, we repent before Your Throne of Grace and Mercy for the fallen condition of our people. Lord God, we have truly lost our way! We ask You to raise up a congressional investigation of this egregious misuse of public funds, and for the immediate cancellation of this horrific website! And although these days it truly seems as if our enemy is advancing on all fronts, we fix our gaze upon You, our Help and our Redeemer. Amen.

- "My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:2)

6. HUSSEIN OBAMA OFFERS UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS TO EMPLOYED

The Hussein Obama administration on Thursday will kick-off a program that allows people to experiment with a new job while still receiving unemployment benefits as part of an effort to help some 5.3 million Americans who have been out of work for six months or longer.

Ten states will be able to apply to participate in the program, and the Labor Department will announce the application process Thursday, according to a White House official. ...

It's modeled after an unemployment program in Georgia. Under that program, workers continue to collect unemployment benefits, plus a small stipend to cover transportation and other expenses-at no cost to the employer. After eight weeks of training, the company may hire the person, or not. It can amount to a free tryout. Georgia's program has found some success, though economists have expressed concern that it may allow employers to cycle through workers without actually hiring any. (Wall Street Journal) Read more.

- Father in Heaven, we are amazed at the strained ways the government comes up with to deal with a problem they have caused. We pray that those in authority will decrease regulations and healthcare requirements for companies so that they may more freely conduct their business and hire people as the business atmosphere improves. Lord, have mercy on the unemployed and supply Your people with all their needs. Amen.

- "Then he said unto me, Son of man, these are the men that devise mischief, and give wicked counsel in this city:" (Ezekiel 11:2)

7. OBAMA BIRTH CERTIFICATE "RAISES QUESTIONS" SAYS ALABAMA JUSTICE

ALERT: A Supreme Court Justice in Alabama has declared that, thanks to recent investigations into Hussein Obama's alleged Constitutional ineligibility to be President of the United States, a filing that seeks to require an original copy of Obama's birth certificate before he would be allowed on the presidential ballot in November has raised "serious questions" about Obama's "birth certificate" - and the possibility that it's a FORGERY.

Justice Tom Parker has filed a "special, unpublished concurrence" in the case arguing that Alabama citizen Hugh McInnish's charges of "forgery" were legitimate cause for concern, according to a report at WorldNet Daily!

In his "concurrence" opinion, Justice Parker wrote: "McInnish seeks from this court a writ of mandamus, directly ordering Beth Chapman, as secretary of state for the State of Alabama, 'to demand that [Hussein] Obama cause a certified copy of his bona-fide birth certificate be delivered to her direct from the government official who is in charge of the record in which it is stored, and to make the receipt of such a prerequisite to his name being placed on the Alabama ballot for the . . . November 6, 2012, general election.'"

And even though he voted with the majority that "the Alabama Constitution implies that this court is without jurisdiction over McInnish's original petition" - which now throws it in the Secretary of State's lap - Justice Parker then wrote, "Mclnnish has attached certain documentation to his mandamus petition, which, if presented to the appropriate forum as part of a proper evidentiary presentation, would raise serious questions about the authenticity of both the 'short form' and the 'long form' birth certificates of President Barack Hussein Obama that have been made public." (Posted By Right March On April 18, 2012)

- Almighty God, we lay this issue at Your feet and ask that You remove Obama's name off every ballot in all 50 states in the United States of America in Christ, and that from heaven he be judged for all his evil deeds that he has committed against our Nation and our people. We trust our God to cut off, and annihilate every illegal act, bill, and all the many acts of forgery, fraudulent written documents, and manipulation by lawless deeds. Call him to stand before the Lord God Almighty and give an account of all his sins and hear the voice of God say, "Repent" or he will perish with his god of darkness that he has served. Deliver our country from the effects of all the damage he has done and cut away and crumble to the ground every act he has committed to destroy the godly foundation upon which our country has stood. In the mighty Name of Jesus. We seal this prayer with the blood of Jesus Christ. Amen.

- "If there arise a matter too hard for you in judgment, matters of controversy within your gates, then you shall arise and go to the place which the Lord your God shall choose; and shall do according to the sentence, which they of that place shall show you; and you shall observe to do according to all that they advise you. According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach you, and according to the judgment which they shall tell you, you shall do: you shall not decline from the sentence which they shall show you, to the right hand, nor to the left. And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken to the priest that stands to minister there before the Lord your God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and you shall put away the evil from the land." (Deuteronomy 17:10-12)

8. THE "WARDROBE MALFUNCTION" - FCC ASKS SUPREME COURT TO DECIDE

The Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday asked the Supreme Court to review whether the FCC has the authority to fine CBS for broadcasting a split-second glimpse of singer Janet Jackson's bare breast in 2004. The FCC asked the court to review a ruling that overturned the agency's indecency fine in a case that would also help define the agency's enforcement of the statutory indecency standard.

Singer Justin Timberlake famously described the exposure of Jackson's breast, which lasted less than a second during the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show, as a "wardrobe malfunction." The FCC fined CBS, the network that aired the show, $550,000 for violating federal prohibitions on broadcast indecency. Last November, a federal appeals court overturned the fine as "arbitrary and capricious," noting the length of the exposure.

The FCC challenged that ruling in the appeal filed this week to the Supreme Court. The Third Circuit, the court that overturned the original fine, denied a rehearing of the case in January. (The Hill) Read more.

- Our Loving father, we come to You asking that You would be in charge of this case as it goes to the Supreme Court. We pray for a verdict that will up hold good morals in our public communications systems. But, whatever the ruling, we pray that so many in our country would be drawn to You and seek to have Your laws written on their hearts that an incident like this would never happen. Lord, bless the airways with Godly men and women.

- "Even when Gentiles, who do not have God's written law, instinctively follow what the law says, they show that in their hearts they know right from wrong. They demonstrate that God's law is written within them, for their own consciences either accuse them or tell them they are doing what is right." (Romans 2:14-15 NLT)

9. PENTAGON CHIEF: "WE'RE WITHIN AN INCH OF WAR ALMOST EVERY DAY"

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta offered a blunt assessment of the threats facing the United States on Wednesday, saying the potential for another war breaking out remains high in places like North Korea. "We're within an inch of war almost every day in that part of the world," Panetta said in an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer, in response to a question about the threats in the Korean Peninsula. "And we just have to be very careful about what we say and what we do."

Blitzer then asked Panetta, who joined with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for an interview during the secretaries' NATO meeting in Brussels, whether the North Korean threat kept him up at night. "Unfortunately, these days there's a helluva lot that keeps me awake," Panetta responded, listing Iran, Syria, the Middle East, cyber warfare and weapons of mass destruction as other insomnia-inducing issues.

Panetta responded to charges from Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney that "incompetence" from the Obama administration led North Korea to launch its failed long-range missile last week. "I think it's pretty clear this administration took a firm stand with regard to provocative behavior North Korea engaged in," Panetta said. "We made clear they should not do it, and we condemned the action even though it was not successful."
Panetta would not say what action the Obama administration would take if North Korea now conducts its third nuclear test, as is suspected. It would be "another provocation," the defense secretary said, and would "worsen" the U.S.-North Korea relationship. (The Hill) Read more, including statements about our policy in Syria, here.

- God, we pray that You bring the leaders in North Korea and the United States under the subjection of Your perfect will and with all their decisions, may they follow the blueprint made in heaven. Weaken North Korea's nuclear activities that they become limited and incapacitated in their attempts to destroy and kill. We declare that You are over the nations and they are bound under the blood of Jesus and cannot move independently of God. Soften the hearts of the kings to better the U.S./North Korea relationship. In the Name of Jesus.

- "See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant." (Jeremiah 1:10)

10. REP. RANDY FORBES DEFENDS MEMORIAL CROSSES AT CAMP PENDLETON

Rep. Randy Forbes, Founder and Co-Chairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, was featured on the Mike Huckabee radio show today discussing the controversy surrounding two memorial crosses at Camp Pendleton in California. The Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers (MAFF) is threatening to file a lawsuit if the crosses are not removed from the military base, where they sit atop a hill as a memorial to fallen service members. The group asserts that the presence of the crosses on federal land is an unconstitutional endorsement of religion, regardless of the fact that crosses are widely recognized as a symbol honoring the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform. Reports indicate that "the commandant of the Marines is expected to rule on the cross controversy any day."

According to Rep. Forbes, "If they're successful in getting these crosses taken down at Camp Pendleton, there's absolutely no reason that the crosses in Arlington Cemetery would be allowed to stay." He explained that these groups wish to purge the public square of such patriotic symbols, regardless of their context.

A group of Marines carried a cross to the top of a hillside at the military base, placing it as a memorial to their fallen comrades. The cross replaced a similar memorial that had burned in a wild fire a few years before. Two crosses now reside at the spot, and as the wife of one fallen Marine explained, "It's not a religious spot at all, it's a place for the Marines to grieve and to grow to let go of their burdens of what they had in their soul, so they can go back down that hill and back into battle and put their own lives on the line."

The situation at Camp Pendleton highlights the confusion surrounding Establishment Clause jurisprudence, which Justice Thomas recently said was "in shambles." Members of the Prayer Caucus will continue working to ensure that memorials to our nation's veterans are not dismantled and stripped of symbols that honor their service and their sacrifice. Listen to Rep. Forbes' interview here.

- Dear Heavenly Father, we fall before You in deep repentance, that as a nation and as Your people we have allowed this kind of crisis to occur. This is not a new battle and by bits and pieces Your ways and symbols have been stripped from the life in this nation. Too many people will say how they do not like what is being done but how their beliefs should not be part of political topics. Oh Lord, forgive us and raise up Your right arm in battle so that the crosses may stay in the cemeteries of those who gave their all for this nation, in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.

"Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul would soon have settled in silence. If I say 'my foot slips', Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up." (Psalm 94:16-18)

11. ALLEN WEST: . . . 80 HOUSE DEMOCRATS ARE COMMUNIST PARTY MEMBERS

WASHINGTON -- As many as 80 House Democrats are communists, according to Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.). West warned constituents at a Tuesday town hall event on April 11th that he's "heard" that dozens of his Democratic colleagues in the House are members of the Communist Party, the Palm Beach Post reported. There are currently 190 House Democrats.

West spokeswoman Angela Melvin later defended West's comments -- and clarified to whom West was referring. "The Congressman was referring to the 76 members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. The Communist Party has publicly referred to the Progressive Caucus as its allies. The Progressive Caucus speaks for itself. These individuals certainly aren't proponents of free markets or individual economic freedom," Melvin said in a statement to The Huffington Post.

West's campaign also sent over the transcript of the actual exchange that took place during the town hall to show that West was asked directly about the role of communists in the House.

Moderator: What percentage of the American legislature do you think are card-carrying Marxists or International Socialist?

West: It's a good question. I believe there's about 78 to 81 members of the Democrat Party who are members of the Communist Party. It's called the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

(Huffington Post) Read more, including the YouTube video of the congressman's remarks, and the response by Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Keith Ellison (D-Minn.)

- Although it may not be true that the 80 members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus are actual Communists, it can be stated that they are, indeed, socialists who wish to advance their own agenda upon the American people. We honor Congressman West for drawing the attention of the public to the fact that this caucus exists within Congress, and pray that the voters in the districts of these members would use great wisdom when they cast their ballots in November. (Every member of Congress will be up for reelection this fall.).

To see the names of the members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, go here.

- "But select capable men from all the people--men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain--and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens." (Exodus 18:21)

12. ALERT! HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS MAY LOSE INTERNET IN JULY

For computer users, a few mouse clicks could mean the difference between staying online and losing Internet connections this summer.

Unknown to most of them, their problem began when international hackers ran an online advertising scam to take control of infected computers around the world. In a highly unusual response, the FBI set up a safety net months ago using government computers to prevent Internet disruptions for those infected users. But that system is to be shut down.

The FBI is encouraging users to visit a website run by its security partner, www.dcwg.org, that will inform them whether they're infected and explain how to fix the problem. After July 9, infected users won't be able to connect to the Internet. (Fox News) Read more.

- Using the website given [ www.dcwg.org ], please be sure to scan your own computer to remove any problems, and to continue to do so every week through the month of June. Be sure to send this notice to others on your own list.

Updates: Obamacare

1.    OBAMACARE FUNDS ABORTIONS: HERE'S PROOF
2.    MCCONNELL: OBAMA "CROSSED A DANGEROUS LINE"
3.    OBAMA ADMITS ERROR: EXCLUDED PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MANDATE
4.    CONGRESS INCREASES SECURITY AT THE SUPREME COURT
5.    IRS WANTS 4,000 NEW AGENTS TO ENFORCE OBAMACARE

1. OBAMACARE FUNDS ABORTIONS: HERE'S PROOF

In recent weeks there have been reports about an abortion surcharge contained within Hussein Obama's signature healthcare law. Pro-abortion activists have been desperate to shove the issue under the carpet. They know full well public outrage will ensue if the law's hidden agenda is fully exposed to the American people in broad daylight.

Many pro-abortion bloggers and members of the media have tried to hide the reality of the "abortion premium mandate"-a provision actually contained within Obamacare. But it's imperative that you fully understand the facts they're trying to hide.

Here's how the provision essentially works: An individual enrolled in an insurance plan that covers abortions through an employer, by choice or even unknowingly, must pay an added abortion surcharge of one dollar per month. With no choice of opting out of the plan, paying for this abortion coverage is imposed whether an individual wants to or not.
(LifeNews) Read more.

- Dear Heavenly Father, this horrendous law is full of hidden things, not intended for good but for evil. Extend Your right hand and expose fully to the light the plans of evil and death, of control and manipulation, that this twisted law appears to be filled with, so that citizens see and understand what is being mandated against them, in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.

- "Truly my soul silently waits for God, from Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly shaken." (Psalm 62:1-2)

WHAT ARE WE REALLY TALKING ABOUT HERE??

Answer: the lives of millions of unborn children in America.

To view an eye-opening documentary of the reality of the life of the unborn baby in the womb, please see "An Interview with an Unborn Child." (Go here)

We ask you all to fast, to pray, and to share this video with all of your own networks.

- Father God, we repent and we plead with You to move on the hearts of the Supreme Court justices to overrule Obamacare and to strike it down, ruling that all of the ObamaCare points be ruled upon as unconstitutional. In Your Name, amen.

2. MCCONNELL: OBAMA "CROSSED A DANGEROUS LINE" WITH RHETORIC ON SUPREME COURT CASE

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) slammed Hussein Obama on Thursday (April 5) for his earlier comments about the Supreme Court, accusing the president of an "intolerable" assault on the Judicial Branch.

Obama said Monday that a decision overturning his healthcare law would be "unprecedented" and would demonstrate a "lack of judicial restraint." Republicans seized on the comments, saying the president is questioning the legitimacy of an entire branch of government just because one ruling might not go his way.

"[Obama] crossed a dangerous line this week. And anyone who cares about liberty needs to call him out on it," McConnell said in a speech to the Rotary Club of Lexington, Ky.

Obama's critics have honed in on his charge that it would be "unprecedented" to overturn the healthcare law. Deciding whether federal laws are constitutional is a big part of the Supreme Court's job, and it has overturned plenty of laws. Obama walked back the comments the next day, saying that he would respect the court's decision but calling for deference to Congress and the presidency. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), an appellate lawyer, agreed with the president. "It would be an activist jump" for the court to overturn the health law's mandate, he said. (The Hill) Read more.

- God, we cry out to You to establish our judges and judicial system with the sustaining power and un-defeatable strength of the Lord God of heaven. May each judge stand tall and unafraid to declare their just and sound decision to defeat this twisted healthcare package. We pray for warring angels to bring down all evil intentions against our people. May the final decision agree with what God has already done in turning this package to sawdust. In the Name of Jesus.

- "And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was accomplished of our God." (Nehemiah 6:16)

3. OBAMA ADMITS ERROR: EXCLUDED PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MANDATE

In August 2011, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an "interim final rule" on "preventive services" that provided a very narrow "religious employer" exemption to its mandated coverage for life-ending drugs and devices such as the abortion-inducing drug ella. At the time, HHS justified its decision to bypass the Administrative Procedure Act's (APA) public comment period because such an "opportunity for public comment would be impractical and contrary to the public interest." In other words, not needed and not worth the time.

However, that rationale was refuted by admissions HHS made in its recent Advance Notice for Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR).

In the ANPR, HHS notes that, in accord with the February 2012 statement that the Obama Administration is "committed" to finding an "accommodation" for those it is unwilling to exempt from its life-ending drugs coverage mandate, it recently held meetings with "religious organizations, insurers, women's groups, insurance experts, and other interested stakeholders," These meetings, the ANPR states, "began to provide more detailed information on how health coverage arrangements are currently structured, how religious accommodations work in States with contraceptive coverage requirements, and the landscape with respect to religious organizations that offer health benefits today."
Hold it a moment. Isn't this just the kind of input HHS dispensed with when it issued its "interim final rule"? Perhaps following the APA requirements wasn't "impractical" and "contrary to the public interest" after all.

HHS goes on to ask a series of questions in the ANPR that highlight several other factors - such as the mandate's broad definition of "contraception" (which includes the abortion-inducing drug ella), the violation of religious beliefs of some employers who run for-profit businesses, etc. - that would have been in the public's best interest to comment on before HHS promulgated its final rule in February. But, once again, HHS apparently wasn't interested . . . until the political heat got too hot.

All this simply underlines the fact that the mandate is what is impractical and contrary to the public interest. HHS would be well advised rescind it. (LifeNews.com) Read more.

- Dear Heavenly Father, we fall before You and repent deeply for all of our sins, personal and national. We know we are in this dilemma due to our own selfish and sinful ways, which allowed so much evilness to arise. Father, we ask You to forgive us and to intercede in these actions fostering death instead of life. Direct us how You would have us act and pray, in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.

- "Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity; for the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord has heard my supplications; the Lord will receive my prayers. Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled; let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly." (Psalm 6:8-9)

4. CONGRESS INCREASES SECURITY AT THE SUPREME COURT

As Congress continues to look for ways to cut costs to lower the national deficit, one place where lawmakers are refusing to scrimp is security for the Supreme Court. Congressional appropriators ponied up nearly $1 million in fiscal 2012 to hire 12 new Supreme Court police officers after justices reported receiving a significant number of threats.

Security for the high court has been back in the news as the justices deliberate whether President Obama's healthcare law is constitutional. Supporters and critics of the healthcare overhaul held protests in front of the Supreme Court last week.

In April 2010, Justice Clarence Thomas told a House Appropriations subcommittee that the court required greater security due to the "volume" of threats it receives, claiming that its security personnel ideally wanted 24 new officers. Thomas said he recognized the ongoing fiscal constraints the government was operating under, however, and sought funding for 12 officers.

The need for additional security for the Supreme Court has only intensified in recent months. In February, an intruder wielding a machete broke into Breyer's West Indies vacation home. The justice and his guests were unharmed, but the robber reportedly made off with about $1,000 in cash. And just last week, hundreds of protesters and the national media descended on the court's front steps as the justices heard three days of arguments regarding Obama's healthcare law. (The Hill; April 4, 2012) Read more.

- Offer thanks that Congress has heard the pleas of Justice Thomas and, in spite of cutbacks in government spending in many sectors, has chosen instead to refuse to scrimp on the security needs of the Supreme Court. History has shown that government buildings can be attacked, as seen in Hitler's Germany with the burning of the Reichstag in 1933. Let history not be repeated again in our land!

- "No weapon forged against you will prosper . . ." (Isaiah 54:17a)

5. IRS WANTS 4,000 NEW AGENTS TO ENFORCE OBAMACARE

More than quadrupling an estimate it put forth last year for new agents, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) now says that it will need more than 4,000 new agents to enforce the provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. And in addition to these new agents, the IRS is also asking for more than $300 million in new funding to help fortify the infrastructure it will supposedly need to unconstitutionally force Americans to purchase government healthcare.

The constitutionality of Obamacare is currently being reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court, and yet the IRS is already acting as though the overhaul is definitive law. According to IRS budget requests, the agency says it needs a massive cash infusion to "continue the development of new systems and modifications of existing systems required to support new tax credits." But in reality, this money will more than likely be used to spy on Americans and fine them for failing to purchase. (Natural News) Read more.

- As we have said, please pray that every aspect of Obamacare be taken down and dismantled, including measures like this that would support the enforcement of this bill. The request for $300 million, shown here, can better be used elsewhere in our economy. Ask our Lord to grant His wisdom to Congress when that time comes, so that all monies that have been "tied up" in the development of the Obamacare package be released and utilized for the good of our people.

- "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." (Psalm 32:8)

In Memorium: Chuck Colson

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners joins other leaders in the Body of Christ in honoring the memory of Chuck Colson.

Dr. Colson was an awesome man of integrity who weathered many a storm, and whose life has impacted millions worldwide to live for, and to stand for, Christ.

"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." (Psalm 116:15)

On Capitol Hill This Week Volume XIX, Number 11-3

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. TIME TO REPENT: INSIDE THE UNITED STATES

OFFICIAL U.S. Position on Jerusalem U.S. State Department Briefing

March 28, 2012

A State department spokeswoman answering questions from a the media equivocated when questioned about Jerusalem being the capital of Israel She would only say that the matter is up for negotiation and included all of Jerusalem, not just East Jerusalem where the Arabs live. The reporter kept pushing her to say something definite, but she would not; her only response was the remark about negotiations. This may have been an official position of the State Department for many years, but it is quite disturbing to hear how adamant and bold the U.S. is in declaring that Jerusalem is not the capital of Israel.

- Pray that the State Department is visited by the Holy Spirit and confronted by the truth of significance of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and has been since the time of King David. Unfortunately, the U.S. State Department has been pro-Arab for many decades. May the Holy Spirit lead the members of its agency to read the Bible to learn what the Scriptures have to express about Jerusalem. Ask the Lord to send into the State Department employees who are pro-Israel.

- "As for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem to this day." ( Joshua 15:63)

To view the YouTube video of these remarks, go here.

2. TIME TO REPENT: INSIDE ISRAEL

ISRAELI CONSERVATIVE MOVEMENT APPROVES ORDINATION OF GAY RABBIS

Israel's Masorti (Conservative) Movement decided to approve the ordination of homosexual rabbis, in a dramatic vote on Thursday. The Schechter Rabbinical Seminary, affiliated with the movement, will admit gay and lesbian students for training as spiritual leaders as of the upcoming school year.

In doing so the Israeli Conservative Movement is joining the American branch of the movement, whose rabbinical seminaries have been admitting gay students for some years. The question whether or not to ordain gay and lesbian rabbis has been rattling the Conservative Movement in Israel and the U.S. for the past decade. Unlike the Reform movement that took to the question with ease, deciding firmly on the acceptance of gay rabbis. The Conservative Movement, whose rabbis see themselves bound to Jewish law, has been caught up in heated debate over the subject.

The debate continued to wage at the Schechter Rabbinical Seminary, with two female rabbis quitting the institute, one in opposition to the ordination of gay rabbis; the other over the hesitation shown by the organization in accepting gay and lesbian students into its ranks.

On Thursday, the institute's general council held another vote on the subject. Out of the 18 rabbis that attended, all voted to admit homosexual students, with one rabbi abstaining.

Rabbi Mauricio Balter, President of the Israeli Conservative Movement Rabbinical Assembly expressed his support of the move. "I see it as a very important development in Jewish law," Rabbi Balter told Haaretz, adding: "It is the right thing to do. We were all made in the image of god, and as such we are all made equal. For me this is a very important value. I always said we should admit gay and lesbians into our ranks."

"I'm glad we had the vote and that it went the way it did," Rabbi Balter continued. "The decision to hold a vote was correct as can be seen by the fact that there wasn't a single dissenting vote," he said. (Haaretz) Read more.

--Pray for the members of the Conservative movement to rise up against this sinful ruling.

--Pray for righteousness to be a concern for the people, and for these acts of rebellion to be seen as presenting a great spiritual and national danger.

--Pray for God to have mercy upon Israel, and to not lift His hand of protection from us, as war quickly approaches.

--Pray for the Holy Spirit to be poured out; bringing the truth, contained in the scriptures, into the hearts and minds of the Jewish people.

- "If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable" (Leviticus 20:13)

"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." (Prov. 14:34)

ISRAEL IN THE NEWS

1.    THE FLYTILLA'S CRAZY PEOPLE
2.    NO SHOW BY A PRIME MINISTER
3.    SENIOR HAMAS OFFICIAL: NO PEACE DEAL WITH ISRAEL WILL BE PERMANENT
4.    EGYPT TO CUT OFF NATURAL GAS SUPPLIES TO ISRAEL
5.    ISRAEL COUNTER-TERRORISM BUREAU CALLS ON ISRAELIS TO LEAVE SINAI

1. THE FLYTILLA'S CRAZY PEOPLE

It really depends on what side of the political fence you are when describing the success of the "flytilla" protest at Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday [April 15].

You could be forgiven for thinking that many of the protestors do not live in the real world, and in all honesty wonder what on earth these people are doing in Israel instead of applying their energy to real matters, like the 9,000 or more people killed in Syria over the past year. Maybe they might also have purchased flight tickets to Tehran to protest the development of weapons of mass destruction that threaten the world. Lebanon or Egypt could also have been included in their Middle East tour program.

They could have spent a worthwhile holiday in Gaza which could have been accessed via the international airport in Cairo. There they could have had an in-depth tour of the Gaza rocket sites - there are many - that regularly fire their projectiles anywhere and everywhere over southern Israel.

They could also enter via the scores of tunnels that connect Egypt to Gaza. There may be some delays here because urgent armaments for the peace loving members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad have priority passage.

But this is the real world and these people are crazy - or are they? They are not crazy enough to know that if they come to the only democracy in the Middle East that apart from not being given a true Israeli welcome, they will not be harmed. They may have to spend a night or two in detention before being sent back to their respective countries, but they will be fed and physically safe and sound. There are, in fact, no such "flytillas" to any other country in the greater Middle East and they know why. (Isranet)

- Thank God the airlines worked with the country of Israel and their concerns for safety. Pray that the world understands a country's right to protect its borders. Pray also that these activists concentrate on the real wickedness in the world, which is not emanating from Israel. Praise the Lord that He stopped the "flytilla" from having success.

- "But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the LORD with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around." (Psalm 3:3-4, 6)

2. NO SHOW BY A PRIME MINISTER

The much publicized high-level meeting that was to be held on Tuesday [April 17] between Israeli Prime Minster Binyamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority [PA] Prime Minister Salam Fayyad in Jerusalem came almost to nothing.

Fayyad failed to appear at Netanyahu's official Jerusalem residence, but instead sent the Chief PA negotiator Saeb Erekat and the PA intelligence chief General Majad Faraj. Fayyad said that he decided not to attend the meeting because it was inappropriate that he should meet with Netanyahu on the same day that hundreds of Palestinian detainees were starting a hunger strike in Israeli prisons.

It was intended that Tuesday would be the first face-to-face high-level meeting between the two prime ministers since Netanyahu took office. However, Netanyahu decided to go ahead with the meeting and was given a letter from PA President Mahmoud Abbas that covered the usual ground of demanding Israel comply with various sets of conditions before talks are opened on a settlement of the Israel-Palestinian question. The letter will be considered over the next few weeks by Israel and a reply will be sent to the Palestinians.

Israel has made it clear that the only way to enter into meaningful negotiations is for the Palestinians not to make preconditions prior to the start of such talks. In the meantime, the lack of negotiations is not in favor of the Palestinians, as Israel is expected to announce the recognition of three existing settlements which were originally outposts created on state land between 1991 and 1999. Last year, when Israel completely suspended all settlement activity, the Palestinians still did not enter into negotiations with Israel. (Isranet)

- Pray for God's wisdom for those that are working on a plan of peace for the Middle East. PM. Abbas was rude in his excuse to not attend the conference. Pray that the world will see that Israel is meeting her obligations but not the Palestinians, who seem to be interested in playing games.

- "Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. .Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." (Proverbs 3:13-14, 17)

3. SENIOR HAMAS OFFICIAL: NO PEACE DEAL WITH ISRAEL WILL BE PERMANENT

Senior Hamas leader, Moussa Abu- Marzouk's, said in an interview Friday that if his Islamic (terrorist) group came to power in a future Palestinian state, it would not abide by any previous Palestinian peace deals with Israel. Moussa Abu Marzouk, Hamas' number-two figure said any potential deal, even if ratified in a Palestinian referendum, would be considered only as "hudna" (a temporary truce agreement). Abu- Marzouk's remarks underline Hamas' stance that it considers the Palestinians to be at war with the Jewish state. Marzouk said his organization would not recognize Israel as a state. "It will be like the relationship between Lebanon and Israel or Syria and Israel," he explained. "This means a cease-fire rather than a peace treaty as Israel has with Jordan or Egypt." (Ha'aretz)

- Hudna - a false peace treaty - is concluded only between Muslims and non-Muslims, when the Muslim side feels itself, at a certain point, too weak to carry on the "jihad," (holy war against the so-called infidels). The aim of the "hudna" is to gain time in order to strengthen the Islamic military capability, then to restart the war in a superior condition. "Hudna" also aims at tranquilizing the enemy to believe that it has achieved peace, and catch him off guard. The Islamic side can abolish a "hudna" at will even before the time of expiry, if it feels strong enough to resume the war. [Commentary by Barry Segal]

- Pray that the Israeli people are not lulled into a false sense of peace by the Moslem strategy of Hudna. May they always be awake and watchful . . . always.

- "Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he comes shall find watching . . ." (Luke 12:37)

4. EGYPT TO CUT OFF NATURAL GAS SUPPLIES TO ISRAEL

Israel relies on Egypt for 40 percent of gas supply

Egyptian denies decision is political

- Egyptian energy companies, citing a trade dispute, have terminated a deal to supply Israel with natural gas in a step that may further erode bilateral ties strained by a popular revolt that toppled Egypt's pro-Israeli leader last year.

An Israeli partner in the business made the step public on Sunday but an Egyptian firm said the decision to cancel the deal had been made on Thursday.

Israel, which relies on Egypt for 40 percent of its natural gas supply, worried about facing further energy cuts after a series of sabotage attacks on the pipeline running through the volatile Sinai peninsula contributed to shortages.

Israeli Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz expressed "great concern" about the suspension, saying it had set "a dangerous precedent which casts a shadow on the peace agreements and the peaceful atmosphere between Egypt and Israel".

Egypt was the first of two Arab countries to sign a peace treaty with Israel, in 1979, followed by Jordan in 1994.

The Egyptian decision was announced in Israel by Ampal-American Israel Corporation, partner in the East Mediterranean Gas Company (EMG), which operates a cross-border pipeline supplying gas to Israel. Ampal said the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation and Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company had told EMG they were "terminating the gas and purchase agreement".

The company gave no reasons for the Egyptian decision but said legal redress was under consideration. "EMG considers the termination attempt unlawful and in bad faith, and consequently demanded its withdrawal," Ampal said in a written statement. (Reuters) Read more.

- Abba, our Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, we thank You so much for Your promise to meet all of our needs. O Lord, God of Israel, Lord of Hosts, we come to You on behalf of Your people Israel. We ask for supernatural wisdom to be granted to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and all his cabinet, as they seek Your face in this dilemma. Give them knowledge and understanding as they endeavor to meet this challenge before them.

We ask You to turn the hearts of those making these decisIons in Egypt to be favorably inclined toward Israel and to reconsider their actions. We also ask that You would provide the electricity Israel needs, regardless of what Egypt decides, and enable Israel to secure other avenues of supply. We pray, in Yeshua's Mighty Name, Amen.

- "Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place, The-LORD-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, 'In the Mount of the LORD it shall be provided'." (Genesis 22:13,14)

5. ISRAEL COUNTER-TERRORISM BUREAU CALLS ON ISRAELIS TO LEAVE SINAI

Israel's Counter-terrorism Bureau issued an urgent warning to Israeli tourists in Sinai on Saturday urging them to leave the peninsula immediately, citing a critical and immediate threat. "Based on information in our possession, terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip are continuing to work energetically to carry out terrorist attacks against Israeli targets on Sinai's beaches in the immediate term," the Bureau said in a statement. The organization called on the families of Israeli tourists currently staying in Sinai to contact their relatives and inform them of the warning. Earlier this month, Israel Military Intelligence chief Major General Aviv Kochavi warned that terrorist organizations were strengthening their hold over the Sinai, adding that Israel had foiled around a dozen attempts to launch terrorist attacks this year. (Ha'aretz)

"It is our opinion it is unsafe for Israeli tourists - or tourists from other nations - to visit the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt." -- Barry Segal

- Pray that everyone in this vast region gets out safely. Pray!

- "If you say, "The LORD is my refuge," and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent." (Psalm 91:9,10)

HONORING HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

1.    PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU'S SPEECH ON HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY
2.    NATANYAHU LINKS HOLOCAUST TO IRANIAN THREAT
3.    OUR DUTY IS TO PREVENT ANOTHER HOLOCAUST
4.    HONORING ANDREE GEULEN
5.    IS AMERICA NEXT??

1. PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU'S SPEECH ON HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

Yesterday morning, I visited an old-age home for Holocaust survivors. There, I met Idit Yapo, an amazing woman of 104, clear and lucid. Idit fled Germany shortly after Hitler gained power, in 1934.

I met 89-year-old Esther Nadiv, one of Mengele's twins. She was reading a book, Golda Meir's biography, and she told me with a glint in her eye, "I am so proud, so very proud to be a part of the State of Israel which is in constant development."

I met Hanoch Mandelbaum, an 89-year-old survivor of Bergen-Belsen. Shortly after he came to Israel, as a young carpenter, he helped construct the desk upon which Ben Gurion signed the Declaration of Independence. That is MiSho'a liTkuma - from holocaust to resurrection.

And I met Elisheva Lehman, an 88 year-old Holocaust survivor from Holland, who was a music teacher. I asked Elisheva if she would play something for us and she did. She enthusiastically played "Am Yisrael Chai" and we all sang together. It was quite emotional.
Ladies and Gentlemen, "Am Yisrael Chai" [The nation of Israel lives] Our enemies tried to bury the Jewish future, but it was reborn in the land of our forefathers. Here, we built a foundation for a new beginning of freedom, hope, and creation. Year after year, decade after decade, we built the foundations of our country, and we will continue to yearly strengthen the pillars of our national life.

On this day, when our entire nation gathers together to remember the horrors of the Holocaust and the six million Jews who were murdered, we must fulfill our most sacred obligation.

This obligation is not merely an obligation to remember the past. It is an obligation to learn its lessons, and, most importantly, to apply them to the present in order to secure the future of our people. We must remember the past and secure the future by applying the lessons of the past. (Israpundit ) Click here for the complete article.

- Pray that the Israelis find comfort for their horrible loss of friends and relatives. Pray for the continued wisdom of the Lord to keep shining through Netanyahu's words and decisions. We need to thank the Jews for not letting us forget the Holocaust, and we must be bold to help our world not to forget and to stand against any development of anti-Semitism. Those who abuse and murder God's people bring judgment upon themselves.

- "To do evil is like sport to a fool, but a man of understanding has wisdom" (Proverbs 10: 23)

2. NATANYAHU LINKS HOLOCAUST TO IRANIAN THREAT

The Most Honorable Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday [April 18] that people who dismiss the Iranian threat as a whim or an exaggeration "have learned nothing from the Holocaust." Speaking at the state ceremony for Holocaust Remembrance Day at the Warsaw Ghetto Square in Jerusalem's Yad Vashem Museum, Netanyahu said: "I believe in our ability to defend."

"A nuclear Iran is an existential threat on the State of Israel and also on the rest of the world," Netanyahu said. "We have an obligation to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. It's the world's obligation, but above all it is our obligation. Remembering the Holocaust is not merely a matter of ceremony or historic memory. Remembering the Holocaust is imperative for learning the lessons of the past in order to ensure the foundations of the future. We shall never bury our heads in the sand."

Addressing criticism following his proclamations of Iran as an existential threat, the prime minister said: "I hope the day comes when we learn of calls for Israel's annihilation in history classes only and not in daily media reports. But that day is not here yet. The Iranian regime is openly calling for our destruction and working frantically for the development of nuclear weapons as a means to that end.

"I know that some people don't appreciate me speaking such uncomfortable truths. They would rather we not talk about Iran as a nuclear threat, they claim that, though it may be true, this statement serves to sow panic and fear." (Ynet.com) Read more.

- These remarks of Israel's leaders speak wisdom, not only to Israel but also to the world. As Christians, we must follow the lead of the Israelis; we must be a part of " the wall of protection." Pray that the countries that see themselves as Christians will be bold in spreading the news about the Holocaust. May the leaders of the American government also stand firmly with Israel. Pray that our President, Secretary of State, and all other employees of the American people never forget the link between the Holocaust and the Iranian threat of nuclear power! Maybe those words about standing with Israel should be part of the oaths of office.

- "Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand." ( Psalm 121:4-5)

3. "OUR DUTY IS TO PREVENT ANOTHER HOLOCAUST"

At a ceremony Thursday on Capitol Hill in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israel's ambassador to the US, Michael Oren, devoted a large portion of his speech to warnings about Iran. Attending the observance, along with US officials and members of Congress, he stressed the dangers of Iran's nuclear program and warned of the possibility of another holocaust. Comparing the conditions of pre-war Germany with the situation in Iran today, Oren described both as economies in crisis, following a war, and likened the supreme leaders of each regime to one another. Oren said Iran denies the murder of six million Jews by the Nazis while pledging to murder another six million-in Israel. He spoke about possible responses to the Iranian threat: "We now have the opportunity - indeed, the duty - to confront Iranian leaders with the unambiguous choice never posed to the Nazis," said Oren. "The Iranian regime can either abandon its military nuclear program or face truly crippling sanctions and a credible military threat," he said. (Ha'aretz)

- Continue to pray world leaders will not downplay the military threat Iran is to Israel, the West and to the entire globe. Intercede for Israel's government, military, and security organizations to have alertness and divine strategies for dealing with Iran. (Barry Segal)

- "When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you." (Deut. 20:1)

4. HONORING ANDREE GEULEN

A BELGIAN HEROINE WHO RESCUED JEWISH CHILDREN DURING THE HOLOCAUST

As part of the Belgian underground of 1942, 20 yr old Andrée Geulen was a member of a team of 12 women who helped more than 3000 Jewish children escape from the Nazi ovens. They helped them to escape and placed them with safe and loving families. Listen to an amazing song, Children without Shadows, Children without Tears, written to honor Andree on her 90th birthday. It will inspire you, and give you a picture of one of the many heroes who shines as a bright and burning light during times of darkness and evil.

In summer 1942, as persecution of Belgium's Jews began, an underground Jewish group took form in cooperation with the Belgian underground and set out to rescue Jewish children by hiding them in various places around the country. The most active team consisted of twelve-women, mostly non-Jewish, who managed to hide some 3000 children. This admirable clandestine campaign was unique by the complexity of its structure and the degree of its success.
The only survivor from the team today is Andrée Geulen, and on September 4, a great number of the children who had been hidden celebrated her ninetieth birthday. The celebration included a screening of a DVD in which singer Keren Hadar performed a song in her honor. The song stirred a great deal of emotion. . .

To experience this very moving tribute to the life and work of Andree Geulen, go here.

5. IS AMERICA NEXT??

Laura Densmore, the senior editor of Hebrew Nation News, has written an insightful -- and very disturbing -- article, comparing the United States in 2012 to Hitler's Germany in 1938. This very well-researched article is a true wake-up call for us today, as we near the same precipice that Andree Geulen and many others faced in her day. To access Laura's article, go here. Title: "Warning: Persecution Coming to a Neighborhood Near You!"

MORE INTERNATIONAL NEWS

1.    US AMBASSADOR TO ISRAEL SOUNDS WARNING ON IRAN
2.    IRAN SAYS IT'S BUILDING COPY OF CAPTURED US DRONE
3.    POSSIBLE RUSSIAN RESPONSES TO AN ATTACK ON IRAN
4.    PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY OFFICIAL REJECTS IRANIAN "INTERVENTION"
5.    TINY DISPUTED PERSIAN GULF ISLAND COULD BE THE SPARK THAT STARTS THE WAR
6.    UN AUTHORIZES 300 UNARMED SYRIA MONITORS

1. US AMBASSADOR TO ISRAEL SOUNDS WARNING ON IRAN

The US Ambassador to Israel, Daniel B. Shapiro, last week called on Egypt to honor its peace treaty with Israel and warned that the diplomatic window for Iran was "shrinking." In an address that touched upon US strategic, military and economic cooperation with Israel, Shapiro expressed solidarity with the one million Israelis in the country's central and southern region who were within range of last month's 10-day, 300-rocket barrage from the Gaza Strip.

Addressing the subject of Iran, Shapiro said that while the US preferred a diplomatic solution to the standoff over Iran's nuclear program no options were off the table. "The clock is ticking, and Iran must change course," said Shapiro, who maintained that a nuclear-armed Iran was not only "an existential threat to Israel," but "also poses a grave threat to the security of the United States, to our allies, to our forces in the region and throughout the world." (Ha'aretz)

- Ask our Lord to intervene, opening the eyes and ears of Egypt's leaders to be able to see and to hear this timely warning from Ambassador Shapiro. Now that Egypt has cut off its supply of natural gas to Israel, relations between these two nations are at an almost all-time low. Pray for peace to be restored between these two ancient neighbors, and for security to be restored in this strategic region.

- "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority . . " (I Tim. 2:1)

2. IRAN SAYS IT'S BUILDING COPY OF CAPTURED US DRONE

Iran claimed Sunday that it had recovered data from an American spy drone that went down in Iran last year including that it was used to spy on Osama bin Laden's house weeks before he was killed by U.S. forces. Iran also said it was building a copy of the surveillance aircraft.

This type of drone has been used in Afghanistan for years and was used to keep watch on bin Laden's compound in Pakistan but U.S. officials have said little about the history of the particular drone now in Iran's possession. Iran has also been known to exaggerate its military or technological prowess.

Tehran says it brought down in December 2011 the RQ-170 Sentinel, a top-secret surveillance drone with stealth technology, and has flaunted the capture as a victory for Iran and a defeat for the United States. The U.S. says the drone malfunctioned and downplayed any suggestion that Iran could mine the aircraft for sensitive information because of measures taken to limit the intelligence value of drones operating over hostile territory.

The drone was recovered by Iran almost completely intact. After initially saying only that it had lost a drone operating near the Afghan-Iran border, U.S. officials eventually confirmed the drone was monitoring Iran's military and nuclear facilities. Washington has asked for it back, a request Iran rejected.

Sen. Joe Lieberman, an independent from Connecticut who chairs the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee said on "Fox News Sunday" that he views the reports with skepticism.

"There is a history here of Iranian bluster, particularly, now when they are on the defensive because of the economic sanctions against them. Look, it was not good for the U.S. when the drone went down in Iran and not good when the Iranians grabbed it. I don't have confidence at this point that they are really able to make a copy of it," Lieberman said. However, unlike the situation with the drone, the Iranian government usually touts these achievements as the result of an indigenous, home-grown research.

One area where there is concern is whether Iran or other states could reverse-engineer the chemical composition of the drone's radar-deflecting paint or the aircraft's sophisticated optics technology that allows operators to positively identify terror suspects from tens of thousands of feet in the air.How much data there is on the drone is another question. Some surveillance technologies allow video to stream through to operators on the ground but do not store much collected data. If they do, it is encrypted. (AP)

- Pray that no material about our drone is shared with Russia nor China; however, Iran could demand much money for the sale of the information, and Iran needs money. Let Iran play games with its buddies. Pray that the Lord will make this drone situation "too hot to touch." Pray that all this talk from Iran is bluster and boasting!

-"Do not let me be ashamed, O Lord, for I have called on You. Let the wicked be ashamed. Let them be silent in their graves." (Psalm 31: 17)

3. POSSIBLE RUSSIAN RESPONSES TO AN ATTACK ON IRAN

The impression has thus been created that Russia as yet has no clear, unequivocal stance, at least externally, on how it would react if and when Iran comes under attack. Internal disagreement reflects both indecisiveness and various ambitions. Nonetheless, the preparations for a military response to an attack on Iran seem genuine enough. At the same time, it appears that Russia is not keen on direct military intervention on Iranian soil, but would rather deal with one of the following scenarios:

a. One scenario would be meant to display power, perhaps by moving military units to the Iranian border or by flying the flag around the Caspian, Black, and Mediterranean Seas, while making use of bold rhetoric in order to gain points on the international arena (suffice it to remember Russia's need to recover from damages incurred due to the Arab Spring).

b. In a second scenario, Russia could exploit an attack on Iran - should the proper circumstances present themselves - to promote its geopolitical interests in the Caucasus, while moving forces towards Azerbaijan and Georgia to help its allies, solve humanitarian problems (such as the flood of refugees), and engage in similar activities.

In any case, it seems that Russia is facing a dilemma over which there is now a charged debate with implications for all sides involved. (INSS Insight No. 327I) Click here for the complete article.

- Pray that the Lord will keep confusion bubbling in Russia over Iran. Money from Iran may not buy Russia's loyalty, nor guarantee her serving as a true ally that will defend Iran when the time comes. The second scenario seems more likely, with Russia regaining former satellite countries. Russia has not been known for its humanitarian activities! Pray for peace inside Russia but confusion in its leaders.

- "He who diligently seeks good finds favor, but trouble will come upon him who seeks evil." (Proverbs 11: 27)

4. PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY OFFICIAL REJECTS IRANIAN "INTERVENTION"

Charging that Tehran's intention is to provoke regional strife, the secretary general of the Palestinian Authority [PA] said on Monday [April 16] that the PA rejects Iranian intervention in Palestinian issues.

The Ma'an news agency quoted Tayyib Abdul-Rahim as criticizing Tehran for creating tension in the Palestinian arena, the Gulf areas, and in general across the Arab world. In particular, Abdul-Rahim's angst was aimed at Iranian support for Hamas in its struggle against Fatah. He was quoted as alleging that Hamas leaders Mahmoud A-Zahar and Ismail Haniyya were given "tens of millions of dollars in their visits to Iran . . . to freeze reconciliation."

The agency quoted a Hamas spokesman as replying that Fatah failed to implement its obligations under the reconciliation accord and "prefers American money to nationalist agreements." The agency also reported that details of a leadership shuffle by Hamas in the Gaza Strip remain confidential. (The Media Line)

- Pray for peace throughout the Middle East. Pray for judgment to fall on Hamas, for they are violent against all; now it seems that Hamas can't get along with the other less violent terroristic Fatah. Pray that confusion will continue, for it is better to argue among themselves than to fight with Israel

- "Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." (Psalm 34:14)

5. TINY DISPUTED PERSIAN GULF ISLAND COULD BE THE SPARK THAT STARTS THE WAR

Iran's ground forces commander warned that should diplomacy fail, the military is ready for action over a disputed Gulf island controlled by Iran but also claimed by the United Arab Emirates, state TV reported Thursday. Gen. Ahmad Reza Pourdastan said Iranian forces are capable of confronting any offender against Iran's sovereignty over the strategic Abu Musa island in the Persian Gulf. "We do not allow any country to carry out an invasion," Pourdastan said. "If these disturbances are not solved through diplomacy, the military forces are ready to show the power of Iran to the offender. Iran will strongly defend its right."

The island dominates the approach to the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway in the Gulf through which about one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes. Iran's Revolutionary Guards and U.S. Navy warships patrol the narrow waterway. Iran took control of tiny Abu Musa and two nearby islands - the Greater and Lesser Tunb - in 1971, after British forces left the region. Tehran maintains that an agreement signed eight years before its 1979 Islamic revolution between the shah and the ruler of one of the UAE's seven emirates, Sharjah, gives it the right to administer Abu Musa and station troops there. There was no agreement on the other two islands, but regardless, the UAE insists they belonged to the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah until Iran captured them by force days before the city-states united and declared independence from Britain, also in 1971.

Ahmadinejad's trip last week, which made him the first Iranian head of state to go to the island, escalated the dispute. The UAE called the visit a "setback" to efforts at finding at peaceful solution to the dispute and on Tuesday, Gulf Arab states denounced Ahmadinejad's visit as a "flagrant violation" and warned Iran that they stand united over the case. A statement by the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council told Iran that any perceived aggression against the UAE is considered an affront to the entire bloc, which includes Iran's main regional rival Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported Tuesday on plans to turn Abu Musa into a tourist zone. Tehran claims the Gulf islands have been part of states that flourished on the Iranian mainland from antiquity until the early 20th century. (Yahoo News; AP) Read more.

- Since the bullying leaders of Iran are using their ploy against the UAE, war could break out, for Saudi Arabia would come to the side of the UAE, unsettling the stability of the Middle East. Few of the countries are happy with the behavior of Iran. Pray against any escalation of the troubles surrounding this situation. Ask the Lord to remove the bullies from Iran, for they destroy their own country and threaten others and call for the death of Israel.

- "Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet;" (Ezekiel 38:5)

6. UN AUTHORIZES 300 UNARMED SYRIA MONITORS

The UN Security Council on Saturday voted unanimously to authorize up to 300 unarmed military monitors to try and bring about compliance with a cease-fire imposed last week in violence-wracked Syria.

The resolution came just hours after reports a small group of UN cease-fire monitors had arrived in the besieged Syrian city of Homs. A fragile week-long cease-fire had failed to end bloodshed in the country, in which some 9,000 Syrians have been killed, a spokesman for envoy Kofi Annan said on Friday. At least 23 people were killed that day, 10 of them in a roadside bomb targeting security forces near the Golan border, and most of the others in shelling by President Bashar Assad's forces on the city of Homs, further undermining the truce.

A spokesperson on behalf of peace-envoy Kofi Annan criticized both sides, but particularly government forces, for refusing to stop fighting completely. Ban Ki-moon, the UN secretary-general said last week the situation on the ground in Syria was highly precarious and that attacks were on the rise, including the shelling of civilian areas. He warned of "grave abuses by government forces." (Ha'aretz/CNN)

- Updated information shows that, once again, the use of these U.N. monitors in Syria is useless. Continue to pray for supernatural and divine intervention in this nation, and especially for the protection of the believers in Syria. Prophesy Jeremiah 29:11 for the Bride of Christ in the nation of Syria, and God's perfect will to be done for this nation in distress.

- "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jer. 29:11)

This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .

LIGHT OF ISRAEL
(Or Yis-rah-el)

"The Light of Israel will become a fire, their Holy One a flame, . . ." (Isaiah 10:17)

You are the Light of Israel and the Light of the world. You set the heavens in orbit. You chose Jerusalem as Your holy city. Light of Israel -- shine forth! Shine your light into our darkness, O Light of Israel!

(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)