• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Manhattan Declaration: Statement on Obama's Support for Gay Marriage
• Protecting Military Chaplains
• Today's Legislative Focus
• Judge Suggests Revising Ten Commandments
• Israel: Is War on Horizon?
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Thursday, May 10, 2012
"I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; with my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations." (Psalm 89:1)
The Daily Brief
1. a) Obama declares support for gay marriage - AP
Obama today announced that he now supports same-sex marriage, reversing his longstanding opposition amid growing pressure from the Democratic base and even his own vice president.
b) House panel votes to ban same-sex marriages on US military bases - Fox News
On the same day that President Barack Obama declared his support for same-sex marriage, the House Armed Services Committee backed measures prohibiting the practice on U.S. military bases.
Read more:
- Lord, we pray that You will intervene in this fight and bring righteousness to our nation. We ask that You begin to move mightily over the homosexual community, bringing Your true love and comfort to change their hearts.
- "A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench. He will bring forth justice for truth." [Isaiah 42:3]
2. Justice Department planning to sue Arizona Sheriff Arpaio over alleged racial profiling - AP
Federal authorities said Wednesday they plan to sue an Arizona county sheriff and his office over allegations of civil rights violations, including the racial profiling of Hispanics.
The U.S. Justice Department has been seeking an agreement requiring Sheriff Joe Arpaio office to train officers in how to make constitutional traffic stops, collect data on people arrested in traffic stops and reach out to Hispanics to assure them that the department is there to also protect them.
Read more:
- Father, we ask You to stop this lawsuit by the administration. We pray for wisdom on the part of both the Sheriff and his opponents, so that an agreement which does not compromise the integrity of the Sheriff's department could be worked out.
- "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way." [Psalm 37:23]
3. Fed clears China's first US bank takeover - AFP
The United States on Wednesday opened its banking market to ICBC, China's biggest bank, for the first time clearing a takeover of a US bank by a Chinese state-controlled company.
- Lord, we pray that You would protect the American consumer as this bank takes over. We ask that You prevent any actions which could potentially harm either our economy, or individuals who happen to do business with that bank.
- "The evil will bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous." [Proverbs 14:19]
4. Florida church defies town's order to move produce stand indoors - Fox News
A Florida town is ordering a church to move a produce stand where the needy can get free food grown by the faithful, saying its location violates zoning laws.
- Father, grant wisdom to all church leaders in America. Help us be obedient to the laws of the land which do not violate Your Word, and stand strong with love against those that do.
-"We ought to obey God rather than men." [Acts 5:29b]
5. Al Qaeda Bombmaker Designs Bombs to Hide in Cameras, Hard Drives and Pets - ABC News
At the age of only 30, the al Qaeda bombmaker behind the foiled plot on U.S-bound planes has emerged as the most feared face of terror for American authorities, a master technician with a fierce hatred for America and ingenious plans for hiding hard-to-detect bombs inside cameras, computers and even household pets.
- Father, we bind the evil that resides in these terrorists, and we ask for swift and complete justice from Your Throne.
- "A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel." [Proverbs 12:10] -"For the Lord is a God of justice" [Isaiah 30:18c]
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
Many nations shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths." For out of Zion the law shall go forth, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. (Micah 4:2)
1. Netanyahu: Iran must commit to halt all enrichment in upcoming nuclear talks - Ha'aretz
After Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finished celebrating the aftermath of the political bombshell that he had dropped on Israel by bringing in Kadima into the government, he freed up Wednesday to deal with a different bomb.
2. 'Netanyahu forming war government' - Ynet News
Newspapers across the Arab world could not ignore Israel's political drama and the declaration of a unity government on Tuesday. Benjamin Netanyahu and Shaul Mofaz were described as conniving war mongers and corrupt politicians as editorials declared war was looming.
3. Rivals back Benjamin Netanyahu in deal that could mandate strike on Iran - UK Independent
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister, has cancelled snap elections and formed a national unity government with the largest opposition party in a dramatic deal that would give the hawkish premier a commanding mandate should he choose to strike against Iran.
4. After surprise unity deal, Knesset approves Mofaz as Netanyahu's deputy - Ha'aretz
The Knesset plenum approved on Wednesday the new unity government with a majority vote of 71 MKs. 23 MKs opposed. Later on Wednesday, Labor head Shelly Yachimovich will be sworn in as opposition leader instead on Kadima MK Shaul Mofaz, who was appointed vice prime minister.
The Daily Jot
Abomination
The man who occupies the Oval Office told ABC News: "I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together, when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained, even now that Don't Ask Don't Tell is gone, because they are not able to commit themselves in a marriage, at a certain point I've just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married."
The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1:24-28: "Wherefore YHVH also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of YHVH into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever, Amen. For this cause YHVH gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that reward of their error which was due."
YHVH said in Leviticus 18:22: "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination." YHVH said in Leviticus 20:13: "If a man also lie with mankind as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them." Genesis 1:27-28 says, "So YHVH created man in his own image, in the image of YHVH created he him; male and female created he them. And YHVH blessed them, and YHVH said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth."
1 Corinthians 7:2 says, "Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband." Yeshua said in Matthew 19:4-6, "Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore YHVH hath joined together, let not man put asunder." The man who occupies the Oval Office by his very position in leadership is no less attempting to put asunder, even destroy, the very foundation of family and replace it with abomination. The scriptures are clear on this issue.
Have A Blessed And Powerful Day,
Bill Wilson
Manhattan Declaration: Statement on Obama's Support for Gay Marriage
Manhattan Declaration:
Responding to the Latest Twist
"They say we offer simple answers to complex problems. Well, perhaps there is a simple answer-not an easy answer-but simple: If you and I have the courage to tell our elected officials that we want our national policy based on what we know in our hearts is morally right."
-Ronald Reagan, 1964
Today, for the first time, President Obama publicly affirmed his support for same-sex marriage, a calculated political maneuver intended to energize his base in the months before the November presidential election.
At a time when most Americans' primary concern is their ability to work to provide for their family, as crippling debt, record deficits, and fragile global markets loom over the economy, the President seems intent on having a national conversation about life, love, and religious liberty.
So be it.
The Manhattan Declaration is a coalition of the historic Christian faiths united in support of the sanctity of every human life, marriage as the conjugal union of a man to a woman as the bedrock of society, and religious liberty as the cornerstone of freedom. We promote a culture of life, love, and liberty in many ways. One is to equip you, our advocates, with the best resources on these issues.
Below is a list of ten articles and videos on the subject of marriage. Take an hour to skim them. Don't try to memorize the data or recite the arguments verbatim; rather, reflect on them. Allow your mind to absorb the broad principles. As the national conversation on this topic reaches a fever pitch in the next few days, you will be primed as a witness to the truth.
One final thought: this is not a war to be won in the blogosphere or on Facebook. We are teachers, co-workers, family members, and friends in relationship with those who have yet to see. Be gracious, be patient, and be kind.
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven." (Matthew 5:11)
RECOMMENDED READING:
What is Marriage? by Sherif Girgis, Robert George, and Ryan T. Anderson
http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1722155
Why I'm Optimistic About Natural Marriage by Andrew Walker
http://www.mereorthodoxy.com/why-im-optimistic-about-natural-marriage/
Why Is Marriage Important? (video)
by John Piper
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nd3AmKexugM
Who Needs Marriage?
by Chuck Colson
http://www.breakpoint.org/the-center/columns/colson-files/17606-who-needs-marriage
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Manhattan Declaration: Statement on Obama's Support for Gay Marriage
• Protecting Military Chaplains
• Today's Legislative Focus
• Judge Suggests Revising Ten Commandments
• Israel: Is War on Horizon?
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Thursday, May 10, 2012
"I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; with my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations." (Psalm 89:1)
The Daily Brief
1. a) Obama declares support for gay marriage - AP
Obama today announced that he now supports same-sex marriage, reversing his longstanding opposition amid growing pressure from the Democratic base and even his own vice president.
b) House panel votes to ban same-sex marriages on US military bases - Fox News
On the same day that President Barack Obama declared his support for same-sex marriage, the House Armed Services Committee backed measures prohibiting the practice on U.S. military bases.
Read more:
- Lord, we pray that You will intervene in this fight and bring righteousness to our nation. We ask that You begin to move mightily over the homosexual community, bringing Your true love and comfort to change their hearts.
- "A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench. He will bring forth justice for truth." [Isaiah 42:3]
2. Justice Department planning to sue Arizona Sheriff Arpaio over alleged racial profiling - AP
Federal authorities said Wednesday they plan to sue an Arizona county sheriff and his office over allegations of civil rights violations, including the racial profiling of Hispanics.
The U.S. Justice Department has been seeking an agreement requiring Sheriff Joe Arpaio office to train officers in how to make constitutional traffic stops, collect data on people arrested in traffic stops and reach out to Hispanics to assure them that the department is there to also protect them.
Read more:
- Father, we ask You to stop this lawsuit by the administration. We pray for wisdom on the part of both the Sheriff and his opponents, so that an agreement which does not compromise the integrity of the Sheriff's department could be worked out.
- "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way." [Psalm 37:23]
3. Fed clears China's first US bank takeover - AFP
The United States on Wednesday opened its banking market to ICBC, China's biggest bank, for the first time clearing a takeover of a US bank by a Chinese state-controlled company.
- Lord, we pray that You would protect the American consumer as this bank takes over. We ask that You prevent any actions which could potentially harm either our economy, or individuals who happen to do business with that bank.
- "The evil will bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous." [Proverbs 14:19]
4. Florida church defies town's order to move produce stand indoors - Fox News
A Florida town is ordering a church to move a produce stand where the needy can get free food grown by the faithful, saying its location violates zoning laws.
- Father, grant wisdom to all church leaders in America. Help us be obedient to the laws of the land which do not violate Your Word, and stand strong with love against those that do.
-"We ought to obey God rather than men." [Acts 5:29b]
5. Al Qaeda Bombmaker Designs Bombs to Hide in Cameras, Hard Drives and Pets - ABC News
At the age of only 30, the al Qaeda bombmaker behind the foiled plot on U.S-bound planes has emerged as the most feared face of terror for American authorities, a master technician with a fierce hatred for America and ingenious plans for hiding hard-to-detect bombs inside cameras, computers and even household pets.
- Father, we bind the evil that resides in these terrorists, and we ask for swift and complete justice from Your Throne.
- "A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel." [Proverbs 12:10] -"For the Lord is a God of justice" [Isaiah 30:18c]
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
Many nations shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths." For out of Zion the law shall go forth, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. (Micah 4:2)
1. Netanyahu: Iran must commit to halt all enrichment in upcoming nuclear talks - Ha'aretz
After Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finished celebrating the aftermath of the political bombshell that he had dropped on Israel by bringing in Kadima into the government, he freed up Wednesday to deal with a different bomb.
2. 'Netanyahu forming war government' - Ynet News
Newspapers across the Arab world could not ignore Israel's political drama and the declaration of a unity government on Tuesday. Benjamin Netanyahu and Shaul Mofaz were described as conniving war mongers and corrupt politicians as editorials declared war was looming.
3. Rivals back Benjamin Netanyahu in deal that could mandate strike on Iran - UK Independent
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister, has cancelled snap elections and formed a national unity government with the largest opposition party in a dramatic deal that would give the hawkish premier a commanding mandate should he choose to strike against Iran.
4. After surprise unity deal, Knesset approves Mofaz as Netanyahu's deputy - Ha'aretz
The Knesset plenum approved on Wednesday the new unity government with a majority vote of 71 MKs. 23 MKs opposed. Later on Wednesday, Labor head Shelly Yachimovich will be sworn in as opposition leader instead on Kadima MK Shaul Mofaz, who was appointed vice prime minister.
The Daily Jot
Abomination
The man who occupies the Oval Office told ABC News: "I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together, when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained, even now that Don't Ask Don't Tell is gone, because they are not able to commit themselves in a marriage, at a certain point I've just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married."
The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1:24-28: "Wherefore YHVH also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of YHVH into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever, Amen. For this cause YHVH gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that reward of their error which was due."
YHVH said in Leviticus 18:22: "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination." YHVH said in Leviticus 20:13: "If a man also lie with mankind as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them." Genesis 1:27-28 says, "So YHVH created man in his own image, in the image of YHVH created he him; male and female created he them. And YHVH blessed them, and YHVH said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth."
1 Corinthians 7:2 says, "Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband." Yeshua said in Matthew 19:4-6, "Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore YHVH hath joined together, let not man put asunder." The man who occupies the Oval Office by his very position in leadership is no less attempting to put asunder, even destroy, the very foundation of family and replace it with abomination. The scriptures are clear on this issue.
Have A Blessed And Powerful Day,
Bill Wilson
Manhattan Declaration: Statement on Obama's Support for Gay Marriage
Manhattan Declaration:
Responding to the Latest Twist
"They say we offer simple answers to complex problems. Well, perhaps there is a simple answer-not an easy answer-but simple: If you and I have the courage to tell our elected officials that we want our national policy based on what we know in our hearts is morally right."
-Ronald Reagan, 1964
Today, for the first time, President Obama publicly affirmed his support for same-sex marriage, a calculated political maneuver intended to energize his base in the months before the November presidential election.
At a time when most Americans' primary concern is their ability to work to provide for their family, as crippling debt, record deficits, and fragile global markets loom over the economy, the President seems intent on having a national conversation about life, love, and religious liberty.
So be it.
The Manhattan Declaration is a coalition of the historic Christian faiths united in support of the sanctity of every human life, marriage as the conjugal union of a man to a woman as the bedrock of society, and religious liberty as the cornerstone of freedom. We promote a culture of life, love, and liberty in many ways. One is to equip you, our advocates, with the best resources on these issues.
Below is a list of ten articles and videos on the subject of marriage. Take an hour to skim them. Don't try to memorize the data or recite the arguments verbatim; rather, reflect on them. Allow your mind to absorb the broad principles. As the national conversation on this topic reaches a fever pitch in the next few days, you will be primed as a witness to the truth.
One final thought: this is not a war to be won in the blogosphere or on Facebook. We are teachers, co-workers, family members, and friends in relationship with those who have yet to see. Be gracious, be patient, and be kind.
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven." (Matthew 5:11)
RECOMMENDED READING:
What is Marriage? by Sherif Girgis, Robert George, and Ryan T. Anderson
http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1722155
Why I'm Optimistic About Natural Marriage by Andrew Walker
http://www.mereorthodoxy.com/why-im-optimistic-about-natural-marriage/
Why Is Marriage Important? (video)
by John Piper
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nd3AmKexugM
Who Needs Marriage?
by Chuck Colson
http://www.breakpoint.org/the-center/columns/colson-files/17606-who-needs-marriage
Marriage in Society: The Generation Clash (pps. 47-57)
by Matthew Lee Anderson
http://skin.issuu.com/v/light/layout.xml&showFlipBtn=truehttp://skin.issuu.com/v/light/layout.xml&showFlipBtn=true
What Would Bonhoeffer Do?
by Eric Metaxas
http://www.breakpoint.org/the-center/columns/call-response/15129-metaxas-what-would-bonhoeffer-do
Dennis Prager Debates Perez Hilton on Same-Sex Marriage (Warning: YouTube contains objectionable content)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTE9zWaQc_Y
Religion, Reason, and Same-Sex Marriage
by Matthew J. Franck
http://www.firstthings.com/article/2011/05/religion-reason-and-same-sex-marriage
A Marriage in Full
by Gary A. Anderson
http://www.firstthings.com/article/2008/04/003-a-marriage-in-full-3
On Marriage and the Moral Limits of Human Sexuality by Metropolitan Jonah
http://orthocath.wordpress.com/2011/08/01/metropolitan-jonah-on-marriage-and-the-moral-limits-of-human-sexuality/
There is a lot of great stuff I have failed to include in my list. Share your favorite articles, blogs, and videos with us on our Facebook page.
Warmly,
Eric Teetsel
Executive Director, Manhattan Declaration
Protecting Military Chaplains
Rep. Akin Offers Religious Freedom and Conscience Protections for Service Members
Yesterday, the House Armed Services Committee marked up the FY2013 National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes and prioritizes funding for the Department of Defense and other select national security programs. Rep. Todd Akin offered an amendment to the bill to provide specific conscience and religious freedom protections for military chaplains and other service members. The repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in the military last year raised concerns that service members whose religious beliefs conflicted with homosexual behavior would face discrimination and disapproval.
According to Rep. Akin, "Chaplains and service members should not face recrimination or persecution in the military for standing strong on their religious beliefs in opposition to homosexuality. A military chaplain is charged with meeting the religious needs of all of those under his or her care, but that chaplain must also remain true to their own faith."
Rep. Akin's amendment draws from the Military Religious Freedom Protection Act (H.R. 3828) introduced by Rep. Tim Huelskamp, which would provide similar protections for service members.
Today's Legislative Focus
The Madison Project
www.madisonproject.com
ONE: Highway Bill
With less than two months remaining until the expiration of the latest stop-gap highway spending bill, House and Senate negotiators are slated to go to conference this week to work out a final deal on a long-term highway bill. Their first meeting will take place Tuesday at 3 PM. As we've noted in the past, the problem is that there is nothing to negotiate. The House came to conference with a blank sheet of paper, while House Republicans readily admit that they plan to adopt 95% of the Senate bill (S. 1813). This fear is reinforced by the fact that only two of the conferees among the several dozen members are real conservatives.
The Senate bill is a true travesty; it raises taxes, creates a permanent deficit in the highway trust fund, and precludes devolution of transportation authority to the states. Moreover, there are a number of troubling details to the Senate bill that were chronicled in these pages several weeks ago. Republicans are trying to attach a provision to the highway bill that forces Obama to approve the Keystone pipeline. As such, they are willing to capitulate on the rest of the bill, and instead, leverage the entire negotiation process around the pipeline. While we all want to see the pipeline built, it must not be used as a sweetener to lure conservatives into supporting bad legislation.
Punchline:
There is simply no way that the final conference report will resemble anything that is palatable to conservatives. There is nothing we can do to influence these closed-door negotiations, but we must start calling our Republican members of the House and Senate and implore them to vote down anything that resembles the Senate bill. Remember that once a conference report is approved, it must receive in up-or-down vote in both houses, and cannot be amended.
TWO: Student Loan Extension
On April 27, in yet another capitulation, House Republicans passed a one-year extension (HR 4628) of the 2007 law that reduced interest on government subsidized Stafford loans from 6.8% to 3.4%. The $6 billion cost was offset by eliminating an Obamacare program aimed at public health and prevention. The Senate plans to begin debate on a similar bill (S.2343). Senate Republicans have already promised not to filibuster the legislation. The difference is that the Senate bill will offset the cost through tax increases. The reduced interest rates are set to expire June 1.
Conservative concerns:
- Education Inflation: Instead of debating over how to pay for more subsidized loans, Republicans should be making the case for phasing out this unlimited subsidization of higher education. Since the Department of Education was created, the cost of college tuition has increased over 439% adjusted for inflation! The rate of increase is almost exactly commensurate with the rate of growth of DOE subsidization.
- Offsets: We've seen this legislative dynamic many times this year. Once Republicans agree to the premise that a government program must be reauthorized, even if they insist on offsets, they ultimately cave on those demands once Democrats refuse to consider them. After all, once Republicans show Democrats that they are terrified to let the interest rate cut expire, they lose their leverage to demand spending offsets, certainly when they involve elimination of an Obamacare program.
Judge Suggests Revising Ten Commandments
Federal Judge Suggests Removing "God" from 10 Commandments Display
A federal judge in Virginia this week suggested that a public high school modify a Ten Commandments display to include only the six commandments that do not reference God or the Sabbath.
In 2011, the ACLU sued the Giles County School Board for including the Ten Commandments in a display of historical documents in a high school. In oral arguments on Monday, Judge Michael Urbanski sent the parties to mediation, "urg[ing] both sides to consider whether the display could leave out four commandments that have 'God' in the wording." The ACLU alleges that the Ten Commandments' inclusion in the display is an unconstitutional endorsement of religion; however, a Liberty Counsel attorney argued that "Because the commandments appear with other historical documents, and because they are mentioned in the curriculum of Giles County schools, there's reason to find the board had a secular mission when it approved the display."
The grounds underlying Judge Urbanski's proposal are troubling, in that they suggest that the constitutionality of the display is dictated by the presence of the word "God." While the First Amendment to the Constitution prohibits the establishment of religion, the mere mention of God certainly does not rise to this level. (Read more)
- Ask the Lord to move upon the heart of Judge Urbanski, for he knows not what he does. There is a higher law in our land --one that cannot be touched by man. We ask that the scales would fall off the eyes of this judge, and that he would be set free to worship our Lord in Spirit and in Truth. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
- "Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you." (Dt. 4:2)
Israel: Is War on Horizon?
IS NETANYAHU'S STUNNING POLITICAL DEAL A PRELUDE TO WAR?
by Joel C. Rosenberg
Just when all of Israel was preparing for early elections on September 4th, Prime Minister Netanyahu pulled off a stunning political deal this week that some are interpreting as a prelude to war with Iran. That's certainly what the Arab media is saying. Rather than dissolve the Israeli parliament (Knesset) as expected, Netanyahu persuaded his chief rival Shaul Mofaz, leader of the Kadima party, to join the government. Mofaz will become a Deputy Prime Minister. His entire party (with 28 seats in the Knesset) will join as well, and some will be given senior positions in the government. This will give Netanyahu a coalition comprising 94 of the 120 members of the Knesset, one of the largest national unity governments in modern Israeli history. Even political observers who can't stand Netanyahu are calling the deal a "masterstroke."
Mofaz was born and raised in Tehran, Iran. He learned to speak Farsi fluently before emigrating to Israel in 1957 and rising through the ranks of the Israeli Defense Forces. He served as Defense Minister under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Thus, Netanyahu now has another experienced military commander and strategist at his side, in addition to current Defense Minister Ehud Barak (another long-time political rival of Netanyahu), and current Vice Prime Minister Moshe Yaalon, who used to be the chief of staff of the IDF. However, just a few weeks ago, Mofaz was calling Netanyahu a "liar," vowing never to join the Netanyahu government, and attacking the Prime Minister's approach towards Iran, saying Israel did not need to consider a preemptive strike against Iran for at least another two years.
Did Netanyahu convince Mofaz that the need to hit Iran sooner is actually more urgent that Mofaz thought, and if so, how? Or did Mofaz simply read the polls that showed early elections would decimate his "Kadima" political party and reduce their number of Knesset seats from 28 to 15 or less, and thus decide to join the government to forestall such early elections? Maybe both. Time will tell.
For now, let's be clear: Netanyahu and his government are clearly and steadily preparing for a major war with Iran. That doesn't mean it will happen this year, or next. The Russians could intervene. The Iranian government could fall. Other circumstances could change. The Lord could supernaturally intervene. But war could be coming, and coming soon. The Israelis are getting ready. Is the Church?
The Good News Corner:
Prayer event held in U.S. Capitol this week
On Tuesday in the U.S. Capitol, a ceremony took place commemorating the 223rd anniversary of President George's Washington's first inauguration. The event focused on America's Judeo-Christian heritage, specifically highlighting our first President's reputation as a man of prayer. Rep. Louie Gohmert noted, "Preachers of every Christian denomination preached Christian doctrine in this chamber - right here where we sit."
To view this moving service, go here.
Worship with Us Today!
Psalm 14 - (The Fool Says There Is No God)
Sons of Korah
Yes, Lord!
Worship Here:
What Would Bonhoeffer Do?
by Eric Metaxas
http://www.breakpoint.org/the-center/columns/call-response/15129-metaxas-what-would-bonhoeffer-do
Dennis Prager Debates Perez Hilton on Same-Sex Marriage (Warning: YouTube contains objectionable content)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTE9zWaQc_Y
Religion, Reason, and Same-Sex Marriage
by Matthew J. Franck
http://www.firstthings.com/article/2011/05/religion-reason-and-same-sex-marriage
A Marriage in Full
by Gary A. Anderson
http://www.firstthings.com/article/2008/04/003-a-marriage-in-full-3
On Marriage and the Moral Limits of Human Sexuality by Metropolitan Jonah
http://orthocath.wordpress.com/2011/08/01/metropolitan-jonah-on-marriage-and-the-moral-limits-of-human-sexuality/
There is a lot of great stuff I have failed to include in my list. Share your favorite articles, blogs, and videos with us on our Facebook page.
Warmly,
Eric Teetsel
Executive Director, Manhattan Declaration
Protecting Military Chaplains
Rep. Akin Offers Religious Freedom and Conscience Protections for Service Members
Yesterday, the House Armed Services Committee marked up the FY2013 National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes and prioritizes funding for the Department of Defense and other select national security programs. Rep. Todd Akin offered an amendment to the bill to provide specific conscience and religious freedom protections for military chaplains and other service members. The repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in the military last year raised concerns that service members whose religious beliefs conflicted with homosexual behavior would face discrimination and disapproval.
According to Rep. Akin, "Chaplains and service members should not face recrimination or persecution in the military for standing strong on their religious beliefs in opposition to homosexuality. A military chaplain is charged with meeting the religious needs of all of those under his or her care, but that chaplain must also remain true to their own faith."
Rep. Akin's amendment draws from the Military Religious Freedom Protection Act (H.R. 3828) introduced by Rep. Tim Huelskamp, which would provide similar protections for service members.
Today's Legislative Focus
The Madison Project
www.madisonproject.com
ONE: Highway Bill
With less than two months remaining until the expiration of the latest stop-gap highway spending bill, House and Senate negotiators are slated to go to conference this week to work out a final deal on a long-term highway bill. Their first meeting will take place Tuesday at 3 PM. As we've noted in the past, the problem is that there is nothing to negotiate. The House came to conference with a blank sheet of paper, while House Republicans readily admit that they plan to adopt 95% of the Senate bill (S. 1813). This fear is reinforced by the fact that only two of the conferees among the several dozen members are real conservatives.
The Senate bill is a true travesty; it raises taxes, creates a permanent deficit in the highway trust fund, and precludes devolution of transportation authority to the states. Moreover, there are a number of troubling details to the Senate bill that were chronicled in these pages several weeks ago. Republicans are trying to attach a provision to the highway bill that forces Obama to approve the Keystone pipeline. As such, they are willing to capitulate on the rest of the bill, and instead, leverage the entire negotiation process around the pipeline. While we all want to see the pipeline built, it must not be used as a sweetener to lure conservatives into supporting bad legislation.
Punchline:
There is simply no way that the final conference report will resemble anything that is palatable to conservatives. There is nothing we can do to influence these closed-door negotiations, but we must start calling our Republican members of the House and Senate and implore them to vote down anything that resembles the Senate bill. Remember that once a conference report is approved, it must receive in up-or-down vote in both houses, and cannot be amended.
TWO: Student Loan Extension
On April 27, in yet another capitulation, House Republicans passed a one-year extension (HR 4628) of the 2007 law that reduced interest on government subsidized Stafford loans from 6.8% to 3.4%. The $6 billion cost was offset by eliminating an Obamacare program aimed at public health and prevention. The Senate plans to begin debate on a similar bill (S.2343). Senate Republicans have already promised not to filibuster the legislation. The difference is that the Senate bill will offset the cost through tax increases. The reduced interest rates are set to expire June 1.
Conservative concerns:
- Education Inflation: Instead of debating over how to pay for more subsidized loans, Republicans should be making the case for phasing out this unlimited subsidization of higher education. Since the Department of Education was created, the cost of college tuition has increased over 439% adjusted for inflation! The rate of increase is almost exactly commensurate with the rate of growth of DOE subsidization.
- Offsets: We've seen this legislative dynamic many times this year. Once Republicans agree to the premise that a government program must be reauthorized, even if they insist on offsets, they ultimately cave on those demands once Democrats refuse to consider them. After all, once Republicans show Democrats that they are terrified to let the interest rate cut expire, they lose their leverage to demand spending offsets, certainly when they involve elimination of an Obamacare program.
Judge Suggests Revising Ten Commandments
Federal Judge Suggests Removing "God" from 10 Commandments Display
A federal judge in Virginia this week suggested that a public high school modify a Ten Commandments display to include only the six commandments that do not reference God or the Sabbath.
In 2011, the ACLU sued the Giles County School Board for including the Ten Commandments in a display of historical documents in a high school. In oral arguments on Monday, Judge Michael Urbanski sent the parties to mediation, "urg[ing] both sides to consider whether the display could leave out four commandments that have 'God' in the wording." The ACLU alleges that the Ten Commandments' inclusion in the display is an unconstitutional endorsement of religion; however, a Liberty Counsel attorney argued that "Because the commandments appear with other historical documents, and because they are mentioned in the curriculum of Giles County schools, there's reason to find the board had a secular mission when it approved the display."
The grounds underlying Judge Urbanski's proposal are troubling, in that they suggest that the constitutionality of the display is dictated by the presence of the word "God." While the First Amendment to the Constitution prohibits the establishment of religion, the mere mention of God certainly does not rise to this level. (Read more)
- Ask the Lord to move upon the heart of Judge Urbanski, for he knows not what he does. There is a higher law in our land --one that cannot be touched by man. We ask that the scales would fall off the eyes of this judge, and that he would be set free to worship our Lord in Spirit and in Truth. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
- "Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you." (Dt. 4:2)
Israel: Is War on Horizon?
IS NETANYAHU'S STUNNING POLITICAL DEAL A PRELUDE TO WAR?
by Joel C. Rosenberg
Just when all of Israel was preparing for early elections on September 4th, Prime Minister Netanyahu pulled off a stunning political deal this week that some are interpreting as a prelude to war with Iran. That's certainly what the Arab media is saying. Rather than dissolve the Israeli parliament (Knesset) as expected, Netanyahu persuaded his chief rival Shaul Mofaz, leader of the Kadima party, to join the government. Mofaz will become a Deputy Prime Minister. His entire party (with 28 seats in the Knesset) will join as well, and some will be given senior positions in the government. This will give Netanyahu a coalition comprising 94 of the 120 members of the Knesset, one of the largest national unity governments in modern Israeli history. Even political observers who can't stand Netanyahu are calling the deal a "masterstroke."
Mofaz was born and raised in Tehran, Iran. He learned to speak Farsi fluently before emigrating to Israel in 1957 and rising through the ranks of the Israeli Defense Forces. He served as Defense Minister under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Thus, Netanyahu now has another experienced military commander and strategist at his side, in addition to current Defense Minister Ehud Barak (another long-time political rival of Netanyahu), and current Vice Prime Minister Moshe Yaalon, who used to be the chief of staff of the IDF. However, just a few weeks ago, Mofaz was calling Netanyahu a "liar," vowing never to join the Netanyahu government, and attacking the Prime Minister's approach towards Iran, saying Israel did not need to consider a preemptive strike against Iran for at least another two years.
Did Netanyahu convince Mofaz that the need to hit Iran sooner is actually more urgent that Mofaz thought, and if so, how? Or did Mofaz simply read the polls that showed early elections would decimate his "Kadima" political party and reduce their number of Knesset seats from 28 to 15 or less, and thus decide to join the government to forestall such early elections? Maybe both. Time will tell.
For now, let's be clear: Netanyahu and his government are clearly and steadily preparing for a major war with Iran. That doesn't mean it will happen this year, or next. The Russians could intervene. The Iranian government could fall. Other circumstances could change. The Lord could supernaturally intervene. But war could be coming, and coming soon. The Israelis are getting ready. Is the Church?
The Good News Corner:
Prayer event held in U.S. Capitol this week
On Tuesday in the U.S. Capitol, a ceremony took place commemorating the 223rd anniversary of President George's Washington's first inauguration. The event focused on America's Judeo-Christian heritage, specifically highlighting our first President's reputation as a man of prayer. Rep. Louie Gohmert noted, "Preachers of every Christian denomination preached Christian doctrine in this chamber - right here where we sit."
To view this moving service, go here.
Worship with Us Today!
Psalm 14 - (The Fool Says There Is No God)
Sons of Korah
Yes, Lord!
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