• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot!
• The Battle Continues
• Iran Threatens America's East Coast
• Today's Legislative Focus
• NDP Under Fire!
• You're Invited!
• 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 Tuesday, May 15, 2012
"But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King." (Jer. 10:10)
The Daily Brief
1. UN inspectors to press Iran on military site access - Jerusalem Post
The UN atomic watchdog will press its demand for access to an Iranian military site in talks starting on Monday that could influence the prospects for a broader diplomatic push to settle the decade-old stand-off over Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
- Lord, let false witnesses and lies from Iran be exposed. May truth come forth about the nuclear program, and access to the site be established. We pray that no innocent blood be shed in the future at the hands of Iran. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen
- These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. (Proverbs: 6:16-19)
2. Thousands march against economic gloom in Spain, UK - Reuters
Thousands of Spaniards fed up with economic misery and waving banners against bankers marched on Saturday to mark the first anniversary of the grassroots "Indignados" movement that has sparked similar protests around the world.
- Lord, turn the hearts of the people in Spain to You. We ask that in these hard times they look to You for their provision. We pray this for the United States and the nations around the world. Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen
- The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and be careful to observe them. So you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right or the left, to go after other gods to serve them. (Deuteronomy 28:12-14)
3. Spain grossly underestimating bank losses - Bloomberg
Spain is underestimating potential losses by its banks, ignoring the cost of souring residential mortgages, as it seeks to avoid an international rescue like the one Ireland needed to shore up its financial system.
- Lord, we pray wisdom for Spain's leaders in government and business, and in dealing with bank losses, mortgages,and their financial issues. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
- Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (Timothy 2:1-4)
4. Obama pushes billion-dollar stimulus plan - Washington Times
Putting pressure on Congress to approve parts of his latest economic stimulus plan, President Obama urged Americans Saturday to push lawmakers to approve his multibillion-dollar "to-do list" for creating jobs.
- Lord, we pray that Your economic stimulus plan come to this country, not the plans of men. Bring revelation by Your Holy Spirit to the people of this country, and especially to our leaders. Deliver us from the snare of the enemy and restore us. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
- But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:9-10)
5. The Religious Battle of Vanderbilt - Wall Street Journal
Vanderbilt's administration has decided to stop recognizing campus religious organizations that require their leaders to accept certain religious beliefs on which they are founded. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Vanderbilt Catholic, Navigators and other groups -- ministering to about 1,500 students -- would effectively be moved off campus in the name of "nondiscrimination."
- Lord, we pray for the fear of the Lord and repentance fall upon the authorities at Vanderbilt University, and upon other campuses in our nation. We pray Your people will have increasing open doors to share their faith. We pray that discrimination against Christians be stopped on our campuses. Awaken the students and campus leaders to the Spirit of the Lord. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
- Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving, meanwhile praying also for us that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ. (Colossians 4:2-3)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"There is no one like the God of Jeshurun (Israel), who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty." (Dt. 33:26)
1. EU slams Israel over settlements, evictions - AP
The European Union harshly condemned Israeli settlement policies on Monday, saying that continued construction in occupied territories threatens to make a peace agreement with the Palestinians impossible.
2. IDF official: Iran could order Hezbollah hit on Israel - Ynet News
Lebanon's Hezbollah may not want a new war with Israel but an order to attack would come from Tehran in the event of a strike on Iran, a senior military official in Israel's northern command told AFP.
3. Israel fears nuclear deal between Iran, world powers as Baghdad talks draw near - Ha'aretz
Israel fears 'intermediate agreement' between Islamic Republic and world powers on May 23 could cancel option of military strike.
4. Abbas rejects Netanyahu's proposal to renew peace talks - Israel Hayom
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's offer to resume negotiations without preconditions, prolonging the long-standing impasse in the peace process.
5. Palestinians to mark day by W. Bank, Gaza protests - Jerusalem Post
Palestinians are preparing to mark "Nakba Day," or the Day of Catastrophe (the 64th anniversary of the establishment of Israel), with a series of demonstrations and rallies in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as a number of neighboring Arab countries.
6. Nasrallah: 'Hezbollah can pinpoint attacks across Israel' - Times of Israel
The leader of Lebanon's Hezbollah says his militant group has weapons that can accurately hit targets throughout Israel.
7. "Air Force prepared for any mission" - Ynet News
"I believe that the Air Force is well prepared for its missions," outgoing IAF Chief Major-General Ido Nehushtan said Sunday.
The Daily Jot!
Israel's prophetic return
On May 14, 1948 Israel declared itself a nation. 64 years ago today, Israel was embroiled in a massive fight with its neighbors who were armed with Soviet weapons. This was most certainly a type and shadow of the end times war written in Ezekiel 38 where Israel's neighbors come against it. And like in Ezekiel 38, Israel received a miraculous victory. This victory, however, came at the hands of shrewd fighting and miraculous events--not entirely at the hands of the LORD as prophesied in Ezekiel. But Israel's Prime Minister David Ben Gurion and the Jewish People's Council knew the prophetic significance of the return of the Jewish people to their homeland.
The first three paragraphs in the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel read: "The Land of Israel, Palestine] was the birthplace of the Jewish people. Here their spiritual, religious and political identity was shaped. Here they first attained to statehood, created cultural values of national and universal significance and gave to the world the eternal Book of Books.
"After being forcibly exiled from their land, the people kept faith with it throughout their Dispersion and never ceased to pray and hope for their return to it and for the restoration in it of their political freedom.
"Impelled by this historic and traditional attachment, Jews strove in every successive generation to re-establish themselves in their ancient homeland. In recent decades they returned in their masses. Pioneers, ma'pilim [(Hebrew) - immigrants coming to Eretz-Israel in defiance of restrictive legislation] and defenders, they made deserts bloom, revived the Hebrew language, built villages and towns, and created a thriving community controlling its own economy and culture, loving peace but knowing how to defend itself, bringing the blessings of progress to all the country's inhabitants, and aspiring towards independent nationhood."
Many prophecies were fulfilled with the reestablishment of the State of Israel as mentioned in this declaration. For example, Zephaniah 3:9 says, "For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD." Many believe that restoring the Hebrew language was a fulfillment of this prophecy. Ezekiel 20:34 says, "And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out." In Isaiah 66:8 the direct Hebrew translation says, "Who ever heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen such things? Is a country born in one day? Is a nation brought forth all at once? For as soon as Zion went into labor, she brought forth her children."
Israel was born in a day. Israelites returned to Israel from all around the globe. The Hebrew language was reborn and restored. And the people of Israel on May 14, 1948 recognized all these things in their Declaration.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
The Battle Continues
Obama's open support for same-sex "marriage" has reignited the culture war and galvanized millions of voters. It has also been a great opportunity for us to make the case for our pro-family values.
We have been deluged with interview requests from major media outlets such as Politico and the New York Times. I appeared on Bill Bennett's radio show, and yesterday Tony Perkins and I were on CNN's "State of the Union" making the case for normal marriage and discussing the potential ramifications for the 2012 election. You can watch it here. Earlier today, I debated Geraldo Rivera on the topic and took calls from the usual Christian-bashers.
On CNN, I said that Obama's support for men "marrying" men likely put into play six or seven states that he carried in 2008. The Drudge Report turned that quote into a headline, linking to this Washington Times column. (Gary Bauer)
Iran Threatens America's East Coast
[Note: this was cited in last night's OCAP, #12a, but correct prayer was omitted in error. Please find the corrected copy below. Thank you!]
Iran's Navy has the ability to deploy its vessels three miles off the US east coast, a high-ranking Iranian Navy commander was quoted as saying by the Fars news agency. "Our naval forces are so powerful that we have a presence in all the waters of the world and, if needed, we can move to within three miles of New York," Revolutionary Guards Navy Commander Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi was quoted as saying during a speech to students at the University of Yazd earlier this week.
Meanwhile, Revolutionary Guards Aerospace Commander Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said Iran was capable of crippling or disabling US aircraft carriers, Fars said. "First, sinking an aircraft carrier is not a complicated task," Hajizadeh said. "Second, an aircraft carrier is equipped with so many advanced, delicate, and sensitive devices . . . that it could be incapacitated by even the smallest explosion." (YnetNews) Read more.
- Dear Abba Father, please awaken the people in this nation who say they believe in You and say they belong to You, to hear, see and act on the threats that are arising all around this nation and within it. These threats from Iran are very real and Your people need to arise in prayer, using Your tools of spiritual warfare against all the evilness and dark spirits evoking these actions. Direct us Lord how to be and do all You want us doing in this hour of history, lifting up powerful walls of prayer to protect and witness to all those we encounter to recognize that You alone are the source of life and salvation, In Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen!
- "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me." (Psalm 50:15)
Today's Legislative Focus
From The Madison Project
www.madisonproject.com
Fellow conservative patriots,
We will get one more chance to speak out against corporate welfare and oppose the Export-Import Bank in the Senate. Also, appropriations season heats up in earnest. We need to keep a close eye on committee action and floor amendments.
For Liberty,
The Honorable Jim Ryun
Chairman of the Madison Project
ITEM ONE -- H.R. 4970 - Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization
On Wednesday, the House is expected to consider a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This comes just three weeks after the Senate passed an extension with the help of 15 Republicans. The Senate version contained numerous egregious provisions that were tacked on to the extension.
While the House version, H.R. 4970, is more of a clean extension that omits these provisions, it is still not something conservatives should support. As we've noted before, VAWA represents a massive expansion of the federal government by intruding into the affairs of local law enforcement in dealing with domestic violence. Just like almost every other Democrat proposal, this is an insidious attempt to frame Republicans as "anti-women" because they don't support a puerile effort to throw money at a problem that is frankly not within the purview of the federal government. Moreover, there is no data suggesting that these programs are effective, and many of them are used to promote liberal social engineering.
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot!
• The Battle Continues
• Iran Threatens America's East Coast
• Today's Legislative Focus
• NDP Under Fire!
• You're Invited!
• 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 Tuesday, May 15, 2012
"But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King." (Jer. 10:10)
The Daily Brief
1. UN inspectors to press Iran on military site access - Jerusalem Post
The UN atomic watchdog will press its demand for access to an Iranian military site in talks starting on Monday that could influence the prospects for a broader diplomatic push to settle the decade-old stand-off over Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
- Lord, let false witnesses and lies from Iran be exposed. May truth come forth about the nuclear program, and access to the site be established. We pray that no innocent blood be shed in the future at the hands of Iran. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen
- These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. (Proverbs: 6:16-19)
2. Thousands march against economic gloom in Spain, UK - Reuters
Thousands of Spaniards fed up with economic misery and waving banners against bankers marched on Saturday to mark the first anniversary of the grassroots "Indignados" movement that has sparked similar protests around the world.
- Lord, turn the hearts of the people in Spain to You. We ask that in these hard times they look to You for their provision. We pray this for the United States and the nations around the world. Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen
- The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and be careful to observe them. So you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right or the left, to go after other gods to serve them. (Deuteronomy 28:12-14)
3. Spain grossly underestimating bank losses - Bloomberg
Spain is underestimating potential losses by its banks, ignoring the cost of souring residential mortgages, as it seeks to avoid an international rescue like the one Ireland needed to shore up its financial system.
- Lord, we pray wisdom for Spain's leaders in government and business, and in dealing with bank losses, mortgages,and their financial issues. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
- Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (Timothy 2:1-4)
4. Obama pushes billion-dollar stimulus plan - Washington Times
Putting pressure on Congress to approve parts of his latest economic stimulus plan, President Obama urged Americans Saturday to push lawmakers to approve his multibillion-dollar "to-do list" for creating jobs.
- Lord, we pray that Your economic stimulus plan come to this country, not the plans of men. Bring revelation by Your Holy Spirit to the people of this country, and especially to our leaders. Deliver us from the snare of the enemy and restore us. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
- But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:9-10)
5. The Religious Battle of Vanderbilt - Wall Street Journal
Vanderbilt's administration has decided to stop recognizing campus religious organizations that require their leaders to accept certain religious beliefs on which they are founded. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Vanderbilt Catholic, Navigators and other groups -- ministering to about 1,500 students -- would effectively be moved off campus in the name of "nondiscrimination."
- Lord, we pray for the fear of the Lord and repentance fall upon the authorities at Vanderbilt University, and upon other campuses in our nation. We pray Your people will have increasing open doors to share their faith. We pray that discrimination against Christians be stopped on our campuses. Awaken the students and campus leaders to the Spirit of the Lord. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
- Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving, meanwhile praying also for us that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ. (Colossians 4:2-3)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"There is no one like the God of Jeshurun (Israel), who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty." (Dt. 33:26)
1. EU slams Israel over settlements, evictions - AP
The European Union harshly condemned Israeli settlement policies on Monday, saying that continued construction in occupied territories threatens to make a peace agreement with the Palestinians impossible.
2. IDF official: Iran could order Hezbollah hit on Israel - Ynet News
Lebanon's Hezbollah may not want a new war with Israel but an order to attack would come from Tehran in the event of a strike on Iran, a senior military official in Israel's northern command told AFP.
3. Israel fears nuclear deal between Iran, world powers as Baghdad talks draw near - Ha'aretz
Israel fears 'intermediate agreement' between Islamic Republic and world powers on May 23 could cancel option of military strike.
4. Abbas rejects Netanyahu's proposal to renew peace talks - Israel Hayom
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's offer to resume negotiations without preconditions, prolonging the long-standing impasse in the peace process.
5. Palestinians to mark day by W. Bank, Gaza protests - Jerusalem Post
Palestinians are preparing to mark "Nakba Day," or the Day of Catastrophe (the 64th anniversary of the establishment of Israel), with a series of demonstrations and rallies in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as a number of neighboring Arab countries.
6. Nasrallah: 'Hezbollah can pinpoint attacks across Israel' - Times of Israel
The leader of Lebanon's Hezbollah says his militant group has weapons that can accurately hit targets throughout Israel.
7. "Air Force prepared for any mission" - Ynet News
"I believe that the Air Force is well prepared for its missions," outgoing IAF Chief Major-General Ido Nehushtan said Sunday.
The Daily Jot!
Israel's prophetic return
On May 14, 1948 Israel declared itself a nation. 64 years ago today, Israel was embroiled in a massive fight with its neighbors who were armed with Soviet weapons. This was most certainly a type and shadow of the end times war written in Ezekiel 38 where Israel's neighbors come against it. And like in Ezekiel 38, Israel received a miraculous victory. This victory, however, came at the hands of shrewd fighting and miraculous events--not entirely at the hands of the LORD as prophesied in Ezekiel. But Israel's Prime Minister David Ben Gurion and the Jewish People's Council knew the prophetic significance of the return of the Jewish people to their homeland.
The first three paragraphs in the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel read: "The Land of Israel, Palestine] was the birthplace of the Jewish people. Here their spiritual, religious and political identity was shaped. Here they first attained to statehood, created cultural values of national and universal significance and gave to the world the eternal Book of Books.
"After being forcibly exiled from their land, the people kept faith with it throughout their Dispersion and never ceased to pray and hope for their return to it and for the restoration in it of their political freedom.
"Impelled by this historic and traditional attachment, Jews strove in every successive generation to re-establish themselves in their ancient homeland. In recent decades they returned in their masses. Pioneers, ma'pilim [(Hebrew) - immigrants coming to Eretz-Israel in defiance of restrictive legislation] and defenders, they made deserts bloom, revived the Hebrew language, built villages and towns, and created a thriving community controlling its own economy and culture, loving peace but knowing how to defend itself, bringing the blessings of progress to all the country's inhabitants, and aspiring towards independent nationhood."
Many prophecies were fulfilled with the reestablishment of the State of Israel as mentioned in this declaration. For example, Zephaniah 3:9 says, "For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD." Many believe that restoring the Hebrew language was a fulfillment of this prophecy. Ezekiel 20:34 says, "And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out." In Isaiah 66:8 the direct Hebrew translation says, "Who ever heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen such things? Is a country born in one day? Is a nation brought forth all at once? For as soon as Zion went into labor, she brought forth her children."
Israel was born in a day. Israelites returned to Israel from all around the globe. The Hebrew language was reborn and restored. And the people of Israel on May 14, 1948 recognized all these things in their Declaration.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
The Battle Continues
Obama's open support for same-sex "marriage" has reignited the culture war and galvanized millions of voters. It has also been a great opportunity for us to make the case for our pro-family values.
We have been deluged with interview requests from major media outlets such as Politico and the New York Times. I appeared on Bill Bennett's radio show, and yesterday Tony Perkins and I were on CNN's "State of the Union" making the case for normal marriage and discussing the potential ramifications for the 2012 election. You can watch it here. Earlier today, I debated Geraldo Rivera on the topic and took calls from the usual Christian-bashers.
On CNN, I said that Obama's support for men "marrying" men likely put into play six or seven states that he carried in 2008. The Drudge Report turned that quote into a headline, linking to this Washington Times column. (Gary Bauer)
Iran Threatens America's East Coast
[Note: this was cited in last night's OCAP, #12a, but correct prayer was omitted in error. Please find the corrected copy below. Thank you!]
Iran's Navy has the ability to deploy its vessels three miles off the US east coast, a high-ranking Iranian Navy commander was quoted as saying by the Fars news agency. "Our naval forces are so powerful that we have a presence in all the waters of the world and, if needed, we can move to within three miles of New York," Revolutionary Guards Navy Commander Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi was quoted as saying during a speech to students at the University of Yazd earlier this week.
Meanwhile, Revolutionary Guards Aerospace Commander Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said Iran was capable of crippling or disabling US aircraft carriers, Fars said. "First, sinking an aircraft carrier is not a complicated task," Hajizadeh said. "Second, an aircraft carrier is equipped with so many advanced, delicate, and sensitive devices . . . that it could be incapacitated by even the smallest explosion." (YnetNews) Read more.
- Dear Abba Father, please awaken the people in this nation who say they believe in You and say they belong to You, to hear, see and act on the threats that are arising all around this nation and within it. These threats from Iran are very real and Your people need to arise in prayer, using Your tools of spiritual warfare against all the evilness and dark spirits evoking these actions. Direct us Lord how to be and do all You want us doing in this hour of history, lifting up powerful walls of prayer to protect and witness to all those we encounter to recognize that You alone are the source of life and salvation, In Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen!
- "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me." (Psalm 50:15)
Today's Legislative Focus
From The Madison Project
www.madisonproject.com
Fellow conservative patriots,
We will get one more chance to speak out against corporate welfare and oppose the Export-Import Bank in the Senate. Also, appropriations season heats up in earnest. We need to keep a close eye on committee action and floor amendments.
For Liberty,
The Honorable Jim Ryun
Chairman of the Madison Project
ITEM ONE -- H.R. 4970 - Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization
On Wednesday, the House is expected to consider a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This comes just three weeks after the Senate passed an extension with the help of 15 Republicans. The Senate version contained numerous egregious provisions that were tacked on to the extension.
While the House version, H.R. 4970, is more of a clean extension that omits these provisions, it is still not something conservatives should support. As we've noted before, VAWA represents a massive expansion of the federal government by intruding into the affairs of local law enforcement in dealing with domestic violence. Just like almost every other Democrat proposal, this is an insidious attempt to frame Republicans as "anti-women" because they don't support a puerile effort to throw money at a problem that is frankly not within the purview of the federal government. Moreover, there is no data suggesting that these programs are effective, and many of them are used to promote liberal social engineering.
The House bill authorizes another $682.5 million per year for 5 years. It will be considered on the floor under a structured rule either Wednesday or Thursday. Please call your Republican House members and ask them to vote no on H.R. 4970. Tell them to respect the 10th amendment and not to fall prey to social engineering on the part of those who care more about playing divisive politics than combating domestic violence.
ITEM TWO -- Export-Import Bank (Update)
Passed in House; Action now needed in the Senate
Despite the unified opposition from conservative organizations, the House voted to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank last week by 330-93. Not only did they extend the bank's charter for 4 more years, Republicans agreed to raise its lending cap by 40%. This was a failed opportunity to stand on the side of free markets while drawing a bold contrast with the Solyndra-economy favored by Democrats.
It's very telling that Republican leaders brought a bill to the floor that was supported by every last Democrat, yet opposed by almost all conservatives. You can view the vote tally here. Unfortunately, some solid conservative members voted for this travesty because they have Boeing plants in their districts. It's this sort of crony capitalism that is endemic of the unconstitutional policies of special interest governance.
Now the Ex-Im reauthorization (H.R. 2072) moves on to the Senate where there are even fewer conservatives than in the House. Although Republicans in the Senate are blocking the bill, they are only doing so in order to leverage Harry Reid into bringing their extraneous amendments to the floor. Most of them support the underlying legislation. As we've seen many times this session, once Reid agrees to allow votes on non-germane amendments, Republicans will pass the underlying bill. Reid was expected to attempt to invoke cloture to begin debate either late last night (Monday) or early this morning (Tuesday).
Please call your Republican senators and tell them to stand on the side of the free-market. Here are some of the talking points that you should mention in your phone calls and emails.
Conservative concerns:
1) Anti-Free-Market: The entire purpose of this "bank" is to use taxpayer funds to subsidize businesses that sell products to foreign markets. These are businesses that are too weak to obtain loans in the private market and require taxpayer bailout funds to make them competitive. The Heritage Foundation has aptly branded the bank as "the Fannie Mae for exporters." For a full summary of the anti-free-market policies that are inherent in the Ex-Im Bank, please read more here.
2) Transparency: In a preposterous effort aimed at improving transparency, the bill contains a provision that would require the bank to solicit public comment on any transaction more than $100 million. This will ostensibly give companies an opportunity to voice opposition to loans granted to their competitors, while supporting those that benefit their needs. This is what happens when government is used as a tool to manipulate private enterprise.
3) Entrenchment: Even supporters of reauthorization promised us that it would just be temporary and that the bank would be gradually phased out. As we can see from the details of the bill, the lending power of the bank would actually increase over the years, ensuring that it is never abolished altogether.
Punchline: The sad reality is that we don't have the votes to stop the Ex-Im Bank in the Senate. However, we need to push Republicans to block the bill at least until Reid agrees to allow Senator Mike Lee a vote on his amendment to wind down the bank. The Lee amendment will be a crucial litmus test in gauging which senators stand on the side of the free market.
National Day of Prayer Under Fire . . .
We Need Your Help!
NEW ASSAULT ON ANNUAL DAY OF PRAYER AND ON RELIGIOUS LIBERTIES
IN COLORADO PROMPTS CALL FOR APPEAL
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO (May 11, 2012) - On Thursday, May 10, 2012, just one week after a record turnout for the National Day of Prayer across the country, when millions gathered from coast to coast to unite in prayer, the Colorado Court of Appeals ruled that the governor's proclamation for a state Day of Prayer violates the Constitutions' provisions for religious liberty.
This case began in 2008 against former Governor Bill Ritter by a small group of atheists headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. Judge Mullins of the District Court in Denver, Colorado, initially dismissed the case on October 28, 2010, declaring ". . . there is nothing controversial about a restatement of a right protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution . . . the proclamation [does] not have the force and effect of law, and even if [it] did, the language does not support the foundation for a state religion, but only an acknowledgment of the rights of the citizenry as recognized as far back as the Declaration of Independence."
The National Day of Prayer has been deeply rooted in America's history since 1775. More than 900 public proclamations have been recorded since that time, and 34 of our 44 presidents have made such declarations. In 1952, a bill unanimously passed by Congress was signed into law by President Truman setting aside an annual National Day of Prayer. And, in 1988, legislative steps were taken by Congress and President Reagan to establish the first Thursday of May as the specific day for the observance each year. However, prayer is also deeply rooted in Colorado's history. In fact, the first proclamation calling on Coloradans to pray was in 1905 when Governor Jesse F. McDonald stated that we should "turn to the Lord in prayer . . for His mercies, and for a continuation of our present happy condition in the future; and do earnestly request that, in our homes and houses of worship, we humble ourselves before Him, with gratitude and love in our hearts, and endeavor to cultivate within us the Christ-like spirit."
With this ongoing assault on the National Day of Prayer, as well as our hard-won religious liberties, we must remain faithful in prayer, and we hope millions will continue to join our NDP Task Force to that end. George Washington, our first President, stated that "It is our duty as a people, with devout reverence and affectionate gratitude, to acknowledge our many and great obligations to Almighty God, and implore Him to continue and confirm the blessings we experienced." Other presidents and government leaders have echoed these sentiments throughout our country's history. Prayer is an indispensable part of our heritage, and as citizens, we must not become complacent or grow weary in our commitment to interceding for our nation during this pivotal and challenging time.
We urge that every individual within the great state of Colorado contact Governor Hickenlooper and Colorado Attorney General John Suthers to appeal this decision to the Colorado Supreme Court. Please visit www.NationalDayofPrayer.org to sign a petition.
To learn how to contact their offices, go here.
You're Invited!
. . . to A Presentation of "America's First Martyrs" --
A Hidden Part of American History
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Chantilly, VA
America's first martyrs were French Huguenots who first landed on our soil in present-day Jacksonville, Florida on May 1st, 1562 and who then established a colony on the St. Johns River in June, 1564.
After struggling to make a home for themselves on our soil, where they were free to worship without fear of persecution, almost all of the French who came were put to the sword by Spanish conquistadors in the fall of 1565.
Today, as we believers once again are fighting to see religious freedom preserved on our shores, it is perhaps more important than ever to know this key part of our history.
Presented by Sara Ballenger at a site in Chantilly, VA, all are welcome to attend and to learn both the facts and the prophetic implications of the hidden gifts of these brave Huguenot men and women.
For details about this presentation, go here.
For details about this Huguenot history in America, please go here.
Merci . . . and God bless you!!
The Good News Corner
Missouri stands with Israel
Greetings Missouri Intercessors and Kingdom Advancers:
We just became aware that the Missouri/Israel resolution that had been before our General Assembly passed the Missouri Senate 33-0 on May 3 2012 which just happened to have been the National Day of Prayer. It had previously passed the House, all with no opposition. This is an important piece passed by the General Assembly in this session. We know that those who bless Israel will be blessed and those who are in alignment with God's covenant people receive promises and protection. May Ephesians 2 become a reality as the "one new man" continues to manifest. The root we have been grafted into according to Romans 11:17-18 brings nourishment to the whole tree through our relationship with Jesus Christ. There are so many promises that apply to those who stand with Israel .
Psalms 122:6-9 "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem : "May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels. " For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you." For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity.
Romans 11:17-18" If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. "
This is significant legislation that puts our territory in alignment with God's heart for Israel and His Kingdom purposes and releases Psalms 91 on another level.
Blessings,
Regina Shank
Missouri Prayer Global Mission
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Hallelujah What A Savior
by Haven
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