In This Issue• On Capitol Hill This Week: Vol. XVI, No. 18a
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Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVI, Number 18a
June 8 - 12, 2009
DOMESTIC ISSUESJune 8 - 12, 2009
"Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." (James 5:8)
1. OBAMA CLAIMS AMERICA IS A LARGE ISLAMIC NATION
2. WHITE HOUSE VIDEO FEATURES MUSLIM PROSELYTIZERS
3. OBAMA WILL PUSH INTENSIVELY FOR HEALTHCARE PROGRAM
4. OBAMA: JUNE IS "LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH"
5. UPDATE ON HATE CRIMES BILL: FILIBUSTER ON THE HORIZON!
6. PASTORS ENCOURAGED TO SPEAK ON "HATE CRIMES" NEXT SUNDAY
7. H.R. 2715: TAXPAYER PROTECTION AND ANTI-FRAUD ACT
8. REPORT: H.R. 2410 IS AN "ENEMY OF THE STATE"
9. SAN DIEGO HOME FELLOWSHIP THREATENED
1. OBAMA CLAIMS AMERICA IS A LARGE ISLAMIC NATION
During a French TV interview Obama said: "I think that in the United States and the West generally, we have to educate ourselves more effectively on Islam. And one of the points I want to make is, is that if you actually took the number of Muslims Americans, we'd be one of the largest Muslim countries in the world". Of course this is untrue. Muslims claim eight million in the USA and that is blatantly false because they claim all Arabs even though most Arabs in the USA are Christians who fled the terror of Islam. (Religious Freedom Coalition; WorldNetDaily) Read more.
• Pray that Mr. Obama would again, as he so loudly proclaimed last year, affirm his Christianity and the difference between the god of this world and the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is One. Lord, help him to get over this infatuation with Islam and realize that he is governing a nation that has been Christian for over 200 years now, specifically "One Nation Under God," and not allah. If this is the "Christian" Obama said he was during his campaign, pray then, that these lies will be sifted out of his life, mind, and heart. Intercede that Mr. Obama will put his Christian declaration back into his mouth, to include a heart for Israel, the apple of God's eye.
• "For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." (James 1:7-8)
2. WHITE HOUSE VIDEO FEATURES MUSLIM PROSELYTIZERS
Just after President Obama's Cairo speech ended, I clicked on the White House Web site. The home page, and especially its compelling large image, appeared to visually suggest the America that Obama has been describing recently -- a country that is not a Christian nation, nor a Jewish nation, not even a pluralistic nation, but "one of the largest Muslim countries in the world."
The large close-up photograph that dominated the home page was of a covered woman, Afeefa Syeed, Senior Advisor for Culture and Development with the Middle East and Asia Bureaus at USAID. Syeed is one of the three "Muslim Americans serving in the U.S. government" that was featured in a White House-produced video prominently linked from the White House home page . . . The second person in the White House video is Rashad Hussain, appointed on January 28, 2009 as deputy associate counsel to President Barack Obama. The third person in the video is Lema Bashir of the United States Department of Justice, previously Director of the Employment Diversity Awareness-Building Program at ADC (American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.)
In the video, Bashir says her father was born in "Northern Palestine." Since a country named "Northern Palestine" does not, and has not, exist(ed), it is presumed that she is in fact referring to northern Israel. The fact that she apparently cannot bring herself to say the word "Israel" is disturbing enough by itself.
In a blog entry about the video, Debbie Schlussel writes: "The White House use of taxpayer funds to promote Islam is a clear violation of the Constitutional separation between church and state. The Establishment Clause clearly prohibits the use of federal dollars to promote religion, including and especially a specific religion. . . America has no separation between mosque and state --only church and state. That's how it's enforced, anyway, by our 'Justice' Department." (Source: American Thinker).
• Holy Father of the One and Only True Religion, we come before You and we repent of this nation's leadership's sins in saying that America is no longer a nation founded by You. True Americans inherently know that this statement is outrageously false. There have been so many American lives given on so many battlegrounds as soldiers laid down their life for their friends; and so many pilgrims and sojourners have came to our Country for freedom from religious persecution. We know the truth about this lie.
We ask You to forgive the one who said this, the ones who wrote his speech and produced this false video. May they be saved unto Your Son, Jesus. We also pray for the salvation of the three Moslems featured in the White House video: Afeefa Syeed, Rashad Hussain, and Lema Bashir. Please show Americans of all faiths that You, Your Son and Holy Ghost are the Triune God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Show them without a doubt in their waking and sleeping hours that there is No Other God but God Jehovah. May Herndon, Virginia be cleansed of Moslem terrorists and may You raise up a mighty Holy army and Holy leaders to stop this tidal wave of evil sweeping America. We love You, Lord and pray that the day will soon come that no one will ever besmirch Your Name or Your credibility again. In Jesus' Mighty Name we pray. Amen.
• "Then, if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ! or 'There!' do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." (Matthew 24: 23-24 NKJV)
3. OBAMA WILL PUSH INTENSIVELY FOR HEALTHCARE PROGRAM
President Obama is preparing an intense push for legislation of a health care overhaul that will include speeches, town-hall-style meetings and much deeper engagement with lawmakers, the New York Times reported. Normally these concerns have been left to Congress.
The White House's attention increases as Congress turns to a priority that officials watched in recent weeks drift off what has otherwise been a precise pathway. Even with an Obama-imposed August deadline, many administration aides weren't sure just how much they would be able to accomplish before Congress left for the summer, and Obama has turned to his grassroots supporters to pressure Congress to find a solution. This long-planned grassroots effort is meant to illustrate power and, at the same time, to intimidate opposition. It is coming with Obama's explicit blessing, according to officials, who spoke anonymously to discuss private conversations. Aides at Organizing for America - as Obama's political arm is known - said tens of thousands of supporters participated in thousands of events for health care overhaul on Saturday - the launch date for this grassroots movement.
If the president wants health care overhaul, the White House needs to control what's being said, not its allies - or, worse, its rivals."This issue, health care reform, is not a luxury," Obama said in his radio and Internet address. "It's not something that I want to do because of campaign promises or politics. This is a necessity. This is something that has to be done." Obama summed up his message with a simple declaration: "It's time to deliver." ( FOXNews.com)
• The president's policy here seems to indicate that he will have his way, not Congress nor the citizens of the USA. Does "Big Brother" really know best? This type of thinking is not what the 'Founding Fathers' had in mind when they drafted our Constitution with three branches of government: legislative, executive, judicial. Pray that Congress arises mightily against the White House for trying to usurp their responsibilities, and that they will not cave in to the spirit of intimidation emanating from the Obama administration over the volatile issue of health care for Americans. Pray!
• "He rules by His power forever; His eyes observe the nations, Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves." (Psalm 66: 7)
Note: According to a reliable source who attended one of the town-meetings in Texas, the whole discussion appeared 'rigged' to promote Obama's plans for health care. A reference was made to the 'Delphi Technique' -- a system in which trained "faciltators" can move an entire gathering into their own way of thinking, thereby marginalizing the opposition.
Please attend any government town meetings in your area, but go armed with prayer. Ask the Lord to show you the truth. People are dying in countries with government health care, for the government decides who should receive care.
4. OBAMA: JUNE IS "LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH"
Obama's Homosexual Agenda is featured as the Obama "LGBT Agenda," from the White House Website . But the White House radically modified the page, summarizing a pageful of agenda items to a paragraph, and omitting the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) altogether. Some have speculated that the president is moderating his agenda. All questions were put to rest Monday, with the nation's first ever Presidential Proclamation designating June as "LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2009." Obama wrote, "I have joined efforts at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality around the world... Here at home, I continue to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans. These measures include enhancing hate crimes laws, supporting civil unions, and ending the existing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy . . ."
Liberals in Congress will introduce and the administration will use its influence to enact the entire homosexual agenda. Thirty-seven openly practicing homosexuals have already been appointed to key positions in the administration including radical activist Kevin Jennings. If Jennings is appointed to this high Department of Education post, he will carry forward his agenda to advance homosexuality and homosexual teachers' rights in America's schools. (Family Research Council)
• Dear Heavenly Father, we humbly ask You to raise an army to intercede against the effects of the President's proclamation and the Biblical "curses" and "woes" it will bring upon our nation. We ask that Americans will pray over the detailed LGBT Agenda on the White House website that You would not be mocked by its contents. We pray that the American people will reject the agendas of these radical activists being foisted upon us. We ask that parents say "NO!" to the homosexual agenda in their children's schools, and that You will hear the repentant prayers of Your people, in the Call2Fall prayer initiative, July 5th. May You intervene to save our nation. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
• "People shall be brought down, each man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled. Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isaiah 5: 15 & 20 NKJV)
5. UPDATE ON HATE CRIMES BILL: FILIBUSTER ON THE HORIZON!
From: Mark Williamson, President, Federal Intercessors:
Just yesterday, I was informed of GREAT NEWS! After hearing nothin on Hate Crimes except "they don't get it" and it's a "lost cause" about, and from, Senators, we have a true Champion in the Senate! Senator Jim DeMint has committed to filibuster, if necessary, the Hate Crimes bill (S909) when it comes to the floor of the Senate. This is powerful! It is very important to pray for him, for others to join him, and for NO republicans to vote for cloture to end the debate.
• Pray that this bill stays hovering as long as it needs to, until it is shot down. Intercede for our warrior on the Hill who will do the right thing and demand that this be given a closer look. Ask for open eyes to see the damaging force and the rights violation that this would be, as the American people cry out for our freedoms on every front. Please, keep Sen. Jim DeMint "prayed up" for courage and strength. Ask for more true leaders who will use their own discerning spirit to say no to the foolishness that is being propounded in this bill and demand that this issue be put to rest once and for all, that our Constitution be upheld. Intercede for God to get the glory on this issue once it is squelched, that His Word may go forth freely in this hour.
• "In that day the Lord of hosts will be for a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty to the remnant of His people, for a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and for strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate." (Isaiah 28:4-5)
6. PASTORS ENCOURAGED TO SPEAK ON "HATE CRIMES" NEXT SUNDAY
Also on Hate Crimes, Pastors nationwide are being encouraged to speak on "Hate Crimes" and related issues in their pulpits on Sunday, June 14 (Flag Day), to be followed up the day after by a national push to "melt down" the Capitol Hill Switchboard on Monday afternoon (June 15th) and days following to protest the "Hate Crimes" bill. The Switchboard number is (202) 224-3121. Call your Senators, and have your church members, friends, relatives, etc. do the same thing! (Mark Williamson; Federal Intercessors)
• Father, we ask for "doors of utterance" to speak Your truth for Pastors and others who will step up the fight and bring this issue to light. Shake up, in order to wake up, the American people that they might do the American thing at a time like this; act. Give us the gumption and rigor required as this bill needs much more attention. Pray, not only that this bill does not pass, but that every official endeavoring to remove America's freedoms and her rights is dealt with, according to our Constitution.
• "Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had given his hand, and hath done all these things, he shall not escape." (Ezekiel 17:18)
7. REP. MICHELE BACHMANN INTRODUCES TAXPAYER PROTECTION AND ANTI-FRAUD ACT (H.R. 2715)
U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann (R-MN) has introduced the Taxpayer Protection and Anti-Fraud Act, which would prohibit any organization that has been indicted for violations of state or federal election laws from accessing taxpayer dollars through Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs.
"This is about how Congress spends the people's money and about setting the bar high. Accessing federal funding is a privilege, not a right, and it must be earned," said Bachmann. "Congress should not allow groups, such as ACORN which has been repeatedly investigated and indicted for voter registration fraud, to receive taxpayer dollars. You can't violate the public trust with one hand and take the taxpayers' money with the other."
"Easy access to taxpayer dollars has allowed ACORN to fund their political and questionable activities for years. We have a fiduciary duty to the taxpayers to close the door to federal funding on groups that have violated the public trust like this," said Bachmann.
H.R. 2715 has 39 cosponsors and is lodged in the House Committee on Financial Services.
• Father, high praises go to You today for answering our prayers to keep wickedness, craftiness, and fraud exposed when it comes to the tax-payer's money. We continue to intercede for those leading the charge. We thank You, Father, for equipping them for this task, for their safety, and for wisdom to be supernaturally imparted to them. Pray that every illegal use of funds will come to a halt and that all parties will be prosecuted accordingly. Pray that there will be a harvest of souls from this wide-spread, city to city travesty. Ask the Father to end this charade and others like it. Pray, as this is accomplished, that it will allow the American people to begin to have confidence in their government once again.
• "You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor's house." (Exodus 20:15-17a)
8. REPORT: H.R. 2410 IS AN "ENEMY OF THE STATE"
While the Obama Administration has made the claim that they want to reduce abortions in America, they've made no such claims abroad. On the contrary, the current administration is already planning the groundbreaking ceremony for an Office of Global Women's Issues, which is certain to become an international abortion headquarters. As Secretary Hillary Clinton announced at a recent committee hearing, "We are now an administration that will protect the rights of women, including their rights to 'reproductive health care.'" Reproductive health care is an attempt to put a nice wrapper on unlimited abortion.
The creation of this office is contingent on the passage of the State Department reauthorization bill (H.R. 2410), which is scheduled for a House floor vote this Wednesday, June 10. As you may remember, Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) tried to pass an amendment in the House Foreign Affairs Committee that would restrict the Office's work on abortion. It was defeated, but Rep. Smith refuses to be. If House Democrats allow it, all of Smith's colleagues will have the chance to vote on his amendment to bar the office from acting as a global abortion clearinghouse.
For several weeks, we have been trying to build opposition for the legislation in the House--not just for this measure but for plenty of the bill's other problem areas. Apart from funding the State Department's budget, H.R. 2410 also targets a handful of hot-button social issues. Believe it or not, one of the State Department's biggest priorities would be pressuring other countries to overturn laws that restrict homosexual and transsexual behavior. Meanwhile, that radical agenda continues here at home as H.R. 2410 would force our Foreign Service workers to undergo "sensitivity training" on the issues of "sexual orientation and gender identity." It's not too late to help us persuade those leaders to say "no" to H.R. 2410. Contact your representatives today! (Family Research Council)
• Offer praise for Watchmen on the Wall like Tony Perkins and the Family Research Council. Praise God that they have seen the vote on this bill before it has happened and are now sounding the alarm to the rest of us to pray and to take action, so that the agendas and programs cited above are STRIPPED from the Dept. of State before its funds are authorized for next year. As requested, pray and take action. There is still time to stop this in its tracks.
• "This far you shall come but no further, and here shall your proud waves be stopped!" (Job 38:10)
9. SAN DIEGO HOME FELLOWSHIP THREATENED
As anti-Christian sentiment grows, under a government that increasingly affirms and promotes aberrant behaviors that are adversarial to Biblical Christianity (e.g., treating pro-marriage statements as "hate speech"), we can expect to see more loose-handed abuse of believers by those in local, state and federal governments. In San Diego a local pastor and his wife report that they were interrogated by a county official who threatened them with fines:
"Do you have a regular meeting in your home?"
"Do you say 'Amen'?"
"Do you pray?"
"Do you say 'Praise the Lord?'"
The official issued verbal and written warnings that called their hosting a 15 member home group "unlawful use of land" and insisted that they would have to apply for a "major use permit," at a potential cost of tens of thousands of dollars.
[Update from CHPP: the City of San Diego has since backed down somewhat on their charges, stating that the concern was merely a parking violation. Nevertheless, the Alliance Defense Fund is continuing to pursue litigation to be sure that all charges filed against this local pastor and his wife are dropped.] (Source: Family Research Council Prayer Targets)
• Gracious Father, we pray that You will help this pastor, his wife, family and church. May You powerfully remind government officials to obey their oaths to the Constitution. May You strengthen and supply the great Christian public interest law firms and agencies that help people whose religious freedoms have been violated. And, may You prepare Your people to stand for righteousness across America and to withstand and prevail over those who violate their Constitutional liberties. In the Matchless Name of Your Son, Jesus, we pray. Amen.
• "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.'" (Daniel 3: 16-18 NKJV)
On Capitol Hill This Week: Vol. XVI, No. 18b
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
"Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." (James 5:8)
1. JERUSALEM'S "FINAL STATUS" WILL IMPACT ALL NATIONS
2. OBAMA TELLS ISRAEL, PALESTINIANS TO MEET "OBLIGATIONS"
3. OBAMA PROMISES ARABS "JERUSALEM WILL BE THEIRS"
4. PAN-ARAB PLAN FOR PEACE
5. OBAMA WANTS IMMEDIATE ISRAEL-PALESTINIAN TALKS
6. U.S. CONSIDERS USING U.N. VOTE TO PRESSURE ISRAEL
7. HIS TURN: NETANYAHU TO GIVE MAJOR SPEECH THIS WEEK
8. BIBI REJECTS OBAMA'S "UN FLAG" AT KOTEL
9. IRANIAN TV SHOWS VIDEO OF TEST FIRING OF MISSILE
10. U.S. WEIGHS INTERCEPTING NORTH KOREAN SHIPMENTS
1. JERUSALEM'S "FINAL STATUS" WILL IMPACT ALL NATIONS
Last week,President Obama flew to Saudi Arabia to meet with King Abdullah, "guardian" of Mohammadism's Kaaba stone and religious sites in Mecca and Medina. The next day, Obama, the son of a Kenyan Moslem father, will deliver a speech in Cairo, Egypt to "open a dialog" with the world's 1.5 billion followers of the prophet Mohammad. Obama is not visiting Israel yet, but the "final status" of Jerusalem's Temple Mount, will certainly be part of "closed door" talks.
• Cry out for mercy and divine intervention. Intercede that the hand of the evil one and world leaders be restrained.
- For the sake of the Church, Israel, the U.S. and all nations, pray that God will continue to "hold the kings of the earth in derision and show them His deep displeasure." (Ps 2)
- Pray for objective news coverage, journalism and Truth to emerge from the reporters surrounding these events.
• Zechariah chapter 12 shows the "terrible" consequences of any world leader "handling" Jerusalem, the city the Lord said He reserves for His anointed King, the Messiah. (Ps 2)
"I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness [reeling] to all the surrounding peoples [ethnos] .... And a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces. . . I will . . . strike with confusion . . . and with madness . . . I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem." (Zechariah 12:2-4, 9) [Source for all of the above: Intercessors for America]
2. OBAMA TELLS ISRAEL, PALESTINIANS TO MEET "OBLIGATIONS"
US President Barack Obama delivered his much anticipated speech in Cairo on June 4, and contrary to some expectations did not go into a large amount of detail regarding a final settlement in the Israel-Palestinian peace process. He did, however, repeat the obligations he said both sides have, including stopping Israeli settlement building in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) and Palestinians abandoning violence.
As for the peace plan, Obama avoided laying out his preferred outcome beyond the "two-states for two peoples" outline. While he mentioned a wish that all the children of Abraham could live in Jerusalem in peace, he made no mention of it being the capital of a Palestinian state. He did not say where Palestinian refugees should go, to a state of Palestine or to Israel, and he did not mention any specific borders, aside from the implications of his settlement discussion. (By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, June 4, 2009; excerpt)
• Pray that President Obama and his administration will seek divine guidance for their plans. Pray they will work and walk in the fear of the Lord and seek divine blessing for what is at heart, a deep-seated religious divide.
• "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God." (Psalm 20:7)
3. OBAMA PROMISES ARABS "JERUSALEM WILL BE THEIRS"
President Obama and his administration told Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas during their recent White House meeting that the U.S. foresees the creation of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, according to a top PA official speaking to World Net Daily (WND).
"The American administration was very friendly to the position of the PA," said Nimer Hamad, Abbas' senior political adviser. "Abu Mazen (Abbas) heard from Obama and his administration in a very categorical way that a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is in the American national and security interest," Hamad said.
Another PA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told WND that Obama informed Abbas he would not let Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "get in the way" of normalizing U.S. relations with the Arab and greater Muslim world.
"We were told from this new administration they will not allow a Netanyahu government to hurt their efforts of rehabilitating U.S. relations with the Arab and Islamic world, which is a high priority of Obama," the PA official said, speaking during a visit to Cairo.
Another Palestinian Authority official claimed that the Obama administration told the PA that Jerusalem will never be united under Israeli sovereignty. "Americans said an open Jerusalem - yes. But a united Jerusalem under Israeli sovereignty - no," Hatem Abdel Khader, the PA's minister for Jerusalem affairs, said in comments to both WND and Israel's Ynetnews website.
"[The Obama administration] has made clear that Jerusalem must be accessible to everyone - but not united under Israel's rule," Khader said. , claiming the U.S. is cooperating with the PA to "thwart Israel's plans in Jerusalem." (WorldNetDaily.com 5/31/09) [Reported by: Intercessors for America]
• Whether these statements are truly attributable to our president raises questions, for in Islam to lie to an infidel is permissible. However, another question arises: Is Mr. Obama a Moslem? The Lord knows the truth, and we must pray for salvation in Jesus Christ for our president, not only for his soul but also for the soul of the USA. Pray that he brings blessings on our country, not curses. How dare any American think that we have the right to decide the fate of Jerusalem, the city which has been the capital of Israel since the time of King David? Pray that the mercy of God hovers over Jerusalem and those who are born-again in Jesus Christ.
• " I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12: 3)
4. PAN-ARAB PLAN FOR PEACE
Palestinian Authority [PA] head Mahmoud Abbas's [Abu Mazen's] White House meeting on May 28 with President Obama underscores the importance the new American administration places in its efforts to broker a peace deal between Israel and the entire Arab world. What's new is the emphasis on "the Arab world" rather than primarily on the Palestinian track, according to analysts at The Media Line.
Former President George W. Bush moved toward the pan-Arab solution in the final days of his presidency, but almost from the start, President Obama has embraced the "Arab Initiative" peace plan which addresses Israel's relationship with most Arab nations rather than just with the Palestinians.
Jordan's King Abdallah II revealed that in his meetings with Obama, the two leaders talked about tweaking the plan to make it more acceptable to the Israelis and to offer Israel some quick confidence-building perks to show good faith on the Arab side. These were reported to include permission for Israel's national air carrier to over-fly Arab nations. But Obama was unable to sell the idea to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when the two met on May 18. It remains unlikely that any Israeli government will embrace the plan as long as it calls for a Palestinian "right of return" and the division of Jerusalem.
On his way to deliver a major address to the Muslim world in Cairo on June 4, President Obama will stop-off in Riyadh to confer with Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah and try to enlist his support for modifying the plan. It was launched as the "Saudi Plan" in 2002 and was relaunched in 2007 as the "Arab Initiative" with the backing of the Arab League. The sponsors maintain that the plan must be accepted by Israel in its totality, with no changes, revisions or modifications, a position recently reiterated by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. (The Media Line, May 28, 2009) [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
• The nations of the world appear to be unifying in an attempt to push Israel into submission. Pray that the Lord will guide His people of promise through these persistent demands.
• "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD." (Isaiah 54:17)
5. OBAMA WANTS IMMEDIATE ISRAEL-PALESTINIAN TALKS
US Middle East envoy George Mitchell on Monday said President Barack Obama wants to see renewed peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority "immediately." Speaking to reporters following a meeting of donors to the Palestinian Authority in Oslo, Mitchell said Obama has now classified the creation of a Palestinian state as a matter of national security for the US, and so expects both sides to stop stalling and move forward right away.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he is ready to renew direct negotiations with no preconditions, but can make no guarantees regarding the speed of progress given the Palestinians' past failures to honor their commitments.
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Monday reiterated his refusal to meet with Netanyahu until the latter explicitly agrees to surrender ancient Jewish lands for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state. Abbas claimed in remarks to reporters that his regime had met all its obligations, but that Israel was in violation of signed agreements by continuing to build Jewish homes in Judea and Samaria. (Israel Today)
• As Obama seems suddenly a bit frantic to force a deal for "peace" in the Middle East, pray that God will use this time to reach his heart -- that he would come to know Yeshua, Jesus Christ, our Messiah -- the only source of true peace. This article mentions that the urgency has to do with matters of "national security." Offer praise to our God that, in Him and in Him alone, do we find our security. Pray.
• "For it is not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit, saith the Lord." (Zech. 4:6)
6. U.S. CONSIDERS USING U.N. VOTE TO PRESSURE ISRAEL
The New York Times is reporting that the Barack Obama administration is considering reducing American support for Israel in the United Nations in an effort to symbolically pressure the Jewish state to stop settlement growth. The issue of settlement natural growth-or construction in existing government-approved settlements-has become a contentious one between Israel and the United States. Despite that, the Times said that the United States would not condition loans to Israel in order to pressure them, as was done by former President Bush.
Obama met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) last week, during which time Obama again reiterated the US support for a two-state solution and the end to Israeli settlement construction, according to a White House press release.
A report by London's Sunday Times said that Obama wants to achieve a "diplomatic breakthrough" on the Israel-Palestinian track within two years time. However, in comments Obama made in connection to his meeting with Abbas, according to the White House press release, the US leader has "not put forward a specific timetable" on the creation of a Palestinian state.
Said Obama, "I don't want to put an artificial timetable [on it], but I do share President Abbas' feelings and I believe that many Israelis share the same view that time is of the essence . . . we need to get this thing back on track. And I will do everything I can, and my administration will do everything it can to make sure that we jumpstart this process and get it moving again."
(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, June 1, 2009) [Reported by: Bridges forPeace]
• Pray that any plan that flies in the face of the covenant promises made to Israel will be thwarted.
• "The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance." (Psalm 33:10-12)
7. HIS TURN: NETANYAHU TO GIVE MAJOR SPEECH THIS WEEK
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday he would strive for "maximum understanding" with Washington on peace issues but gave no sign he intends to bow to its demand to halt settlement expansion. Under pressure from U.S. President Barack Obama over settlements in the occupied West Bank and Palestinian statehood, which Netanyahu has not endorsed, the Israeli leader said he would set out his policies in a major speech later this month.
"I aspire to a stable peace based on the solid foundations of the security of the state of Israel and its citizens," Netanyahu told his right-wing cabinet at its weekly meeting. By mentioning security, Netanyahu again highlighted an issue he has called paramount to Israel's approach to peace with the Palestinians, whom he has said should have self-government but only limited powers of sovereignty.
Western and Israeli officials said the White House was formulating a blueprint for a renewed peace process that could be presented early next month. Without giving a date, Netanyahu said "Next week, I will make a major diplomatic speech in which I will present to the citizens of Israel our principles for achieving peace and security." Israel Radio said he would deliver the address on June 14. A Netanyahu spokesman said he could not confirm the date. (Reuters)
• Continue to pray for strength and courage for Mr. Netanyahu, as he faces those who lie and make various assertions of peace which they never intend to keep. Pray that the Lord's wisdom pours forth from Netanyahu's mouth during his speech, wisdom that exposes the truth of the situation and dumbfounds the enemies, forcing them into silence. Pray that President Obama is moved by the Lord to release pressure from Israel. Stay alert to the announcement of the day and hour of the speech so that you can be in prayer.
• "For the Lord will build up Zion; He shall appear in all His glory." (Psalm102:16)
8. BIBI REJECTS OBAMA'S U.N. FLAG AT KOTEL STAR OF DAVID TO REMAIN
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu vowed at the Mercaz HaRav yeshiva in Jerusalem that the Israeli flag will continue to fly over the Western Wall (Kotel). The first prime minister appeared at the venerable yeshiva on Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day), ignoring U.S. President Barack Obama's apparent trial balloon that he wants to see the United Nations flag fly over the Old City holy sites. Jordan's King Abdullah II said the president put forward the proposal during his visit to the White House last month.
Prime Minister Netanyahu declared, "The flag that flies over the Kotel is the Israeli flag . . . Our holy places, the Temple Mount -- will remain under Israeli sovereignty forever."
Prime Minister Netanyahu's vow on Jerusalem was made in the presence of Israel's two chief rabbis, Likud Knesset Member and former IDF Chief of Staff Moshe Yaalon, and Jewish Home party chairman MK Rabbi Daniel Hershkowitz.
It was the second time during the day he promised to keep the city united, having stated earlier in the day that "Jerusalem was always ours, will always be ours, and will never again be divided." His speech was delivered at Ammunition Hill in memory of soldiers who fell in the Six-Day War in 1967. (IsraelNN.com)
• Praise the Lord that Israel now has a prime minister who understands the Biblical view of Jerusalem and the needs of Israel. Pray for Bibi's continued courage against all attacks of the nations, whether against the nation or against him personally. Praise the Lord for placing Netanyahu into this position now, when Israel needs a strong leader. Pray for protection of the Israeli flag flying over the Western Wall.
• "Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mont Zion in the far north, the city of the great King." (Psalm 48:2)
9. IRANIAN TV SHOWS VIDEO OF TEST FIRING OF MISSILE
REPORT: IRAN STARTS MASS PRODUCTION OF SUPERSONIC MISSILE SYSTEM
Iran has begun production of its domestically-made ground-to-air Shahin mid- range missile, state television IRINN reported on Saturday. IRINN broadcast pictures of what it reported to be the test-firing of the Shahin missile, which hit a small target aircraft in the sky; the two exploding on impact.
Iranian Defence Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar was seen inaugurating the domestic production line of the Shahin missile system on Saturday, before being shown around the factory where they will be built, according to the television report.
Najjar praised the developments and said that the Shahin missile was one of the most advanced and complex of its kind. He added that the system would promote Iran's defense capabilities against possible air attacks.
Last month, Iran test-fired a new deterrent ballistic missile, the Sajjil-2, with a 1242 miles surface-to-surface range. (NECN/IRINN) [also reported on Fox News] (Read more)
• As the iranians pursue this dangerous course of action, pray even more for the peace of Jerusalem, for only a heavenly intervention can spare her now. Pray, too, for all those in authority, that they be granted wisdom in how to confront this Iranian threat. Pray!
• "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever." (Psalm 125:2)
10. U.S. WEIGHS INTERCEPTING NORTH KOREAN SHIPMENTS
The Obama administration is working with U.S. allies to develop ways to cut off North Korean shipments that may be carrying nuclear technology or other weapons.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said in an interview broadcast Sunday that failing to take aggressive and effective action against North Korea could spark an arms race in northeast Asia. "We will do everything we can to both interdict it and prevent it and shut off their flow of money," Clinton said of possible attempts by North Korea to ship nuclear material. She spoke on ABC's "This Week." Clinton also said the U.S. is considering returning North Korea to a list of state sponsors of terrorism, after President Barack Obama pledged "a very hard look" at tougher measures because of the North's nuclear stance. The communist regime of N. Korea performed a nuclear test last month and has conducted a series of short-range missile tests.
The actions have triggered condemnation from the international community, but little concrete action. Asked about a request from a group of senators for the administration to consider re-designating North Korea a terrorism sponsor, Clinton said, "Well, we're going to look at it." North Korea was taken off the list in October, as the regime appeared to make concessions on its nuclear program. Clinton said Sunday North Korea is undermining that agreement.
Clinton said she's also looking for additional sanctions against the country in the United Nations, and potentially an arms embargo or other measures. She called for a "very strong resolution with teeth that will have consequences for the North Korean regime." The secretary of state also suggested she's concerned that the trial of two American journalists in North Korea could become too intertwined with the diplomatic and political standoff between North Korea and the international community. "This is separate. It is a humanitarian issue and the girls should be let go."
Calling the charges "absolutely without merit or foundation," Clinton said she's been directly involved in talks over the trial and that she hopes the two young women are sent home quickly. (AP)
• Praise the Lord that the USA is talking as if our leaders are truly concerned about the actions of N. Korea. Pray that Secretary of State Clinton will follow through with US actions against this rogue nation that has thumbed its nose at the international community. Pray also for protection for the two female journalists in N. Korea. The Lord can strengthen them against all torture and expose all lies against them. Pray for our Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as she does the work expected of her by her fellow citizens.
• "Let not my enemies triumph over me. Indeed, let no one who trusts in You be ashamed; Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause." (Psalm 25: 2b, 3)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
ONE (Ehkhahd)
And the LORD shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be-
" The LORD shall be One, And His name One." (Zech. 14:9)
Hear, O Israel, the LORD, our GOD, is ONE. He is Eh-khahd. How glorious is that word -- Ehkhahd. United . . . Only . . . Altogether . . . One. You are Ehkahd, a United One. There is no one like You. How I praise Your name!
(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)
