Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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On Capitol Hill This Week
Volume XIV, Number 32a
* * * INTERNATIONAL NEWS * * *
December 17 - 21, 2007
"He has made an everlasting covenant with me, Ordered in all things, and secured. For all my salvation and all my desire, Will He not indeed make it grow?" (2 Samuel 23:5 NAS)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XIV, No. 32a
- PRESIDENT BUSH EXERCISES VETO AUTHORITY
- DEMOCRATS ASSESS HILL DAMAGE, LEADERSHIP
- NAVIGATORS VP CHRISTIE: "THE PRESIDENCY OF GEORGE BUSH IS SURGING"
- CONGRESS: WORKING UNTIL CHRISTMAS?
- CONGRESS SAYS "MERRY CHRISTMAS"
- S. 2409: HONORING GOD IN THE NEW U.S. CAPITOL VISITORS' CENTER
- SENATE PASSES 6 BILLION DEFENSE POLICY BILL
- BILL INTRODUCED TO CONTINUE FUNDING FOR SPACE SHUTTLE
- SUMMARY: FLOOR ACTION THIS WEEK
- REP. JULIA CARSON OF INDIANA DIES AT 69
- REPUBLICANS PICK UP TWO NEW HOUSE SEATS IN OFF-YEAR ELECTIONS
- PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES BEGIN IN THREE WEEKS
1. PRESIDENT BUSH EXERCISES VETO AUTHORITY
Although their congressional wish list is a long one, House and Senate leaders are in danger of coming home for Christmas completely empty-handed. After suffering one defeat after another, liberals are beginning to understand the political costs of pushing a radical anti-life, anti-family agenda. Not only is it unpopular with their conservative colleagues and the American people, but it is completely unacceptable in the home that matters most--the White House. With a few swipes of his veto pen, President Bush has handed the majority stinging losses on SCHIP, war funding, tax hikes, energy, and general spending, largely because the leadership was unwilling to work on the issues in a morally responsible way.
The President's message to Congress may finally be sinking in. This week, the Senate panel that oversees the Mexico City policy is very close to dropping their push for repeal. For months, liberals have threatened to overturn the policy, which bans U.S. funding of any group that promotes or performs overseas abortions, by attaching it to a must-pass bill. Yesterday, their threats proved empty. Democrats conceded that they will likely pull the controversial language to give the omnibus spending bill a better chance of passing. We applaud President Bush for forcing the majority's hand on any bill that undermines life, faith, family, and freedom. When it comes to compromise, we are certainly grateful that this President refuses to do so at the expense of America's moral conviction. (Source: "The Veto Pen: Mightier than the Horde," Family Research Council, Washington Update, 12/14/07)
· Because of the prayers of so many Americans undergirding the president, George W. has stood firm against the attacks on American morality, a morality that in many cases encourages other nations to do the same. Give God the praise and worship that is His due. Pray for Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid so that he can know the joy of salvation in Christ Jesus and for Mrs. Nancy Pelosi, who is obviously held captive by certain agendas. It s so much easier to work with the Lord than against HIm. · "Trust in the Lord and do good; so shall thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shall be fed." (Psalm 37:3)
2. DEMOCRATS ASSESS HILL DAMAGE, LEADERSHIP
Congressional Democrats will have plenty to ponder during the Christmas-New Year recess. For instance, why did things go so badly this fall, and how well did their leaders serve them? Partisan players will quarrel for months, but objective analysts say the debate must start here: An embattled president made extraordinary use of his veto power and he was backed by GOP lawmakers who may have put their political fortunes at risk. Also, a new Democratic leadership team overestimated the impact of the Iraq war and the 2006 elections, learning too late they had no tools to force Bush and his allies to compromise on bitterly contested issues.
Both parties seem convinced that voters will reward them 11 months from now. And they agree that Congress' gridlock and frustration are likely to continue until then - and possibly beyond - unless the narrow party margins in the House and Senate change appreciably.
In a string of setbacks last week, Democratic leaders in Congress yielded to Bush and his GOP allies on Iraqi war funding, tax and health policies, energy policy and spending decisions affecting billions of dollars throughout the government. The concessions stunned many House and Senate Democrats, who saw the 2006 elections as a mandate to redirect the war and Bush's domestic priorities. Instead, they found his goals unchanged and his clout barely diminished. (AP)
· Offer continual praise before our Lord for the wisdom of our Founding Fathers, who saw fit to divide the powers of our federal government into three segments -- judicial, legislative, and executive -- thereby creating the system of checks and balances we still enjoy today. Now that the leadership of both houses of Congress has been humbled, pray that, as they seek the way ahead for the year ahead, they would seek Him for guidance. He is able, and He will grant His wisdom, when asked. · "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
3. NAVIGATORS VP CHRISTIE SAYS "THE PRESIDENCY OF GEORGE BUSH IS SURGING."
"The policies and positions the president has advocated since 2001 have led to significant results in recent days. In short, the presidency of George W. Bush is surging, rather than waning, with little more than one year remaining in his term. From the surge in Iraq, vindication with his stem cell position and strong economic development on the home front, President George W. Bush has hit his stride and is surging rather than limping into his last year in office. For those who have counted him out, the president remains resolute, perhaps comfortable in the knowledge that history, rather than bitter partisans in Washington, will favorably reflect on his two terms in office for waging an effective war against terrorism while demonstrating capable stewardship and remarkable domestic accomplishments during a time of war." (Ron Christie, Op-Ed, "Bush Surging, Not Fading, As Tenure's End Nears," The Hill, 12/11/07)
· God hears our prayers! We have stood behind President Bush, and now he is standing with the Lord. Continue to pray that he will fully understand the Israeli/Palestinian problem in the coming year and not falter. Continue to decree with Mr. Christie that this last year of office will be the most fruitful for the president and that the voices of criticism will be silenced. · "Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait on Thee." (Psalm 25:21)
4. CONGRESS: WORKING UNTIL CHRISTMAS?
It seems that Members of Congress can expect to be in town right up until Christmas Eve due to their failure to pass many of the needed spending bills. Failing to do the jobs they are paid handsomely for, Congress is now moving towards a monstrosity of an omnibus bill that would likely contain a Christmas list of taxpayer- funded pork projects for a number of House and Senate members. Traditionally, omnibus bills are voted on and passed before anyone has a chance to actually read the legislation, resulting in pet projects for Members of Congress who have no qualms about using the public purse to help them get reelected. It is also likely the Democratic leadership will slip into any omnibus a drastic change to current pro-life policy by directing federal funds to international groups that perform or promote abortions. President Bush has vowed to veto any legislation that changes pro-life policy and has also vowed to finally toe the line on keeping federal spending down. A continuing resolution would be the best solution by keeping spending at current levels while also protecting decades-old policy. Rest assured we'll be keeping a close eye on Congress, checking their list twice and reporting back to you who has been naughty and who has been nice. (Family Research Council)
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell issued a statement on a particularly frustrating morning (the day after there was only 1 roll call vote in the United States Senate and still 12 spending bills for FY08 have not been sent to the president): "It is now December 12, nearly a quarter of the way through the new fiscal year. To date we've only had one spending bill signed into law, the troops in the field haven't been funded, the energy bill is still pending, updates to the laws governing our terrorist surveillance program -- so that we can track terrorists and prevent attacks -- haven't been addressed, and the farm bill still isn't finished."
"Christmas is less than two weeks away. So you'd think there'd be a flurry of activity here on the floor; you'd think that we would be doing everything possible so that we could finish our work before New Year's Eve. But so far this week, we've had a grand total of ONE vote. One. (Senator McConnell's statement was issued on Wednesday and one vote had been conducted in the U.S. Senate up to that time!) And Senator McConnell complained that the Democrat Senate majority leadership, "have set aside the next three hours to try and show that this session's limited accomplishments haven't been their fault; that the endless investigations and midnight Iraq votes weren't the cause. .It's December 12. There is simply no time for political exercises on the Senate floor. We simply don't have the luxury of putting off our fundamental responsibilities any longer." (Christian Coalition of America)
· These articles speak for themselves. It seems that, by now, the entire population of Capitol Hill is being held hostage to political bickering, rather than being allowed to return home to enjoy this season with their families. Take up the Word of God, and decree a BREAKTHROUGH in this legislative logjam, so that the gears of government can function again.> · "Is not My Word like fire," says the Lord, "and like a hammer that shatters a rock into pieces?" (Jer. 23:29)
5. CONGRESS SAYS "MERRY CHRISTMAS"
Yesterday, the House of Representatives voted 372-to- 9 in support of a resolution recognizing the importance of Christmas and the Christian faith in the founding of the United States and formation of Western Civilization. The resolution was sponsored by Rep. Steve King of Iowa, a great conservative champion.
Earlier this year, the House passed measures honoring Ramadan and Diwali, a Hindu holiday. But Rep. King noted, "Watching Congress honor Islam during Ramadan, and also Diwali brought it home to me that we were doing that and not honoring Christianity. This nation has about 225 million Christians out of 300 million. And the foundations of this nation are a Christian foundation [and] our founders were Christian. So for us to move forward towards Christmas without honoring Christ is, I think a great omission, especially if we're going to honor other religions."
By the way, all nine "No" votes were Democrats, and eight of the nine voted in support of the Ramadan resolution.
· Praise the Lord for the alertness of Rep. King in honoring the Christian foundations of this nation. Shame on those who voted no. While we don't know their identities, the Lord does. Please pray for their salvation in Jesus Christ, who came to set the captive free. · "The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul." (Proverbs 16:17) May the Lord preserve the soul of America!
6. SENATE PASSES 6 BILLION DEFENSE POLICY BILL
The Senate on Friday passed a defense policy bill that would offer more help to troops returning from combat and set conditions on contractors and pricey weapons programs. The measure reflects the best Democrats could do this year on their national security agenda while holding such a slim majority. Powerless to overcome GOP objections in the Senate, the bill does not order troops home from Iraq, as Democrats would have liked. The 90-3 vote follows House approval earlier this week and sends the measure to President Bush to sign, which he is expected to do.
"Caring for our troops and their families must always be our top priority," said Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., chairman of the Armed Services Committee, which helped write the bill. The bill, which covers the 2008 budget year, authorizes 6 billion in military spending, including 9 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
· Offer praise for this breakthrough, and continue in prayer, asking that the momentum begun with this passage would continue until all other bills have been passed to keep the government running next year! · "For . . . all my desire, Will He not indeed make it grow?" (2 Sam. 23:5)
7. S. 2409: HONORING GOD IN THE NEW CAPITOL VISITORS' CENTER
Sen. Jim DeMint [R-SC] introduced S. 2409: A bill to direct the Architect of the Capitol to ensure that the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the national motto "In God We Trust" are each displayed prominently in the Capitol Visitor Center on a permanent basis and to prohibit the Architect from removing or refusing to include language or other content from exhibits and materials relating to the Capitol Visitor Center on the grounds that the language or content includes a religious reference or Judeo-Christian content. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration.
· Pray for quick passage of this bill! In this day and age, honoring God in the public square is now a matter of law. Pray that Congress will follow the example set by our Founding Fathers by including historic documents that reflect our nation's Judeo-Christian heritage in the Capitol Visitors' Center. Amen.
· "This is what the LORD says: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. . .'" (Jer. 6:16a)
8. BILL INTRODUCED TO CONTINUE FUNDING FOR SPACE SHUTTLE
President Bush has ordered the shuttles retired in 2010 and directed NASA to develop new rockets and spaceships to carry astronauts to the moon. The policy, however, limits NASA to its current funding plus inflation, so a new fleet won't fly until at least 2015. In response, U.S. Rep. David Weldon today outlined legislation to extend shuttle flights beyond the scheduled 2010 retirement. Weldon has said he does not want the Chinese and Russians to be the only countries capable of launching humans to space for five years or more. A statement from Weldon's office said his proposed legislation would keep up employment at Kennedy Space Center.
· Please pray for momentum to build behind this legislation. If we can't fly the Shuttle for 5 years, we could potentially be very vulnerable, especially with the heightened strain in relations with China and Russia. While it may help the district economically, the real issue is national security and control of space. · " . . . if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." (Mt. 18:19)
9. SUMMARY: FLOOR ACTION THIS WEEK
Week of December 17:
The Senate plans to debate a federal wiretapping bill that would give the courts and Congress some oversight of the spy program that taps into foreign calls through - and to - the US. What's up in the air is whether senators will give telecom companies (that went along with the allegedly illegal earlier wiretap program) retro-active immunity from a slew of lawsuits. One possibility is that senators will vote to keep the lawsuits open - but make the US government pay up for any damages won.
The House is expected to polish off an energy bill that made it through the Senate last week (after senators snipped out measures to add green energy use in electricity and roll back tax breaks for the oil industry). What did make it in to the final bill: a hike in gas mileage standards up to 35mpg by 2020 (from 25mpg today), mandates for gas companies to use 36 billion of biofuel by 2022 (with over half coming from "cellulosic" biofuel made from grass and woodchips) and efficiency standards which will kiss your incandescent bulbs goodbye.
House leaders may give up on pay-as-you-go rules to pass a final Alternative Minimum Tax bill this week. Like the Senate - and pretty much everyone in the US - the House wants to extend middle-class exemptions from the dreaded AMT. Unlike the Senate, the House preferred to cover the billion cost of a one year extension (through taxes on hedge funds and multi- national corporations). But with the Senate's heals dug in, House leaders may give pay-go the heave-ho and add the cost of the extension onto our national debt tab. (CitizenJoe.org)
10. REP. JULIA CARSON OF INDIANA DIES AT 69
Rep. Julia Carson, who rose from a childhood of poverty and segregation to become the first black and first woman to represent Indianapolis in Congress, died Saturday. She was 69. Carson died of lung cancer at her home, where she had spent the past several weeks, family spokeswoman Vanessa Summers said. Carson had persevered through major heart surgery and years of health problems before revealing her lung cancer last month, saying she would not seek election in 2008 to a seventh term. Carson had been away from Washington since late September, when she was hospitalized with a leg infection.
Carson, a Democrat, was first elected to Congress in 1996. She championed children's issues, women's rights and efforts to reduce homelessness, and was a staunch opponent of the war in Iraq. During her 11 years in Congress, Carson's highest-profile action came in 1999, when she pushed for the legislation granting the Congressional Gold Medal to Rosa Parks, the black woman who refused to give up her seat on a segregated city bus in Montgomery, Ala., and was arrested for her defiance.
Gov. Mitch Daniels will have to call a special election to choose a replacement for the last year of Carson's term. (AP)
· Lift up the family and friends of Rep. Carson, asking our Lord to comfort them in their time of sorrow. · "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matt. 5:4)
· Lift up Governor Daniels, as he seeks the one who will fill this seat in the House through next year on behalf of the people of the State of Indiana. · "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." (Psalm 32:8)
11. REPUBLICANS PICK UP TWO NEW HOUSE SEATS IN OFF-YEAR ELECTIONS
WITTMAN WINS IN VIRGINIA, LATTA WINS IN OHIO Bob Latta (R-OH) and Rob Wittman (R-VA) won special elections on December 11th for the House. The elections were important and conservative Republicans won both of them. These were not just Republican victories, but victories for the social conservative movement. Bob Latta and Rob Wittman are solid pro- life social conservatives. They won with very large margins despite a huge amount of money spent by the Democrat party. It seems that the word is out about Nancy Pelosi and the voters don't want to send her anyone else to help her in the House. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
· Continue to pray without ceasing, both over this Congress and the one to be elected next year. Ask for a special blessing for both Congressmen Wittman and Latta as they begin to serve the voters of their states for the remainder of this term of office. · "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." (Matthew 21:22)
12. PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES BEGIN IN THREE WEEKS
(Source: Intercessors for America) The first of the primaries and caucuses for the 2008 presidential election are scheduled as follows:
-- Iowa (Jan 3)
-- New Hampshire (Jan 8)
-- Nevada (Jan 19 )
-- South Carolina (Jan 19 & 26 ).
· Intercede against confusion created by the accelerated round of early primary Presidential elections. Intercede that the Lord maintain constitutional order and domestic tranquility, and that He thwart undue political obsession by the media during the Christmas season.
· Intercede that moral, God-fearing, pro-life, and pro- family men and women be selected, supported, and find favor in local, state, and national campaigns. Pray that the Lord reveal His choices, expose corruption, immorality, bribery, hidden agendas, and controlling persons or special interests. · "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
GOD OF ALL GRACE (Ehlohay HaKhesed)
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (I Peter 5:10)
Dear Lord,
I know that You are waiting for me at the finish line of this trial. As I persevere, thank You for perfecting and establishing me in Messiah. Thank You, God of All Grace, for always bringing me through victoriously. Thank You that success is not dependent on my strength, but my reliance of Your strength and Your grace. How lovely is Your name, O God of all grace!
"In that day you will say: "Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted." (Isaiah 12:4)
(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)
On Capitol Hill This Week
Volume XIV, Number 32b
* * * INTERNATIONAL NEWS * * *
December 17 - 21, 2007
"He has made an everlasting covenant with me, Ordered in all things, and secured. For all my salvation and all my desire, Will He not indeed make it grow?" (2 Samuel 23:5 NAS)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XIV, No. 32b
- PAKISTANI TERRORIST ESCAPES
- SUDAN DIVESTMENT LEGISLATION
- S. RES. 399: CALLING FOR CONTINUED VIGILANCE OF NORTH KOREA
- BRITISH HAND OVER CONTROL OF BASRA TO IRAQ
- SUICIDE EPIDEMIC AMONG RECENT VETERANS
- IRAN MAKES PUSH INTO NICARAGUA
- AHMADINEJAD MAKES PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA
- U.S. OFFICIALS TO MEET WITH ARCH FOES: IRAN AND SYRIA
- PALESTINIAN SECURITY FORCES UNDERGO TRAINING IN RUSSIA
- ISRAELI-SPONSORED RESOLUTION PASSES IN THE U.N.
1. PAKISTANI TERRORIST ESCAPES
Pakistani authorities are hunting for a British man suspected in an alleged plot to blow up trans-Atlantic jetliners who escaped police custody, a deep embarrassment to the government of President Pervez Musharraf. Rashid Rauf fled Saturday after appearing before a judge at a court in the capital Islamabad in connection with an inquiry before his extradition to Britain, Interior Secretary Kamal Shah said Sunday.
Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz assured Ambassador Robert Brinkely that the suspect's capture was a "priority," British High Commission spokeswoman Laura Davies said. Rauf managed to open his handcuffs and evade two police guards who were supposed to take him back to jail in nearby Rawalpindi, police said Saturday. "We are still trying to ascertain where he managed to escape," Shah said, adding it was unclear if Rauf slipped away at the court complex or en route to the jail. "The two constables are being interrogated for their criminal negligence."
Rauf, who is of Pakistani origin, was arrested here in August 2006 on a tip from British investigators. Pakistan described him as a key suspect in a purported plot to blow up airplanes flying from Britain to the United States, prompting a major security alert at airports worldwide and increased restrictions on carry-on items. He was charged with possessing chemicals that could be used in making explosives and with carrying forged travel documents. (Fox News)
· "But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known." (Luke 12:2)
2. SUDAN DIVESTMENT LEGISLATION
The Senate passed S - 2271, legislation which allows state governments, asset and pension fund managers to divest from companies that do business with Sudan. The bill passed this week by by unanimous consent. A sponsor of the legislation, Senator Sam Brownback (R - KS) said, "This divestment legislation allows the United States to work more effectively to change the economic calculations of the Sudanese regime . Since 2003, more than 400,000 people have died in Darfur and more than 2.5 million have been displaced. We must not stand idly by as more people are displaced from their homes or are killed. We have said not on our watch, and now we have said not on our dime." (Religious Freedom Coaltion)
· Praise the Lord that our Congress is taking a monetary stand against the wicked regime in the Sudan. Ask the Lord to bless Sen. Brownback for getting this legislation through the Senate; now it must move through the House. Pray also that God will bring down this ungodly regime in the Sudan through His divine intervention. · "Deliver me [Sudan], O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man." (Psalm 71:4)
3. S. RES. 399: CALLING FOR CONTINUED VIGILANCE OF N. KOREAN REGIME
Senator Sam Brownback today introduced S. Res. 399, a resolution that sets the conditions for the State Department's proposed removal of North Korea from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. "If the United States takes the step of removing North Korea from the terrorism list, let's at least make clear the conditions for such a removal," said Brownback. "I question the merits of the State Department's decision to remove North Korea from its terrorist list, but this resolution allows the Senate to voice its views on a key American foreign policy objective." Brownback continued, "It is important that the United States sends a loud and clear message to the North Korean regime that we will remain vigilant. There are talks underway to continue subsidizing the North Korean regime with tangible economic and political benefits, re-legitimizing the regime after its ballistic missile and nuclear weapons tests of last year."
In October, North Korea agreed to disable its key nuclear facilities and declare its nuclear stockpile by the end of this year. Contingent on North Korea's execution of this agreement, the United States may remove North Korea from the State Department list of state sponsors of terrorism.
The resolution, co-sponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Jon Kyl (R-AZ), and Joe Lieberman (I- CT), establishes benchmarks which must be met before the United States eases certain restrictions against the government of North Korea. The resolution also states that the United States government should not provide any financial assistance to North Korea until Secretary of State Rice ensures certifications regarding the submission of applications for refugee status. (Office of Senator Sam Brownback)
· Again, may the Lord richly bless Senator Brownback for his alertness to potential trouble with North Korea and the State Department's proposal to remove that vicious regime from the terrorist list. Sen. Brownback has visited North Korea several times and knows the oppressiveness of the regime. Pray that the State Department accepts the Senate's resolution in the spirit in which it has been given - that North Korea cannot yet be trusted. Wisdom works! · "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless, the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand." (Proverbs 19:21)
4. BRITISH HAND OVER CONTROL OF BASRA TO IRAQ
The U.S.-led coalition has been gradually transferring control of security to the Iraqi government and Britain's handover of southern Basra this weekend was the latest in a series that began in July 2006. The coalition retains control over half of Iraq's 18 provinces, including Anbar and central areas where violence has waned but not stopped. "This is a step toward resuming security responsibilities in all of Iraq's provinces that is due in the middle of next year," Iraqi National Security adviser Mouwaffak al-Rubaie said in Basra. He represented Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki at the handover ceremony in the capital of the oil-rich region.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, en route to Paris for a gathering of world donors to the Palestinians, said she was "heartened" by Britain's handover of Basra. "We obviously recognize and the British recognize that there's still a lot of work to do in terms of building a stable foundation in the south and there continue to be problems there," Rice told reporters on the flight to Paris. "We're very heartened that there's a sense that security can be turned over. But it doesn't mean that there aren't continuing problems in the south." (AP)
· As we write this report, Congress has now approved funding for our troops in Iraq for the next year. Offer praise for this turn of events, and offer praise that the SURGE initiated by President Bush IS working! Ask our Lord to grace our troops with unusual strength, stamina, and endurance as they continue to secure the nation of Iraq from terrorist thugs. · "Run in such a way as to get the prize." (I Corin. 9:24)
5. SUICIDE EPIDEMIC AMONG RECENT VETERANS
They are the casualties of wars you don't often hear about - soldiers who die of self-inflicted wounds. Little is known about the true scope of suicides among those who have served in the military. But a five-month CBS News investigation discovered data that shows a startling rate of suicide, that some call a hidden epidemic.
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, stated, "If you're just looking at the overall number of veterans themselves who've committed suicide, we have not been able to get the numbers." CBS News' investigative unit wanted the numbers, so it submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the Department of Defense asking for the numbers of suicides among all service members for the past 12 years. Four months later, they sent CBS News a document, showing that between 1995 and 2007, there were almost 2,200 suicides. That's 188 last year alone. But these numbers included only "active duty" soldiers.
Without success, CBS News went to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Then CBS News did an investigation - asking all 50 states for their suicide data, based on death records, for veterans and non- veterans, dating back to 1995. Forty-five states sent what turned out to be a mountain of information. In 2005, for example, in just those 45 states, there were at least 6,256 suicides among those who served in the armed forces. That's 120 each and every week, in just one year. (CBSNews.com)
· The Lord is telling us that we need to be putting the full armor of God on every one of our soldiers who are fighting in the war against terror. While their bodies are protected by physical armor, their spirits and emotions are exposed, even raw when they return home. If you live near a veterans hospital, be sure to pray over the veterans as you pass by; if there are veterans in your church and neighborhood, be sure to pray protection over them. Otherwise, put the full armor of God on our soldiers. Do not let lives be quenched by a spirit of death. · "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)
6. IRAN MAKES PUSH INTO NICARAGUA
The San Antonio News-Express said Monday that Nicaragua, with the backing of its Venezuelan ally, has been forging a new partnership with Iran to the alarm of some U.S. state department officials. Part of that relationship comes in the form of a 0 million deep- water port at Monkey Point on Nicaragua's Atlantic coast that is to extend across the continent to the Pacific Ocean. Iran has also recently opened an embassy in Nicaraguan capital of Managua.
Some state department officials are concerned that Iran's presence in Nicaragua would allow Tehran to stage strikes on American interests by deploying the terrorist group Hezbollah and Revolutionary Guard operatives already in Latin America, the Express reported. Cargo-News Asia reported that the port, which is expected to provide connectivity to the ports in the East Coast of the United States and to Europe, could be a possible windfall for the poverty stricken country. The project is seen as an about-face for a country that has been reluctant to embrace foreign investment. (AP)
· As Iran works to establish a Central American foothold in Nicaragua, create a canopy of prayer over this part of our continent, asking our Lord to release His angels to bring protection to that nation and to ours. Pray for Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, asking that he not be lured by the pride of life and by false "riches," but that he would instead turn to the Lord for guidance as he seeks to lead his people out of poverty and into a future with a hope. Pray! · "Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die): Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches - Feed me with the food allotted to me; Lest I be full and deny You, And say, "Who is the LORD?" Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God." (Proverbs 30:7-9)
7. AHMADINEJAD MAKES PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was due to arrive in Mecca Monday to join millions of Muslims making the pilgrimage to Islam's birthplace. He is the first Iranian leader invited to make the trip since the 1979 Islamic evolution. The annual event known as the hajj brings together Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims from around the world for several days during which various rites are performed, including special prayers, animal sacrifices and a symbolic stoning of the devil. The Saudi government invited Ahmadinejad to take part this year when he attended a Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Qatar late last month. His attendance at the summit was also a first for an Iranian leader, and it is seen as a sign of an opening up to Tehran by the Sunni Arab world. (CNSNews.com)
· As the players on the end-time stage in the Middle East continue to assume their positions, cry out for the souls of all who follow the deception of Islam. The devil is not cowed by having stones thrown at him; but by the Blood of Jesus Christ, to whom he must bow. For now, decree that this new alliance between Saudi Arabia and Iran will not prosper, and that their ties will be undone. · "The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked." (Psalm 129:4)
8. U.S. OFFICIALS TO MEET WITH ARCH FOES: IRAN AND SYRIA
US and Iranian officials are scheduled to hold talks in Baghdad on December 18, in a joint effort to quell the violence in Iraq. Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari confirmed the meeting. According to reports the ambassadors of both countries, while bitter enemies have met three times in the past. Washington accuses Teheran of providing funds and arms for Shi\'te militias that operate in Iraq. However Zehari told reporters the meeting will be "technical and a follow up to the last meeting of security experts, not at the level of ambassadors deputy chiefs of missions and security experts."
There are also unconfirmed reports that US Administration officials intended to meet with Syrian officials in the near future. Possibly in an attempt to coax Syrian President Bashar Assad away from the Islamic Republic in order to isolate Syria from Iran and possibly encourage the Syrian regime to engage in peace talks with Israel. [Reported by: Bridges for Peace
· Pray that this new tactic of speaking with Iran and Syria will not lead to greater catastrophe and will not isolate Israel in future planning. This is a serious development to be watched carefully and regarded with commitment to prayer. · "Your fierceness has deceived you, the pride of your heart, O you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, who hold the height of the hill! Though you make your nest as high as the eagle, I will bring you down from there," says the LORD." (Jeremiah 49:16)
9. PALESTINIAN SECURITY FORCES UNDERGO TRAINING IN RUSSIA
Fearing a West Bank [Judea and Samaria] coup by Hamas, Palestinian security forces loyal to President Mahmoud Abbas [Abu Mazen] have been sent to Russia to undergo a 30 day course in weapons training, rescuing hostages and arresting armed suspects.
According to a report in the New York Daily News, the Palestinian counter terror unit called Al Himaya Wal Isnad (Protection and Reinforcement) has sent its first batch of 25 officers. The Palestinian security forces are undergoing training in a secret Russian base, and the Russian instructors are members of the elite Alpha unit, many of whom fought against Moslem rebels in Chechnya.
The report claims that similar courses are being conducted in France, Germany and Algeria, and there are plans to send scores of Palestinian security forces abroad each month. Dr. Ibrahim Khraishi the assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs said the troops are receiving good training.
In order to motivate the Palestinian security forces a cell phone video clip shows footage of a Fatah leader lynched by Hamas in July in Gaza being dragged through the streets. (Bridges for Peace)
· Pray that the major powers will not contribute to more killing in the Middle East by equipping militants for war. · "Do not grant, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not further his wicked scheme, lest they be exalted." (Psalm 140:8)
10. ISRAELI-SPONSORED RESOLUTION PASSES IN THE U.N.
First Time Ever for Israel!
The United Nations General Assembly's Second Committee (Economic and Financial) today adopted an Israeli-initiated draft resolution dealing with agricultural technology for development. After a lengthy diplomatic process, which lasted more than six months, UN-member states supported the resolution in a vote of 118 countries in favor, with 29 abstentions and no objections. The resolution calls on developed countries to make their knowledge and know-how in the field of agricultural technology more accessible to the developing world, in particular the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger. The resolution calls on the UN Secretary General to submit a report to the General Assembly on its implementation within two years.
The resolution is the culmination of an unprecedented process in which Israel for the first time initiated a socio-economic resolution at the UN General Assembly, on the first subject which the UN has set among its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)- the eradication of poverty and elimination of hunger, with the goal of halving the world level of poverty and hunger by 2015. The resolution adopted today by the UN gives expression to Israeli know-how in the areas of agriculture, fighting desertification, rural development, irrigation, medical development, computers and the empowerment of women, as reflected for many years in Israel\'s contribution to developing nations, particularly in Africa.
This is an important achievement for Israeli diplomacy, reflecting Israel's desire to fulfill its role in the UN institutions and the international community in the professional arena, and to demonstrate our high level and capabilities in the area of science and research. Now, after the adoption of resolution, will begin the phase of implementation, in cooperation with the relevant UN bodies and states, in which Israel's contribution will be brought into practice.
Following the adoption of the resolution, Ambassador Dan Gillerman, permanent representative of Israel to the UN, said: "This first, historic Israeli-initiated resolution adopted by the UN is a signal of Israel's exceptional contribution to the world. Israel will continue to share its creative and innovative ideas, and will demonstrate that it is an equal, respected member at the UN, having much to offer to the organization's agenda, and beyond the Israeli- Palestinian conflict." (By Israel MFA Spokesman, December 11, 2007)
· Praise God for this wonderful success for the Israeli's in the United Nations. Israel has waited a long time for this moment. Join in their joy and pray the recognition will not be short-lived. · "Moreover I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more; nor shall the sons of wickedness oppress them anymore, as previously." (2 Samuel 7:10)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
GOD OF ALL GRACE (Ehlohay HaKhesed)
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (I Peter 5:10)
Dear Lord,
I know that You are waiting for me at the finish line of this trial. As I persevere, thank You for perfecting and establishing me in Messiah. Thank You, God of All Grace, for always bringing me through victoriously. Thank You that success is not dependent on my strength, but my reliance of Your strength and Your grace. How lovely is Your name, O God of all grace!
"In that day you will say: "Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted." (Isaiah 12:4)
(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)
