Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Daily Brief - Wednesday - Jan. 31, 2007

1. President Bush Says "Iraqis Are Beginning To Take The Lead" - NPR, "Morning Edition"

In an interview Tuesday with NPR, President Bush stated, "The Iraqis are beginning to take the lead. . . Our job is to help them. I'm hopeful the decision I've made is going to yield enough results so that the Iraqi government is going to take more of the responsibility. . . it is in our interest to help them, with an additional 21,000 troops, particularly in Baghdad."

• Lord we pray Your wisdom will prevail over all of our President's decisions regarding Iraq. We ask for stability in Iraq, and that You keep its fledgling democracy from crumbling or becoming an ally of evil. • "He rules by His power forever, His eyes behold the nations; let not the rebellious exalt themselves." (Psalm 66:7)

2. Lawmakers in Battle Over War Powers on Iraq - Fox News

The new Democratic-led Congress is on a collision course with the White House over how far lawmakers can or should go to stop the war in Iraq, a dispute that could test the bounds of the Constitution.

• Lord we bind the spirit of division in our Congress. We ask that You visit all of our lawmakers with truth and wisdom, and that both parties will work together with the President for the best interests of our nation. • "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (1 Cor 1:10)

3. Bush, Dems Agree on Iraq Advising - AP

Democratic leaders agree to Lieberman-brokered plan that would create bipartisan advisory group picked by Pelosi, Reid.

• Offer praise for this breakthrough and continue to hover over all of these talks in prayer. God will make a way where there seems to be no way for our leaders to agree on the correct policy to bring victory in the war in Iraq. • "For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37)

4. Bush Warns Iran Against Action in Iraq - ABC News

President Bush said Monday the United States "will respond firmly" if Iran escalates military action in Iraq and endangers American forces. But Bush emphasized he has no intention of invading Iran.

• Lord, let the evil regime of Iran fall, and may every secret plan devised by they or their allies be destroyed from the inside out. • "Let my adversaries be clothed with shame; and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle." (Psalm 109:29)

5. U.S. missile defense maturing, latest test a success - Reuters

Within a year, the U.S. missile defense system should be able to guard against enemy attacks, while testing new technologies, the deputy director of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency said on Monday.

• Lord we pray that this missile defense system will be effective, move along quickly, and fall within budgetary allowances. We ask Your protection over it, while standing firmly on You alone as our true refuge from attacks. • "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God." (Psalm 20:7)

6. Administration To Propose $200 Million to Curb Violent Crime - USA Today
. . . Are you a Believer??
The Bush administration is proposing a $200 million grant program to help law enforcement agencies respond to surging violent-crime rates in cities across the nation, Justice Department officials said Monday. The program would help local and state police agencies pay for officers' overtime, equipment and other expenses stemming from new regional task forces aimed at curbing violent crime.

• Lord thank You for a proposal to assist law enforcement agencies. We ask that You watch over it to be administered wisely. We also ask that Your Holy Spirit move over our cities to change the hearts of violent people. • "He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence . . ." (Psalm 72:14a)

7. U.S. Volunteerism Reaches Historic High - Christian Science Monitor

Those small donations of time are adding up: More Americans than ever before are volunteering. In 2005, 29 percent of adults were serving – a 30-year high, according to a December report by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).

• Thank you, Lord, for so many people who are willing to give up time and energy to volunteer. Father, let Your Holy Spirit move on these and others to bring about the answers to issues that have gone unmet within our nation. Let the world see that the works of Your Spirit in the lives of people can make a difference far above expensive government programs. • "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (James 2:17)

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"O LORD, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death, that I may declare Your praises in the gates of the Daughter of Zion and there rejoice in Your salvation." (Psalm 9:13,14)

1. Iran and Saudi Arabia mediating in Lebanon crisis - Int'l Herald Tribune

Prince Saud Al Faisal said that Iran had approached his country to "cooperate in averting strife between Sunnis and Shiites in Iraq and Lebanon".
In an unusual collaboration that could complicate American policy in the region, Iran and Saudi Arabia have been mediating an agreement to end Lebanon's violent political crisis.

2. Bush Says Invading Iran 'Not the Plan' - ABC News

President Bush believes he might have been misunderstood when he started speaking about the need to go after Iran for its involvement in aiding the insurgency in Iraq.

3. US strike group transits Suez Canal - Jerusalem Post

A US Navy strike group led by the assault ship USS Bataan steamed through the Suez Canal on Tuesday on its way to join the buildup of American forces in the Middle East.

4. How the 'axis' seeks the killer missile - Washington Times

North Korea and Iran are cooperating in developing long-range missiles, the deputy director of the Pentagon's Missile Defense Agency said yesterday.

5. Hamas, Fatah agree to Gaza ceasefire - Ynet News

Rival Palestinian factions struck a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza early Tuesday morning, aiming to end to the fiercest internal fighting since the Hamas' election victory a year ago, in which at least 30 Palestinians have been killed.

Family Research Council Calls for Action in Graffiti Case

Her latest role … Jane Fonda, centre, and Susan Sarandon, right, were among the high-profile protesters at the anti-war demonstration in Washington.
Photo: Reuters

FRC has done some digging and uncovered more shocking details about the anti-war march in Washington this past weekend. For such a small crowd, the demonstrators were an interesting bunch of people - everything from actors and anarchists to the members of Congress who marched alongside them, including: Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Reps. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), Maxine Waters (D-CA), Jerry Nadler (D-NY), and House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D-MI). Also addressing the crowd from his prison cell was convicted cop-killer Mumia Abu Jamal.

After talking to members of the Capitol Hill police, FRC discovered that one reason the officers held back from confronting one batch of protestors was because the anarchists threatened the officers with bottles of human urine. Additional damage done to both city and personal property includes a news truck pelted with rocks and spray-painted street signs. Although the demonstrators claimed they supported the troops but not the war, The New York Times reported that some of the protestors actually spat at war veterans as they marched by.

Peaceful civil disobedience has an honorable history in the United States, yet many of those who protested last weekend were neither civil nor peaceful. Speaker Pelosi must respond to these actions, even though her party had connections to this shameful march. For a report from the Capitol steps, log on to www.frc.org and watch the video featuring FRC Radio's Washington Correspondent, Bethanie Swendsen.

Take Action Now
Take Action: Ask Congress - Are Left-Wing Vandals Above the Law?

(Source: Family Research Council)

• "Thy people shall volunteer freely in the day of Thy power." (Psalm 103:12 NASB)

Iraqis Stepping Up

Iraqi soldiers, backed by U.S. troops and air power, launched a major raid against a radical Shiite cult, known as "Soldiers of Heaven," in Najaf over the weekend that resulted in a 24-hour gun battle. When the fighting stopped, more than 100 terrorists had been captured, and, according to Iraqi officials, twice that number had been killed. Among the dead were Afghans and Saudis. Iraqi officials also said that Sunnis loyal to Saddam Hussein were involved in the plot.

These were not "run of the mill" thugs, but terrorists with a purpose, plotting to assassinate leading Shiite clerics, including the spiritual leader of Iraq's majority Shiite population, Grand Ayatollah Ali al- Sistani, during a pilgrimage on one of the major Muslim holy days.

This was a major victory for the Iraqi security forces, which took the lead in the fight. It also represented a victory for the United States, because the operation worked exactly as it should have - Iraqi forces in front, with U.S. forces providing support. The major media, however, have virtually ignored the battle. In fact, ABC's Evening News last night led off with the story of Barbaro, the champion racehorse that had to be euthanized due to an injury.

For those wondering why a Shiite cult would want to assassinate Shiite clerics, there's another story here that you won't read about in the major media. The "Soldiers of Heaven" believe that through violence and chaos they can force the return of a Muslim messiah, who will purge the world of "infidels."

Notable followers of this apocalyptic strain of Islam include Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has said repeatedly that Israel would be "wiped off the map" and that the United States would "soon cease to exist." Today's Washington Times reports that Iran and North Korea are cooperating in the development of an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting the United States. The Pentagon estimates Iran could possess such a missile in the next seven years. That is why Ahmadinejad is working so feverishly to develop nuclear technology - not for energy production, but to fulfill a radical religious obligation to bring about Armageddon.

(Gary Bauer; End- of-Day; Jan. 30, 2007)

Russia And Iran Move Closer To End Time Battle With Israel

Russia, in what appears to be a strongman move in retaliation for the United States placing sanctions on Russia’s largest arms exporter, has told Iran it will deliver by March nuclear fuel that could double for the manufacture of nuclear weapons. According to the security report DEBKAfile, Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to go ahead with completing the Iranian nuclear plant by September and deliver the fuel by March—both of which had been hanging in the balance until the U.S. sanctions. The sanctions seemed to be linked to the sale of sophisticated Russian anti-missile systems to Iran.

The announcement by Russian Security Chief Igor Ivanov made in Tehran comes in the wake of yet another provocation of Russia and Iran toward the United States. DEBKAfile reports that Tehran put the new Russian Tor-M1 systems through their paces for the first time in a missile exercise that took place in central Iran last week. Iranian-made missiles were used to simulate American or Israeli missiles coming in for attacks on nuclear sites and Revolutionary Guard bases. Present at the exercise were missile experts of the sanctioned Russian arms dealer Rosoboronexport, there to advise Iran on how to integrate the new Tor-M1 systems into its air defenses.

This, combined with news that North Korea has agreed to share its nuclear weapons technology and engineering know-how with Iran in an effort to complete an underground nuclear test within the year, spells trouble for the United States and Israel. Analysts believe that a nuclear Iran could change the entire balance of power in the Middle East. Already, Iran is waging a clandestine war against the U.S. in Iraq. Iran has made its rounds to the Western Hemisphere as its President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visited Central and South American countries in early January, announcing a new multi-billion dollar fund to assist these nations in counterbalancing the economic and military power of the U.S. in the region.

Iran is the spear point of the new Russian revolution. Not motivated by zealous religious causes, Russia is intent on strategically positioning other willing nations to do its dirty work in an effort to regain an even stronger grip on the world economic and political power grid than that of the former Soviet Union. Iran is an all too willing accomplice, wanting to spread the “Peace of Islam” to the world and motivated by its desire to destroy Israel and the United States. These are the ingredients of the end time battle of Russia and Iran against Israel as prophesied in Ezekiel 39:9 that of the weapons “they shall burn them with fire seven years.” It is time for all to make right their relationship with their Creator.

Bill Wilson

Word of Life Ministry

www.dailyjot.com

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Daily Brief - Tuesday - January 30, 2007

1. President Bush Urges Bipartisan Support For Energy And Health Care Proposals - Bloomberg

President George W. Bush, seeking to garner support for the key proposals in his State of the Union address this week, urged lawmakers to embrace bipartisanship on energy and health-care overhaul. "To protect America against supply disruptions, I have asked Congress to double the current capacity of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve," Bush said in his weekly radio address on Saturday. "We also must diversify our nation's energy supply, and the way forward is through technology . . . While some members gave a reflexive partisan response, I was encouraged that others welcomed this opportunity to reach across the aisle," Bush said today.

• Pray that God will prevail over man’s will and that only those things that He would have us focus on for this nation’s good will be manifested. Pray that new technology and innovations in alternative fuels be attainable quickly with no partisan division.
• "You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet." (Psalms 8:6)

2. At Least 250 Militants Killed During Battle in Iraq - Fox News

U.S.-backed Iraqi troops on Sunday attacked insurgents allegedly plotting to kill pilgrims at a major Shiite Muslim religious festival, and Iraqi officials estimated some 250 militants died in the daylong battle near Najaf.

• "The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways." (Deuteronomy 28:7)

3. Bush's backdoor attack: Iran via Hizbullah - Ynet News

President Bush has authorized an aggressive program aimed at impeding Iran's influence all around the Middle East, including in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories.

• Pray that God will give President Bush much favor with the nations as he works to undermine Iran's influence in the Middle East and that they will join him in doing so.
• "And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house." (Ezekiel 2:6) "For the Lord giveth wisdom; out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6)

4. Iranian Reveals Plan to Expand Role in Iraq - NY Times
There is a storm coming . . .
Iran’s ambassador to Baghdad outlined an ambitious plan on Sunday to greatly expand its economic and military ties with Iraq -- including an Iranian national bank branch in the heart of the capital -- just as the Bush administration has been warning the Iranians to stop meddling in Iraqi affairs.

• Ask our Lord to frustrate the plans of Iran in every wicked thing they plan! Pray for Iran’s leadership to change for the better. • "He frustrates the devices of the crafty, So that their hands cannot carry out their plans. He catches the wise in their own craftiness, And the counsel of the cunning comes quickly upon them." (Job 5:12,13)

5. U.S. Prepares for Iran Long-Range Missiles - MENL

The United States has launched an effort to counter Iran's nascent long-range ballistic missile program. Officials said the Defense Department plans to deploy missile defense assets in Eastern Europe that could intercept Iranian intermediate-range missiles fired toward the United States or its European allies. They said the Czech Republic and Poland have been selected to host the missile defense assets amid an expected Iranian threat to Europe over the next few years.


• Pray that the Defense Department will not have any problems in quickly getting these defense missiles in place. Pray that we will never have to use these weapons but that there will be a quick change for the better in the Middle East. • "There are many plans in a man's heart, Nevertheless the Lord's counsel--that will stand." (Proverbs 19:21 )

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"O LORD, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death, that I may declare Your praises in the gates of the Daughter of Zion and there rejoice in Your salvation." (Psalm 9:13,14)

1. Suicide bomber kills three in Eilat - ICEJ News

At least three people were killed around 9:30 Monday morning in the southern Israeli resort city of Eilat, when a suicide bomber detonated himself at a local bakery, injuring an unknown number of others. Spokespersons for the terror wing of the Palestinian Fatah party - the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades - and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed joint responsibility for the attack.

2. UN General Assembly condemns Holocaust denial - Ynet News
Resolution ‘urges all member states unreservedly to reject any denial’
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on Friday condemning denials of the Holocaust. The resolution, co-sponsored by 103 countries, was approved by consensus, without a vote. Iran disassociated itself from the action, calling the US- drafted resolution a political exercise.

3. World War III has already begun, says Israeli spy chief - Ynet News

Halevy. 'No one is conscious of war' Photo: Avigail Uzi

A third World War is already underway between Islamic militancy and the West but most people do not realize it, the former head of Israel’s intelligence service Mossad said in an interview published Saturday in Portugal.

4. Iran prepares people for "messiah miracles" - WND

Official Iranian radio has completed broadcasting a lengthy series on the imminent appearance of a messianic figure who will defeat Islam's enemies and impose Islamic Shiite rule over the entire world – even speculating on specific dates the so- called "Mahdi" will be revealed.

5. Lewis: "Islam about to take over Europe" - Jerusalem Post

World-renowned Middle Eastern and Islamic scholar Prof. Bernard Lewis told The Jerusalem Post on Sunday that Islam could soon "take over" Europe, which, in the name of political correctness, has given up the battle for cultural and religious control. When asked by The Post what this meant for European Jewry, Lewis responded, "The outlook for the Jewish communities of Europe is dim." Click for more links

A Tale of Two Marches

What a difference an ideology makes. Last Monday, 200,000 pro-lifers descended on the nation's capital to peacefully protest 34 years of abortion-on- demand. Despite record crowds and a line-up of speakers that included President Bush by phone, the March for Life earned little more than a footnote in the nation's news. Days later, radical anti-war protestors staged a march in Washington that mustered only 10,000, and the event made the front page of nearly every newspaper in America. Yet for all the media the small demonstration received, few news outlets reported the true headline of the day.

According to reports, hundreds of demonstrators were allowed to take the steps of the U.S. Capitol during the march and desecrate the property with "anarchist symbols." When police formed a security line to stop them, U.S. Capitol Police Chief Phillip Morse ordered his men to fall back and allow the protestors to "exercise their First Amendment rights" by spray-painting the Capitol grounds with graffiti. One source at the scene said that Morse issued an order that no one was to be arrested for desecrating America's and arguably the world's greatest symbol of democracy. In an e-mail on his actions, Morse writes, "The graffiti was easily removed by the [Architect of the Capitol] staff... It is [our] duty and responsibility to protect the Capitol complex, while allowing the public to exercise their [freedom of speech]."

Imagine the response had Christians "trespassed" onto this public property and prayed for our leaders! I dare say the outcome would have been quite different. Unlike last Monday's peaceful pro-life protest, this mob of liberals was given access and leniency to commit criminal acts on government property. This special treatment is unacceptable. The Capitol Chief of Police reports directly to the Speaker of the House, a title which now belongs to one of the demonstrators' most outspoken allies, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). Surely, the tens of millions of dollars the American people have invested in the security of their Capitol means there is videotape that will assist in the identification and arrest of the perpetrators. Speaker Pelosi should direct that investigation and prosecution go forward.

Additional Resources
FRC Video of Graffiti on Capital Steps
Anti-war protesters spray paint Capitol building

(Family Research Council; Tony Perkins' Washington Update, Jan. 29, 2007)

Public Expressions of Religion Act

Brownback reintroduces the Public Expressions of Religion Act

U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today reintroduced the Public Expressions of Religion Act, which would prevent activist groups from using a 1970s-era civil rights law to recover attorney’s fees when they sue local cities and towns in cases related to public displays of religion and faith. “It is not fair for taxpayers to pay the legal bills for groups like the ACLU,” said Brownback. “Currently many small towns comply with the demands of the ACLU rather than risk going to trial and paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees to the ACLU if they lose the case.” Brownback continued, “The legislation I introduced today would still allow plaintiffs with legitimate claims to have their day in court. However, it would prevent local cities and towns from being coerced into settling claims out of a fear of huge monetary losses.” For example, when several groups won a case in Alabama to remove a Ten Commandments display from the Alabama Supreme Court building, taxpayers were forced to pay the groups’ attorneys nearly $550,000. The Public Expressions of Religion Act would require parties in Establishment Clause cases to pay their own attorney’s fees.

Brownback is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and is the ranking member on the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Property Rights.

(Press Release: Office of Senator Sam Brownback)

In Congress This Week . . .

The Senate wraps up a bill to raise the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour, possibly tagging on $8 billion in small business tax breaks and - less likely - a measure to expand small business health plans.

The House plans to vote on a long - term “continuing resolution” that will keep the federal government running at 2006 cash levels through fiscal year 2007. The resolution next gets handed over to the Senate for its okay before the current continuing resolution runs out on February 15.

Iran At War With US In Iraq

Iran has been infiltrating Iraq with intelligence operatives since 2001 and has been recruiting secret Shia militiamen by the tens of thousands since 2004 in an effort to take control of southern Iraq and its oil reserves, according to a report by Mounir Elkhamri, a Middle East Military Analyst for the Foreign Military Studies Office, writing for the Jamestown Foundation. Elkhamri’s extensive research indicates that Iran actually supported the U.S. invasion of Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein, and is implementing a strategy to take over Iraq by being the leading financier and recruiter of opposition to the United States.

The New York Times has reported that the Iranian ambassador to Baghdad outlined a plan to increase its influence in Iraq by opening a national bank there and will be increasing military assistance to Iraq through a “joint security committee.” But according to the Elkhamri report, Iran already has infiltrated the Iraqi government and has recruited over 70,000 militia to fight against the United States, paying them the equivalent of $1,000 per month. Elkhamri reported that Iran sent its special forces officers to Iraq through a construction company that was working on a shrine in Najaf. These officers established contacts and organized underground militia cells in southern Iraq.

The Elkhamir report indicates that the Iranian terrorist regime anticipated a weakening of American will to fight in Iraq over the long term. As leftists in the United States are organizing anti-war protests and liberal politicians are advocating an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, the report states “Iran has sent several Iraqi political figures who were living in Iran back to Iraq to infiltrate and obtain sensitive political positions in the new Iraqi government. Iran considers these figures a solid foundation in the process of incorporating Iraq, without its northern area of Kurdistan, the moment the coalition forces start leaving Iraq.” Elkhamir says the Iranians used the Iraqi elections to make sure their supporters were elected.

Elkhamri says the Iraqi Shia militias that are providing the opposition to the United States have the military, financial and spiritual support of the Iranian government. At stake are the rich oilfields in Southern Iraq which could give Iran control of over 20% of the world’s oil supply. The New York Times story and the Elkhamri report confirm that the U.S. is engaged in a war for the survival of the Republic and the frontlines are Iraq. Iraq has been cleverly infiltrated by Iran and America’s leftist politicians are in lock and step with the Iranian strategy. Conspiracy, no. Same spirit, yes. 2 Timothy 3:13 says of the latter days, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.”

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!

Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry

Monday, January 29, 2007

PART TWO: INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XIV, No. 3b

1. BUSH DISCUSSES HIS STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS IN IRAQ
2. SENATOR JOHN WARNER CALLS SURGE A "MISTAKE"
3. IRAQI PM AL-MALIKI CHANGES COURSE
4. PRESIDENT BUSH'S NEW POLICY FOR IRANIAN TERRORISTS IN IRAQ
5. KERRY SAYS U.S. "A SORT OF INTERNATIONAL PARIAH"
6. IRAN MAY BE DEVELOPING ICBM
7. IRAN SET TO ASSEMBLE THOUSANDS OF URANIUM CENTRIFUGES
8. SPECIAL OPS FORCE CREATED TO TARGET IRANIANS
9. THIRD AIRCRAFT CARRIER DEPLOYED IN SURGE
10. BUSH DENIES PREPARING ATTACK AGAINST IRAN
11. JORDAN SEEKING TO BECOME A NUCLEAR POWER
12. ISRAEL: TOUGH ISSUES ADDRESSED AT HERZLIYA CONFERENCE


1. BUSH DISCUSSES HIS STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS IN IRAQ

President Bush implored lawmakers and the nation during last night's State of the Union Address to give him one more chance to win the war in Iraq and avoid the 'nightmare scenario' of defeat while presenting a domestic agenda intended to find common cause with the new Democratic Congress on issues such as energy and immigration. Addressing for the first time a Congress controlled by the other party, Bush challenged Democrats to "show our enemies abroad that we are united in the goal of victory" and warned that the consequences of failure in Iraq "would be grievous and far-reaching." "I respect you and the arguments you've made," Bush told skeptical lawmakers from both parties in his sixth State of the Union address and the fourth since the invasion of Iraq in March 2003. "We went into this largely united – in our assumptions and in our convictions. And whatever you voted for, you did not vote for failure. Our country is pursuing a new strategy in Iraq, and I ask you to give it a chance to work." (The Washington Post)

• Lord Jesus, we need to You intervene to help the elected officials in Washington, D.C. to think clearly with open minds and hearts to do the right thing for the American people and for our Troops in Iraq. Lord please bring stability to Iraq and keep them safe. In Jesus' Name, amen.

• "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." (Psalm 32:8)

2. SENATOR JOHN WARNER CALLS SURGE A "MISTAKE"

Senate Democrats rebuked President Bush yesterday over his handling of the war in Iraq with a rare wartime vote condemning the commander in chief's plan to add troops to the battlefield. "Our resolution of disapproval is not -- I emphasize not -- an attempt to embarrass the president. It is not an attempt to demonstrate isolation . . . It's an attempt to save the president from making a significant mistake with regard to our policy in Iraq," said the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. The resolution passed by a vote of 12-9, falling largely along party lines.

Meanwhile the Ranking (Minority) Chairman of the Committee, Senator John Warner (R-VA) offered his own, less combative nonbinding resolution as a substitute for the Democrat's proposal. "We have put a greater emphasis on urging the president to consider other options, given that we have a general disagreemnt with the very significant level of troops that are specifically set forth in the president's plan," Mr. Warner said. Senator Chuck Hagel was the only Republican that joined all 11 Democrats on the Committee in favor of the nonbinding resolution. (Washington Times)

• As Congress continues to grapple with the question of how to respond to the president's new policy in Iraq, pray that God's wisdom would be granted to all parties involved. The world is watching our democracy in action. Pray that all of our leaders would exhibit the character of "grace under fire" as this policy is set in place.

• "And He causeth all things to work together for good for those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose." (Rom. 8:28)

3. IRAQI PM AL-MALIKI CHANGES COURSE

Under intense US pressure, Iraqi PM Nouri al-Maliki has withdrawn his tacit support of the Shi’ite militias. Specifically, he has withdrawn a hand of protection from leading Shi’ite cleric, Muqtada al- Sadr, the head of the Mahdi army. A leading cause of the continuing sectarian violence has been rogue militias that US and Iraqi forces have not been given full permission to reign in.

President Bush’s proposal to boost US troop levels in Iraq by 21,000 continues to draw fire on Capitol Hill. The president hopes the increase will enable US and Iraqi troops to quell the continuing sectarian violence in Baghdad and the restive Anbar province. His opponents see the proposed increase as an unnecessary “escalation.”

American disunity on Iraq policy only serves to embolden our enemies. Unfortunately, most Americans still don't understand the mindset of our Islamofascist enemies. Any premature withdrawal of US forces will be seen by the Islamic terrorists as a victory over the “Great Satan.”

• Pray for supernatural wisdom for President Bush and the Congress as they manage US policy on the war in Iraq. Pray that the power of the insurgency would be broken and that the threat of civil war would recede. Pray for success of American and Iraqi troops as they go on the offensive against rogue militias. Continue to intercede for the success of Iraqi PM Jawad al-Maliki’s efforts to reduce sectarian violence and initiate national reconciliation. Pray that Americans would realize how high the stakes are and how foolish it would be for the US to withdraw before the mission is accomplished. (Sons of Issachar)

• "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit saith the Lord." (Zech. 4:6b)

4. PRESIDENT BUSH'S NEW POLICY FOR IRANIAN TERRORISTS IN IRAQ
“Kill or capture”


The Washington Post recently described the new policy in place for dealing with Iranian terrorists - many of whom are government officials or members of the Revolutionary Guards - who are training, funding, and arming Iraq’s Shiite militias or other terrorist groups.

Iran is directly responsible for the deaths of American soldiers serving in Iraq, but bureaucrats at the Pentagon and elsewhere in the Washington establishment didn’t want to “escalate the conflict” by forcefully dealing with the Iranian terrorists. Whenever they were caught, the Iranians were simply detained for a few days and then released. According to a senior administration official, “There were no costs for the Iranians. They are hurting our mission in Iraq, and we were bending over backwards not to fight back.” So, President Bush recently authorized a new policy: “Kill or capture.”

A counterterrorism official quoted in the Post story said, “Our goal is to change the dynamic with the Iranians, to change the way the Iranians perceive us and perceive themselves. They need to understand that they cannot be a party to endangering U.S. soldiers’ lives and American interests, as they have before. That is going to end.”

President Bush has declared war on appeasement – if your enemy perceives you are unwilling to fight, no amount of talking or diplomacy will dissuade them from attacking you. Right now, Iran believes the West is weak – it believes the U.S. is “bogged down” in Iraq and Afghanistan, with waning public support at home. The Iranians are fighting to win; their only objective is to see America humiliated. (Gary Bauer)

• Praise the Lord for the President Bush's tough stand against appeasement. Common sense dictates that diplomacy and talk do not stop bullies. Pray that the US media will cease its campaign against the war in Iraq, stirring up the impractical idealism of many Americans. Let the president know that you support his fight against terrorism. Pray for justice and liberty in these countries that have only known terrorism.

• "The wicked have drawn out the sword, and bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken." (Psalm 37: 14-15)

5. KERRY SAYS U.S. "A SORT OF INTERNATIONAL PARIAH"

Democratic Senator John Kerry says the Bush administration's foreign policy has caused the U-S to become --quote-- "a sort of international pariah." The statement came as the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee responded to a question today in Davos, Switzerland, about whether the U-S government had failed to adequately engage Iran's government before the election of hard-liner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (mahk-MOOD' ah-muh-DEE'- neh-zhadh) in 2005. Kerry says the Bush administration has failed to adequately address a number of foreign policy issues, including AIDS in Africa and global warming. He also criticized what he called Americans' habit of seeing the world exclusively through an American lens. Kerry says the government needs to use diplomacy to improve national security. (AP)

• Praise the Lord that some alert reporter listened to Sen. Kerry as he spoke to an international audience of globalists gathered to discuss world economics. Alongside Sen. Kerry sat the representative from Iran, who must have been delighted by the senator's remarks and slur against our country. Pray for the salvation of Sen. Kerry, whose heart seems not to be with his own country that he represents in Congress. Sen. Reid (D-NV) announced on the floor of the Senate last Wednesday the he " loved" Sen. Kerry. Pray for righteousness in our senators, for without a righteous spirit, they cannot legislate justice.

• "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." (Proverbs 18:21)

6. IRAN MAY BE DEVELOPING ICBM

Iran has converted one of its most powerful ballistic missiles into a satellite launch vehicle. The 30-ton rocket could also be a wolf in sheep's clothing for testing longer-range missile strike technologies, Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine reports in its Jan. 29 issue. The move toward an independent space launch capacity is likely to ratchet up concern in the U.S. and Europe about Iran's strategic capabilities and intents. Orbiting its own satellite would send a powerful message throughout the Muslim world about the Shiite regime in Tehran.

U.S. agencies believe the launcher to be a derivation of either of two vehicles -- the liquid-propellant, 800- 1,000-mi. range Shahab 3 missile, or the 1,800-mi. range, solid propellant Ghadar-110. A Shahab 3 or a Ghadar-110 fired from central Iran could strike anywhere in Israel, Saudi Arabia, the entire Persian Gulf region and as far west as southern Turkey.

There are concerns in the West that space launch upgrades, however, could eventually create an Iranian intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of nearly 2,500 mi., giving Tehran the ability to strike as far as central Europe, well into Russia and even China and India. (Intercessors for America)

• Such weapon development by Iran could hold the world in hostage to a country that is driven by fanatics in leadership. Pray that Iran's leadership be deposed and that new leaders reflect the will of the people, who currently live unhappily under tyranny. Again, pray that the development of ICBM be brought under confusion at every turn and that attempts to build it be blocked and frustrated. Continue to pray for the harvest of souls in Iran, where a covert church is growing.

• "Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you: I will uphold you with My victorious hand. See, all your angry enemies lie confused and shattered. Anyone opposing you will die." (Isaiah 10-12 TLB)

7. IRAN SET TO ASSEMBLE THOUSANDS OF URANIUM CENTRIFUGES

Iran has begun installing 3,000 centrifuges, a top lawmaker said Saturday. Alaeddin Boroujerdi said the installation of 3,000 centrifuges at an Iranian uranium enrichment plant "stabilizes Iran's capability in the field of nuclear technology," the official Islamic Republic News Agency reported. "We are right now installing 3,000 centrifuges," Boroujerdi, the head of the Iranian Parliament's Foreign Policy and National Security Committee, was quoted as saying by IRNA. (AP)

• As the news out of Iran continues to seem more dangerous by the day, let us fix our hope on our Lord Jesus Christ -- the Author and the Finisher of our faith. He WILL make a way to tear down the wicked, establish the righteous, and bring His peace to the land. • "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the Name of the Lord our God." (Psalm 20:7 NIV)

8. SPECIAL OPS FORCE CREATED TO TARGET IRANIANS

According to US News and World Report, a special operations force has been created to target Iranians trafficking arms to and training Shiite militias – notably Mogtada Sadr’s Mehdi Army. It is formed of SEALs, Army Delta Force soldiers and CIA operatives and operates in line with the Bush get-tough policy with the networks operated by Iran and Syria. (Debka, 1/20/07)[Reported by: IFA]

• Pray that the mission to secure Baghdad would be successful. PRAY that Iraqi leaders would overcome divisive ethnic politics. Ask the LORD to raise up leaders who could skillfully bring together all parties and effect compromises which would bless all Iraqis.

• "But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: He is their strength in time of trouble. He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him." ( Psalm 37: 39,40b)

9. THIRD AIRCRAFT CARRIER DEPLOYED IN SURGE

After two weeks of frenetic preparation by its crew, the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan glided away from its North Island pier Saturday morning on an unusual “surge” deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. Pentagon leaders summoned the Navy's newest flattop back into service following President Bush's decision earlier this month to station a second carrier, the John Stennis, in the Persian Gulf along with the Dwight Eisenhower carrier strike group.

The Reagan – joined by its California-based carrier air wing, the cruiser Lake Champlain and the destroyer Russell – will fill the Stennis' slot in the western Pacific. The Reagan deployment is the first real-world test of the Navy's four-year-old Fleet Response Plan, designed to make most of the 12-ship carrier fleet available for use on short notice. “We stay in a state of readiness now,” said Capt. Terry Kraft, the Reagan's commanding officer. (San Diego Union-Tribune)

• Continue in prayer for the safety of all of our troops now serving in Iran and Afghanistan. Through prayer, great and mighty works can be undertaken, foiling the plans of our enemies. • "The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies." (Psalm 41:2)

10. BUSH DENIES PREPARING ATTACK AGAINST IRAN

George W. Bush on Friday sought to deny widespread rumours his administration was preparing some kind of military action against Iran. Mr Bush confirmed a report in that he had authorized US troops to shoot and kill Iranian operatives in Iraq but: “We believe we can solve our problems with Iran diplomatically,” said the US president. “It makes sense that if somebody is trying to harm our troops, or stop us from achieving our goal, or killing innocent citizens in Iraq, that we will stop them.”

But the US president’s relatively emollient comments are unlikely to quell speculation about the reasons behind the recent escalation of White House rhetoric towards Iran. In his prime time address on the “new way forward in Iraq” two weeks ago, Mr Bush pledged to “interrupt the flow of support [for extremists in Iraq] from Iran and Syria...We will seek out and destroy the networks providing advanced weaponry and training to our enemies in Iraq.” In his State of the Union address to the joint houses of Congress on Tuesday, he lumped Iran with al- Qaeda. “It has also become clear that we face an escalating danger from Shia extremists who take direction from the regime in Iran. The Shia and Sunni extremists are different faces of the same totalitarian threat.”

Last week, Mr Bush ordered a second US aircraft carrier to the Gulf and the deployment of more Patriot missiles in US military bases there. Richard Haass, former head of policy planning at the State Department in the first Bush administration, said the US president was leaving both the diplomatic and military option open. “You could interpret Bush’s recent actions towards Iran in two ways – either he is increasing pressure on the regime in order to soften it up for talks over its uranium enrichment plans, or this is classic gunboat diplomacy in which the US is preparing for some kind of punitive action,” said Mr Haass. “My guess is that Mr Bush’s actions leave room for either scenario and the Bush administration remains divided over which to pursue.”

Both Secretary of State Rice and Secretary of Defence Gates are thought to be pushing the White House to open talks with Iranian. However, others in the Bush administration, notably Dick Cheney, who last year warned Iran that it would face “meaningful consequences” if it continued to foment violence in Iraq, are thought to be arguing for the military option. Meanwhile, in a short statement to commemorate International Holocaust Day on Friday, Iran was the only country Mr Bush cited by name: “Remembering the victims, heroes, and lessons of the Holocaust is particularly important today as Holocaust denial continues, urged on by the Iranian regime, which perversely seeks to call into question the historical fact of the Nazis’ campaign of mass murder,” he said. (Financial Times)

• Praise the Lord that President Bush is assessing the situation in Iraq very carefully. Pray for him to have ears to hear only from the Lord and to receive only His wisdom. Pray for him to have the discernment that comes only from the Holy Spirit. The President must have the Lord's heart on this matter of Iran's wickedness.

• "For the Lord giveth wisdom; out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6)

11. JORDAN SEEKING TO BECOME A NUCLEAR POWER

King Abdullah II, the Hashemite King of Jordan, told Haaretz that his regime is, like Iran, also seeking to become a nuclear power. As the Hashemite regime is propped up by the West in a country that is majority Palestinian, Jordanian nukes would be only an election away from being controlled by an Islamist group, possibly Hamas. “The rules have changed on the nuclear subject throughout the whole region,” King Abdullah II said. “What Jordan is saying is, ‘We’d like to have a nuclear-free zone in the area.’ After this summer, everybody’s going for nuclear programs. The Egyptians are looking for a nuclear program. The GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] are looking at one, and we are actually looking at nuclear power for peaceful and energy purposes.” (Arutz Sheva, IsraelNationalNews.com)

• Pray for King Abdullah II, that he may be able to withstand all pressure to develop nuclear power in his country. Many of the people who live in Jordan are poor and lack the education to work in nuclear development. Pray for the salvation of the king and his people, for without salvation in Jesus Christ, they are without hope. As the balance of power in the Middle East becomes more competitive, peace looks more and more elusive and the coming of Messiah more welcome. Pray that the nations will be ready to meet Him.

• “And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.” (Isaiah 9:6b–7a)

12. ISRAEL: TOUGH ISSUES ADDRESSED AT HERZLIYA CONFERENCE

The seventh annual Herzliya Conference–Israel’s platform for the articulating of national policy by its most prominent leaders and by international analysts– ended Wednesday [January 24]. In the session “Knowing the Enemy,” Iran was the focus. Bernard Lewis, a professor emeritus at Princeton University, told the panel that Iran is undergoing a new revolution. He warned the danger is heightened because the Shi’ites feel an apocalypse is coming.

One of the most widely reported speakers was former CIA director James Woolsey. He said the various threats facing Israel right throughout the Middle East came from the common denominator, “Islamist totalitarianism.” “Iran is not remotely interested in nuclear power for electricity,” he said. “The destruction of Israel is not the policy of Iran, but its essence.” He added, “Achieving weapons of mass destruction is part of this essence.” Both Lewis and Woolsey spoke about global jihad. Woolsey said, “Europe is accommodating sharia law, or Islamic religious law, and becoming increasingly affected by the Muslim demographics in their countries.”

Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz, who spoke via satellite, warned that US–Israel relations might be cooling. He said a hostile anti-Israel climate was apparent on US college campuses and in parts of the media. He said Americans are given a negative stereotyping of Jews in America, and he warned Israel may have to prepare for more isolation in the next few years. “Israel must be prepared to lose American support in the coming years both diplomatically and economically. My message to Israel is to be strong and be prepared to go it alone,” he said. (Bridges for Peace)

• This report contains many important prayer points. Pray that the US will not lose its love relationship with Israel and the Jewish people. Pray that we will all remember Genesis 12:3 and stand with the God of Israel in the trials to come.

• “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:40)

MAURICE STRONG: A MAN TO WATCH

Global Warming Being Used To Expand One World Order

Global warming is being used by socialists and communists to gain control of worldwide natural resources and international corporations as a funding mechanism for expanding global social democracy. Scientists as well as media and politicians are willing accomplices. Democratic congressmen are calling for special commissions to determine ways to stop this so-called threat to mankind. Former Vice President Al Gore has staked his recent political career on global warming. The news media is sounding a high pitch warning on global warming. There is an all out campaign to convince Americans that global warming will destroy mankind and that Americans are the most to blame.

Recently, The Weather Channel’s most prominent climatologist, Heidi Cullen, who hosts a weekly global warming program, suggested that the American Meteorological Society revoke its "Seal of Approval" for any television weatherman who questions that human activity is creating a climate catastrophe. But James Spann, an operational meteorologist for 29 years, says that the warming seen in the past decade is cyclical, citing the heat wave of the 1930’s as an example. Following the money, Spann says billions of dollars of grant money is lining the pockets of those supporting man-made global warming. He claims scientists, politicians, and even Cullen get paid handsome sums to support global warming.

Spann’s theory seems plausible as scientists are beating a loud drum saying more must be done to stop global warming, which means more research money for long periods of time. But even scientists who support global warming are not convinced the weather models depicting global warming are accurate. For example, the scientist who claimed global warming caused Hurricane Katrina now says that there is uncertainty in the model upon which she based the claim. When leftists promote such a concept with such furious vigor, it is good to take a step back and find out why they want critics silenced, billions of dollars mandated for research, and companies regulated and taxed for an unproven concept.

Maurice Strong, who made his money in oil and utilities and is a business partner of billionaire socialist George Soros, is considered the godfather of the global warming movement. He organized the Conference on Human Environment in 1972 and the Earth Summit in 1992 which laid the groundwork for the Kyoto global warming treaty—which is a globalist power grab to tax corporations and countries for their emissions. Strong has a long and illicit history with the United Nations promoting globalism and is being investigated in the U.N. Oil for Food scandal. In short, global warming is being used to expand globalism. Jesus said in Matthew 24:4, “Take heed that no man deceive you.”

Bill Wilson

Word of Life Ministry

www.dailyjot.com

This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .

Our Dwelling Place ("Mahon")

"Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations." (Psalm 90:1)

The same God who was the dwelling place for Moses, is the same God to me. When I am oppressed, when I am afraid, and when I don't know what to do, it is a comfort to run to You, Mahon -- Dwelling Place -- and rest there. Thank You that there is safety in the cleft of Your rock.

(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)

PART ONE: DOMESTIC ISSUES - Jan 28-Feb 2, 2007

On Capitol Hill This Week, Vol. XIV, No. 3a

1. QUARTET TO HOLD MIDDLE EAST "PEACE" TALKS IN D.C.ON FEB. 2
2. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DIVIDE THE LAND OF ISRAEL
3. STRATFOR ANALYSIS: A CRIPPLED PRESIDENCY
4. STATE OF THE UNION AND HEALTH CARE
5. TANCREDO: CONGRESS "HELL-BENT" ON MASS AMNESTY
6. HILLARY'S TEAM HAS QUESTIONS ABOUT OBAMA'S MOSLEM BACKGROUND
7. NATIONAL MEDIA LARGELY IGNORE PUBLIC- SCHOOL SCANDALS

1. QUARTET TO HOLD MIDDLE EAST "PEACE" TALKS IN D.C.ON FEB. 2

A meeting next week on the Israeli-Palestinian issue will see peace brokers urging for a clear end to the conflict. But expectations are low that any breakthrough is possible, given the internal weaknesses of the Israeli and Palestinian governments. It would be hard to imagine a less- promising moment for the United States to restart serious Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations. Six years after the last such talks, the Palestinian government is controlled by Hamas, which preaches Israel’s destruction. Approval ratings for the Israeli prime minister are barely in double digits. There is turmoil in Gaza and neighbouring Lebanon. President George W. Bush is weakened.

Yet, the administration is holding a meeting next week of the European Union, Russia and the United Nations to be followed by "informal talks" between Israeli and Palestinian leaders, with the help of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, regarding the shape of a final peace treaty and the nature of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. The Americans are responding to pleas for re-engagement from the European Union, the Palestinian president and moderate Arab nations. But expectations are purposely low. The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, has no doubt what he wants to see. "It’s time to enter final-status talks; it’s time to enter a discussion of the end of the conflict," he said in an interview. "The crisis management approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is over. We need to enter the conflict resolution stage and try to end the occupation of 1967."

But the EU does not run the so-called quartet — the US, Russia, the European Union and the UN — which has been trying to promote Middle East peace. The Americans do. The main aim, senior American officials suggest, is to boost Palestinian confidence in a two- state solution and thereby boost those Palestinians who advocate such a solution — Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and his Fatah movement — and hope to undermine the appeal of Hamas. Rice also hopes that new American involvement and leadership will help its Arab allies like Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, let alone the fragile government in Lebanon, which fear the growing influence of Iran and Syria.

Richard Haass, a Middle East expert who runs the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, said that "there’s a difference between negotiating final status and raising final status". There is a strong case to do the latter, he said, which he described as "pre-negotiations", starting a longer process that could conclude only when stronger governments can take serious risks. "It’s important to shape the Palestinian debate and signal to them that there are strong reasons to forgo violence. If there’s a place to go, it puts Hamas on the defensive; it can either strengthen the moderates or help the process of transforming the radicals."

Among Palestinians, too, there is scepticism. Moderates welcomed the Rice initiative "because what’s important to them is change, even if it is only a facade, that promises a ‘positive possibility’ for the future", wrote Ali Jarbawi of Birzeit University in bitterlemons.org, a web dialogue. If the result is "an end to the Israeli occupation and the creation of a Palestinian state on 1967 borders (with minor and agreed-upon adjustments) and solving the issue of refugees according to international resolutions", Jarbawi wrote, fine. "But this is not in the framework of thinking of this administration," he said, calling it "hostage to the Israeli perspective", which prefers "a long-term transitional stage". (New York Times)

• Whether these talks, scheduled for Friday, Feb. 2 in Washington, D.C., are termed "pre-negotiations," or "establishing a political horizon" in the words of Secretary Rice, America is heaing down the wrong path in pursuing this course. Please see below to understand the serious consequences for any nation that tries to divide the land of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob -- land given to the Jews by G-d Himself. Pray for President Bush this week -- he desperately needs to understand the danger we face as a nation should we continue to pursue this course. Pray for a miracle.

• ""Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'If it is too difficult in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, will it also be too difficult in My sight?' declares the LORD of hosts. "Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'Behold, I am going to save My people from the land of the east and from the land of the west; and I will bring them back and they will live in the midst of Jerusalem; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God in truth and righteousness.' (Zech. 8:6-8 NASB)

2. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DIVIDE THE LAND OF ISRAEL

Several authors, including Bill Koenig and John McTernan, have carefully documented a true "cause and effect" relationship that has been observable over the years, so that, whenever American leaders have taken action to divide the land of Israel, a disaster of some magnitude will follow. Sometimes this disaster will befall a leader himself (as a drop in his polls, or a scandal unfolding); other times the disaster will be in the form of a natural catastrophe (Hurricane Andrew following the peace talks in Madrid in 1992, for example.) Now, truthorfiction.com has studied these reports and found them to be TRUE.

In an article titled, "Ten Major U.S. Disasters on Dates Significant to Treatment of Israel," the website states the following: A list of ten dates on which there important events related to Israel along with natural disasters affecting the United States. The implication is that the U.S. had better pay attention to decisions about Israel or else. The historical accounts in this eRumor are, for the most part, accurate. What is left is the question of what do they mean? Believers in the email's message say it means that if the U.S. wants to avoid natural disasters be nice to Israel. Skeptics say that going through all the events in a particular span of years and finding apparent correlations doesn't mean they were connected.

With this information in hand, and in light of the peace talks scheduled to take place here in Washington on Friday, our call to intercede for our president this week is an urgent call to prayer. Pray for the PEACE of Jerusalem -- the undivided capital of the undivided nation of Israel!

• (For President Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice:) "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34) (For President Bush -- that he be surrounded only by those who would speak godly and biblical counsel into his ear in all matters related to Zion.) "Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness." (Prov. 25:5)

[Recommended reading on this topic: Eye to Eye, by Bill Koenig; www.watch.org; and As America Has Done to Israel, by John P. McTernan. Call 1-866-909-2665 to order a copy.]

3. STRATFOR ANALYSIS: A CRIPPLED PRESIDENCY

President Bush prepared once more to sell his troop increase in Iraq and domestic programs during his State of the Union address Tuesday night, while congressional Republicans continued voicing opposition to the Iraq plan, with some calling for a way to make the administration and Iraqi government more accountable. While more Republicans oppose Iraq troop increase, Stratfor reports, "Even if we discount the CBS poll, Bush is now edging from the area where we can call him a crippled president -- if not a failed one -- to an area where he could genuinely lose the ability to govern. If his numbers plunge into the 20s, a substantial number of Republican senators and congress members might well decide that it is time to cut their own political losses and break with the president openly. That is what happened to Nixon.

We are now very near to the point where Bush's ability to govern, even in his role as commander-in-chief, is in jeopardy. We would judge that he is not quite there yet; but if other polls were to fall and stay in the 20s, the Republicans in Congress would split wide open. Bush's poll ratings have now become a geopolitical issue.

As we have discussed in the past, Bush's political position collapsed when he went below the high 30s. At that point, he started losing his Republican base. What we are now seeing is not an erosion of the base, but a Nixon-style split. When you push or break below the 30s, your base has divided. This, in turn, is reflected in the decision by some Republican senators to oppose Bush's troop surge in Iraq. At this point, Bush is one piece of bad news away from paralysis." (USA Today)

• Dearest Lord, we ask that President Bush be convicted and forgiven for his many errors in Israeli-Middle East negotiations. We pray for resolute confidence and wisdom for our president and your son, George W. We pray that You will silence and rebuke his critics for "overlooking" his presidential war powers, and that as our Commander-In-Chief, You will convict them that he has the legal authority to use force to protect our country. May his foes not be able to use the media, the legislature or the judiciary to champion its pacifist and socialist agendas. May the Iraqi's one day also have a country that is "One Nation Under God," too!

• "The fear of the Lord prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened. The hope of the righteous will be gladness, but the expectation of the wicked will perish. The way of the Lord is strength for the upright, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity." (Proverbs 10: 27-29 NKJV)

4. STATE OF THE UNION AND HEALTH CARE

Most of the themes in the State of the Union Address by the President this week were familiar, including those associated with the "war on terror." The only truly new theme involved what the President referred to as "affordable health care. Under the President's plan a family would pay no income tax on up to the first $15,000 of income so that the money saved could be used to buy health insurance if they had none from their employer. The President has prescribed yet one more bandage for a hopelessly broken system. Congress and the Democrats offer nothing better. Our health care system is so broken that a full 16% of the Gross Domestic Product is spent on health, yet more than 50,000,000 people are uninsured. By contrast Germany at 10% of GDP is the next highest spender on medical care. In Germany all citizens have universal medical coverage. (Religious Freedom Coalition)

Japan which has one of the finest systems in the world spends only 8% of GDP on health care. Both the President and the Congress, Republicans and Democrats, need to think out of the box and come up with a real cure before the bills of a disabled medical system cripple the nation financially.

• Father, Your Word in Jeremiah 33:3 says, "Call unto Me and I will answer and show you great and mighty things which thou knowest not." We are in agreement with Your Word, asking You to show President Bush Your revelation and strategy to overcome the health care problem in our nation. In the Name of Jesus, we thank You!

• "Behold "I AM" the Lord, The God of all flesh, is there anything too hard for Me?" (Jeremiah 32:27)

5. TANCREDO: CONGRESS "HELL-BENT" ON MASS AMNESTY

While liberal interest groups were quick to criticize President Bush's State of the Union comments on issues ranging from the war in Iraq to the environment, conservatives were also upset as he continued to push for immigration reforms that they claim go easy on illegal aliens. While Bush reported that he is doubling the size of the Border Patrol to monitor the U.S. border with Mexico and pledged to enforce immigration laws at the workplace, his temporary worker proposals are still a touchy subject for his conservative base. "We should establish a legal and orderly path for foreign workers to enter our country to work on a temporary basis," Bush said in his seventh State of the Union address Tuesday evening. "As a result, they won't have to sneak in, and that will leave Border Agents free to chase down drug smugglers and criminals and terrorists." Bush added: "We need to resolve the status of the illegal immigrants who are already in our country without animosity and without amnesty."

U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., a longtime critic of Bush's position on immigration . . . slammed the president's State of the Union remarks in a statement released Tuesday. Suggesting that Bush tried to "guarantee a Congress sympathetic to his 'amnesty for all' plan" during the 2006 elections, Tancredo said the new Democrat-controlled Congress "seem[s] hell-bent on cramming this mass amnesty down the throats of the American people whether they want it or not."

Tancredo also questioned Bush's pledge for increased enforcement of immigration laws, saying that "one or two high-profile raids are not proof of a commitment." He was referring to the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids on six meat-packing plants that resulted in more than 1,200 arrests and 148 charges related to identity theft. "What we are looking for from the administration is the same degree of energy expended in the enforcement of our immigration laws as they used to seek out a drug dealer in Mexico, so he could be brought back to testify against border patrol agents who were trying to do their job," Tancredo added, referring to two border patrol agents now in prison for shooting a Mexican drug smuggler. (NewsMax)

• Loving Merciful Father, we know you are a God of Law and Order. We are asking for law and order to be re-instated concerning illegal immigrants living in and coming into our country. Only You God know the way out of the chaos being caused by people breaking the law. Give unto our President and leaders direction and guidance to bring Justice for all in this overwhelming situation, that is causing great division. Thank You, Thank You, In Jesus Name. Amen.

• "Our help is in the Name of The Lord who made heaven and earth." (Ps. 124:8)

6. HILLARY'S TEAM HAS QUESTIONS ABOUT OBAMA'S MOSLEM BACKGROUND

Are the American people ready for an elected president who was educated in a Madrassa as a young boy and has not been forthcoming about his Muslim heritage? This is the question Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s camp is asking about Sen. Barack Obama.

An investigation of Mr. Obama by political opponents within the Democratic Party has discovered that Mr. Obama was raised as a Muslim by his stepfather in Indonesia. Sources close to the background check, which has not yet been released, said Mr. Obama, 45, spent at least four years in a so-called Madrassa, or Muslim seminary, in Indonesia. "He was a Muslim, but he concealed it," the source said. "His opponents within the Democrats hope this will become a major issue in the campaign." When contacted by Insight, Mr. Obama’s press secretary said he would consult with “his boss” and call back. He did not.

Sources said the background check, conducted by researchers connected to Senator Clinton, disclosed details of Mr. Obama's Muslim past. The sources said the Clinton camp concluded the Illinois Democrat concealed his prior Muslim faith and education. "The background investigation will provide major ammunition to his opponents," the source said. "The idea is to show Obama as deceptive." The sources said the young Obama was given the name Hussein by his Muslim father, which the Illinois Democrat rarely uses in public. His father was black and came from Kenya. Mr. Obama’s mother, the daughter of a farmer, came from Wichita, Kansas. Mr. Obama's parents divorced when he was two years old. His father returned to Kenya.

The sources said Ms. Clinton regards Mr. Obama as her most formidable opponent and the biggest obstacle to the Democratic Party’s 2008 presidential nomination. They said Ms. Clinton has been angered by Mr. Obama's efforts to tap her supporters for donations. In late 2006, when the Illinois senator demonstrated his intention to run for president, the Clinton campaign ordered a background check on Mr. Obama, the sources said. Earlier this week, Mr. Obama established an exploratory committee, the first step toward a formal race. (Insight Magazine)

• Lift up prayer that every hidden thing about Senator Obama's past will be revealed. Amen. • "For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light." (Mark 4:22)

7. NATIONAL MEDIA LARGELY IGNORE PUBLIC- SCHOOL SCANDALS
Some estimate 5 million students have been involved.

The mainstream media have heavily covered sex- abuse scandals in the Catholic Church, but some say the national news media have ignored an estimated 5 million students who have been sexually abused by their public-school teachers. Terri Miller, president of Stop Educator Sexual Abuse, Misconduct and Exploitation, suggested a cover up by school officials. "Reports aren't being made by administrators when these allegations come to light," she said. "They are allowing too many teachers to quietly resign and move on to go molest somebody else's children." Miller says the percentage of teachers who molest students is small, but when they're allowed to quietly resign, it casts a cloud of suspicion over all educators. She called it 'passing the trash' and said school administrators should be held to account.

Bob Knight, director with the Culture and Media Institute, said the media have been no-shows on covering the larger scandal. "If the media treated the school scandals they way they treated the Catholic Church," he said, "they'd be calling for reforms, top to bottom, they'd be questioning the validity of the institutions themselves." (Citizen Link)

[For a detailed report on this story, go to WorldNetDaily.]

• Lord God Almighty, our Maker, our Creator, we cry out to You for restoration of the entire school system in the U.S.A.. Continue to stir the system that the many, many problems will all surface, and that Your Light will shine into the darkness exposing all wickedness. Then send forth spirits ofrRepentance, renewal, and reconciliation, for a new beginning with Your wisdom and truth leading our schools in this nation. God, forgive us too, for greiving You, In heartfelt sorrow we ask, in Jesus' Name. AMEN.

"International Day of Prayer and Solidarity For Israel"

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Since her founding in 1948, Israel has faced many threats. War and terrorism have taken their toll, and the price for her continued independence and freedom has too often been paid in Jewish blood.

But, despite painful losses, Israel has always prevailed. And I am convinced that one of the main reasons for this is that her righteous friends have been quick to raise their voices in prayer to God, the One who watches over Israel and "neither slumbers nor sleeps" (Psalm 121:4), for the welfare of the State of Israel and the Jewish people.

This Sunday, January 28, on The Fellowship's 2007 International Day of Prayer and Solidarity for Israel, you have an opportunity to unite with Christians worldwide in raising a chorus of prayer to God for Israel's security, well-being, and protection.

(For more information on this day, go to the website for the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.)

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Special Prayer for Leaders

Intercede for these leaders, advisors, ambassadors and officials of the U.S. government who form policy for the Middle East and Israel.

George W. Bush, President
Richard Cheney, Vice President
Robert Gates, Secretary of Defense
Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State
Stephen J. Hadley, National Security Advisor
Vice Admiral J. Michael McConnell, National Intelligence Director
Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security
Michael V. Hayden, CIA Director
Lt. Gen. Keith Alexander, NSA Director
Fred Fielding, White House Counsel
Zalmay Khalilzad, UN Ambassador-elect
Gen. Peter Pace, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

(Source: Intercessors for America)

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (I Timothy 2:1-4)

This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . . (Jan 28 - Feb 2, 2007)

Our Dwelling Place ("Mahon")

"Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations." (Psalm 90:1)

The same God who was the dwelling place for Moses, is the same God to me. When I am oppressed, when I am afraid, and when I don't know what to do, it is a comfort to run to You, Mahon -- Dwelling Place -- and rest there. Thank You that there is safety in the cleft of Your rock.

(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)

Daily Brief - Friday - Jan 26, 2007

1. U.S. Senate Republican pushes Iraq alternative - ABC News

A leading Senate Republican vowed on Thursday to push for a vote on his measure criticizing President George W. Bush's overall plan to boost U.S. troops in Iraq, but backing Bush's call for more troops in the western Anbar province.

• As Congress continues to grapple with the question of how to respond to the president's new policy in Iraq, pray that God's wisdom would be granted to all parties involved. The world is watching our democracy in action. Pray that all of our leaders would exhibit the character of "grace under fire" as this policy is set in place. • "And He causeth all things to work together for good for those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose." (Rom. 8:28)

2. Gates to Congress: Don't Handcuff our Troops in Iraq - AP

Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned Congress against handcuffing military leaders in Iraq as lawmakers pushed toward a vote next week that would rebuke the president's Iraq war policy. Speaking with reporters Friday afternoon, Gates took aim at any resolution that would hinder military leaders and give the message to the enemy that U.S. troops will be in the battlefield without the proper support to succeed. "It's pretty clear that a resolution that in effect says, 'the general going out to take command of the arena shouldn't have the resources he needs to be successful,' certainly emboldens the enemy and our adversaries," Gates said. "Any indication of flagging will in the United States gives encouragement to those folks. I'm sure that's not the intent of the resolutions but I think it might be the effect."

• Pray that as officials from the Bush Administration present their testimony about the hard facts in Iraq, that the members of Congress would be given "eyes to see" and "ears to hear" the truth in their statements. Bind deception; loose truth. • "The eyes of those who see will not be dim, and the ears of those who listen will listen. Also the heart of the rash will understand knowledge . . ." (Isaiah 32:3,4)

3. House resolution opposes North American Union - WorldNetDaily

Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Va., has introduced a House resolution expressing congressional opposition to construction of a NAFTA Super Highway System or entry into a North American Union with Mexico and Canada. Goode said the goal behind House Concurrent Resolution 40, introduced Monday, is "to block a NAFTA Superhighway System and to indicate the opposition of the Congress to the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) of North America that was declared by President Bush, Mexico's then- President Vicente Fox, and Canada's then-Prime Minister Paul Martin, at the conclusion of their summit meeting in Waco, Texas, on March 23, 2005."

• Pray for the protection of Rep. Goode and his household. Now that the facts about the proposed North American Union are coming to light in the halls of Congress, pray that all of our members in the House and in the Senate would know how to respond to this development. God has set the nations in place and determined their boundaries . . . lift up prayer that man not interfere with what God hath wrought. • "And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings." (Acts 17:26)

4. "Union Told Me to Pay" - CNSNews.com

Told by a Union official to pay forced dues or "change religions". a teacher in southern Ohio is challenging a state law that allows only those public employees who belong to certain denominations the right to claim religious objection to paying union dues. Carol Katter, a mathmatics and language arts instructor in the St. Marys district, filed a federal complaint in the U.S. District Court in Columbus this week over an Ohio law that prevents the lifelong Catholic from diverting her dues from a union she refuses to fund because it supports "abortion on demand".

• We ask that Your Justice will come forth Father in this unfair law, in Jesus Name. • "He hath showed thee oh man, what is good; and what the Lord doth require of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God." (Micah 6:8)

5. South Korea Strengthens Its Surveillance of North Korea's Nuke Activities - Stratfor.com

South Korea's consolidated defense command-some 200 top military and government officials headed by Prime MInister Han Myeong Sook--has decided to strengthen South Korea's 24-hour surveillance of North Korea's nuclear activities and heighten its military countermeasures, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement released Jan. 24. Meanwhile diplomatic efforts to dismantle North Korea's nuclear program will continue, the statement said.

• Lord God our Protector, continue giving Your Protection to the people in South Korea. Bring about an absolute end to the North Korean Communist government and cause Korea to become one, and You be Lord over all Korea. • "And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thy hand." (Ezek. 37:17)

6. Florida man threatens to detonate bombs by al Qaeda - Northeast Intelligence Network Explosives and homemade bombs were found in the Kissimmee, Florida home of Juan Rafael DIAZ, 20, who threatened to blow up at least one Christian church other locations throughout Kissimmee. DIAZ reportedly left notes on vehicles parked at the Moose Lodge located on North Main Street and on a vehicle parked at the First Christian Church located at 415 North Main Street in Kissimmee. According to police sources, every note left at the various locations referenced al Qaeda along with the threats to detonate explosives at those locations, specifically stating: "The city of Kissimmee is going to be bombed by al Qaeda, God willing."

• Praise God that this plot was uncovered BEFORE those bombs exploded!! Cry out for the soul of Juan Rafael Diaz, and offer prayer that all who are allied with him be also found and apprehended. Praise God. • "No weapon forged against you shall prosper." (Isaiah 54:17)

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." (Isaiah 41:13)

1. Listening posts in Syria track IDF movements - Jerusalem Post

Russia maintains listening posts along the Syrian border with Israel which it uses to follow IDF movements in the Golan Heights, it was revealed Thursday night.

2. Livni says Palestinian state is achievable - Ynet News

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said Thursday that the negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians must be based on the idea of two states living side by side in peace.

3. One-Fourth Of Israelis Live In Poverty - All Headline News

Figures released by Israel's National Insurance Institute (NII) on Thursday revealed that 1.63 million Israelis, or one-fourth of the entire population, live below the poverty line.

4. Bush administration will seek more aid for Afghanistan - USA Today

President Bush will ask Congress for $10.6 billion to help Afghanistan strengthen its security forces and rebuild from years of war, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Thursday.

5. Iran Set to Try Space Launch - Aviation Week

Iran has converted its most powerful ballistic missile into a satellite launch vehicle. The 30-ton rocket could also be a wolf in sheep's clothing for testing longer-range missile strike technologies, Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine reports in its Jan. 29 issue.

6. U.S. Says It Has Evidence To Prove Iranian 'Involvement' In Iraq - All Headline News

The United States claimed Wednesday that it has concrete evidence to prove Iranian 'involvement' in Iraq. It also said that the evidence would be made public in near future.

• "How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! And how oft cometh their destruction!" (Job 21:17)

Kerry’s Out; Obama’s Hot

Late yesterday, Senator John Kerry (D-MA), bowing to reality, bowed out of the 2008 presidential contest, opting instead to seek reelection to the Senate next year. Yesterday, CNN released a poll showing that 51% of self- identified Democrats did not want Senator Kerry to run again, while only five percent of those polled said they would support him if he did run. In that match-up, Kerry trailed New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton by a whopping 29-points.

While she still leads in national polls for the Democrat nomination, Senator Clinton needs to watch her left flank. Illinois Senator Barack Obama is being feted next month at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel by former Clinton loyalists David Geffen, Steven Spielberg, and Jeffry Katzenberg. The trio reportedly sent an invitation to 700 Hollywood elites on behalf of Obama. Hollywood was a major source of funding for Bill Clinton, and if Obama makes serious inroads in Beverly Hills, Hillary could be in trouble.

(Gary Bauer; End of Day; Jan. 25, 2007)

Ahmadinejad Says Ready for War

Ahmadinejad Says Ready for War
UN Nuke Chief Urges Talks

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad declared Thursday [January 18] that Iran is now fully prepared for a war with Israel and the United States. “Today, with the grace of god [Allah], we have gone through the arduous passes, and we are ready for anything in this path,” Ahmadinejad said, according to Iran’s state-run TV. The comments were in response to the US decision to send the USS Stennis to the Perisan Gulf, joining another such vessel already stationed there. Iranian media is also reporting that 3,000 centrifuges are prepared to go online.

Ahmadinejad responded to criticism from Iranians who say Iran should compromise its nuclear ambitions to avoid a conflict with the Western world and sanctions from the United Nations. “Unfortunately, some inside the country try to fabricate news and portray a bad image of the great achievement of the Iranian nation,” he said. “[They] prescribe compromise and repeat the words of the enemy. Of course, this will have no effect. Their aim is to frighten Iran and weaken the resistance of the Iranian nation, but they will not succeed.”

Meanwhile, Mohamed El Baradei, who heads the UN’s nuclear watchdog agency, said he was concerned that UN sanctions on Iran could escalate the standoff with the West and called for a resumption of negotiations. In the eight years following the Egyptian’s appointment to head the watchdog group, it has failed to detect covert nuclear programs in three countries. It also failed to detect the “nuclear supermarket” run by the Pakistani scientist A. Q. Khan.

Meanwhile, the Hashemite King of Jordan told Haaretz that his regime is also seeking to become a nuclear power. As the Hashemite regime is propped up by the West in a country that is majority Palestinian, Jordanian nukes would be only an election away from being controlled by an Islamist group, possibly Hamas. “The rules have changed on the nuclear subject throughout the whole region,” King Abdullah II said. “Where I think Jordan was saying, ‘We’d like to have a nuclear-free zone in the area,’ after this summer, everybody’s going for nuclear programs. The Egyptians are looking for a nuclear program. The GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] are looking at one, and we are actually looking at nuclear power for peaceful and energy purposes.” (Arutz Sheva, IsraelNationalNews.com, January 19, 2007)

• As the balance of power in the Middle East becomes more competitive, peace looks more and more elusive and the coming of Messiah more welcome. Pray that the nations will be ready to meet Him. • “And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.” (Isaiah 9:6b–7a)

[Reported by: Bridges for Peace]

Daily Brief - Thursday - Jan. 25, 2007

1. House Resolution Seeks to Silence Grassroots Lobbying -American Center for Law and Justice

Late last week, great gains were made in the Senate. The Bennett Amendment, which eliminated Section 220 of Senate Bill 1 - the bold attempt to muzzle grassroots lobbying and effectively silence the citizens of our nation -- passed the Senate. This is a small step towards victory in this free speech showdown. However, Senate Bill 1/House Resolution 4682 is now immediately on its way to the House of Representatives, where it is sure to be met by liberal politicians with guns blazing. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is leading the charge of Congress on this legislation and it is moving FAST.

• Dear Lord, we pray as the sons of Korah did in the Psalms, that You would restore favor to our land with Your truth and righteousness! May the truth about this House amendment, aimed to silence all opposition to liberal legislation, be stopped so that Your Judeo-Christian values will be able to flourish in America and throughout the world that You created! May God Bless America! • "Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yes, the Lord will give what is good; and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before Him, and shall make His footsteps our pathway." (Psalm 85:11 NKJV)

2. US Productivity Growth Lowest For A Decade - MSNBC

The US economy last year recorded its lowest rate of labor productivity growth in more than a decade, with growth in output per hour worked falling behind the EU and Japan. The fall casts further doubt on the ability of the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates as the US economy slows.

• Dearest Lord, we know that You bless those who bless Your sovereign Israel! May the United States, through Your powerful, supernatural intervention; discontinue its participation in "The Quartet" and the man-made "Roadmap for Peace." Because of our nation's willful membership in this group that seeks to divest Israel of land that You gave to them, we are reaping "curses" instead of Your blessings! • What the Lord promised Abraham in Genesis, still stands true today. "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 NKJV)

3. Brownback Reintroduces Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act - Breakpoint with Chuck Colson

U.S. Senator Sam Brownback on Tuesday reintroduced the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act, which would require those who perform abortions on unborn children 20 weeks after fertilization to inform the mother seeking an abortion of the medical evidence that the unborn child feels pain. "While the unborn do not have a voice to scream, science tells us that by twenty weeks a child in the womb is capable of feeling pain." Dr. Sunny Anand, director of the Pain Neurobiology Laboratory at Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute, testified before Congress. • The Lord instructed Israel through his servant, Moses, that He gives us the "Choice of Life or Death." We pray that Congress, too, will choose Life! • "I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live." (Deuteronomy 30: 19 NKJV)

4. ADL Urges Congress to Fight Proselytizing In U.S. Military - Ha'aretz

The Anti-Defamation League Tuesday called on members of the U.S. Senate and House Armed Services Committees to hold hearings on what the group termed "coercive proselytizing and religious activity in the military."

• We remember in prayer what Jesus asked His Father on behalf of His enemies. • "Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.' And they divided His garments and cast lots." (Luke 23: 34 NKJV)

5. Senators Say 'No' On Bush Iraq Plan - USA Today

The stage is set for a dramatic debate in the Senate next week on President Bush's Iraq war policy following a vote of no-confidence Wednesday by a key committee. "All 100 senators should be on the line on this," said Sen. Chuck Hagel, a Nebraska Republican who co-sponsored a resolution opposing the president's planned increase in troop levels. Hagel's resolution, which he wrote with two ranking Democrats, declares Bush's plan to send 21,500 additional troops to Baghdad and Anbar province "not in the national interest." In order to pass the Senate, any anti-war resolution may need 60 votes: Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is threatening a filibuster.

• "He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace." (Proverbs 11: 12 NKJV)

6. Russia against U.S. plan to deploy missile sites in Central Europe - Int'l Herald Tribune

The Russian defense minister on Wednesday harshly criticized U.S. plans to deploy missile defense sites in Central Europe, saying that Moscow did not trust American claims that the sites were intended to counter missile threats posed by Iran and North Korea.

• Ask our Lord to grant His wisdom to the Bush administration as it prepares to respond to these concerns by Russia. • "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him go to the Father . . . and it will be given unto him." (James 1:5)

7. US launches new air strike in Somalia - Ynet News

The United States launched an air strike in Somalia against suspected terrorist targets -- the second such attack this month, defense officials said Wednesday.

• Pray for the safety and the protection of our troops as they fight the war on terror in Somalia. • "For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me . . ." (Psalm 27:5,6a)