Monday, February 1, 2010

On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVII, Number 4

In This Issue
• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVII, No. 4a
• This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .

Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVII, Number 4a
February 1 - 5, 2010

DOMESTIC ISSUES

"Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent . . ." (Acts 17:30,31)

1. OBAMA DELIVERS STATE OF THE UNION (SOTU) ADDRESS
2. JUSTICE ALITO VISIBLY DISAGREES WITH SOTU ADDRESS
3. OBAMA VISITS REPUBLICANS AT THEIR OWN CONFERENCE
4. OBAMA WELCOMES GEORGE H.W. BUSH AND JEB BUSH TO WHITE HOUSE
5. BERNANKE WINS SECOND TERM AS FED CHIEF
6. WATCHDOG: BANK BAILOUTS CREATED MORE RISK IN SYSTEM
7. SENATE VOTES TO HIKE DEBT BY $1.9 TRILLION
8. SUPREME COURT TO REVIEW CABLE "MUST CARRY" LAW
9. JUSTICE DEPT. ASKS WHITE HOUSE TO MOVE NYC TERROR TRIAL
10. SHOPPING MALLS SEEN AS POTENTIAL TERROR TARGETS
11. ARMY ANNOUNCES LARGEST ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE SINCE WWII
12. KEITH ELLISON: HAMAS' CONGRESSMAN???
13. OBAMA TO SPEAK AT NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST


1. OBAMA DELIVERS STATE OF THE UNION (SOTU) ADDRESS

During his so-called State of the Union Address, Obama said it is time for both parties to work together. He then attacked the Republican Party and criticized the Senate for having a sixty vote rule that "obstructed" his agenda. Next he congratulated himself for "saving" the banking system and then attacked the banks.

Obama then lied about a Supreme Court decision and directly attacked the Justices, who were sitting on the front row of the House Chamber. On and off during the speech he claimed that he "inherited" the nation's security and financial problems. At the same time he claimed that he had stopped more terrorist attacks than the Most Honorable President George W. Bush. He made the outrageous claim that "his" medical reforms would cover the uninsured and reduce the deficit, something that even a sixth grader knows can't be done. To top off the night he said that homosexuals should be able to "serve" the nation in the military. He proved every pundit wrong who had said he would move to the middle after several straight defeats of his party at the polls. Far from moving to the middle he put himself on record as continuing with his unpopular far left agenda. (William Murray; Religious Freedom Coalition)

- Lord, we as Christians are struggling deeply with prayer for this man. He said he wanted to stop lobbyists, yet several of his key people are former lobbyists. He claimed to create 200 million jobs yet millions of jobs have been lost over the year. He failed to speak of our national security at all. He spoke belittling words at the Supreme Court Justices who sat directly in front of him about their vote for free speech this last week. The attempts to re-focus people's attention away from key issues by shame are unconscionable. Lord, we beseech You to move in this man's life to change his heart and mind rather than allow him to continue to use untruths and intimidation. We also ask that You move in our lives to grant us the grace to pray for him.

- "On the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul." (Psalm 138:3)

2. JUSTICE ALITO VISIBLY DISAGREES WITH SOTU ADDRESS

POLITICO's Kasie Hunt, who's in the House chamber, reports that Justice Samuel Alito mouthed the words "not true" when Obama criticized the Supreme Court's campaign finance decision.

" Last week, the Supreme Court reversed a century of law to open the floodgates for special interests - including foreign corporations - to spend without limit in our elections," Obama said. "Well I don't think American elections should be bankrolled by America's most powerful interests, or worse, by foreign entities. They should be decided by the American people, and that's why I'm urging Democrats and Republicans to pass a bill that helps to right this wrong."

The shot of the black-robed Supreme Court justices, stone faced, was priceless.

Chuck Schumer stood up behind the justices and clapped vigorously while Alito shook his head and quietly mouthed his discontent. [See video at link.]

- Offer praise for the courage displayed by this Supreme Court justice. Pray that justice will yet prevail, over time, in our tripartite system of government.

- "For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us." (Isaiah 33:22)

3. OBAMA VISITS REPUBLICANS AT THEIR OWN CONFERENCE

Obama and GOP face off at House Republican retreat

Obama denied he was an ideologue, the Republicans denied they were obstructionists, and both sides denied they were to blame for the toxic atmosphere clouding the nation's political leadership.

For more than an hour, they went back and forth confronting each other s policies and politics while challenging each other to meet in the middle. Intense and vigorous, sometimes even pointed, the discussion nonetheless proved remarkably civil and substantive for a bitter era, an airing of issues that both sides often say they need more of. (Kansas City Star) Read more.

- Suddenly, the president seems very eager to reach out to Republicans (see article, below) . . . we wonder why? Pray that the hypnotic trance this man seems to weave over men' 'minds be broken and of no effect over any of our governmental leaders, through the Shed Blood of Jesus. The LORD has come to set us FREE to worship Him, and to follow Him only, in Spirit and in Truth. Amen!

- "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5)

4. OBAMA WELCOMES GEORGE H.W. BUSH AND JEB BUSH TO WHITE HOUSE

Obama hosted a pair of Bushes this morning in the Oval Office: former President George H.W. Bush and his son, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

Two weeks ago, Jeb's brother, former President George W. Bush, was at the White House talking about Haiti relief with Obama and ex-President Bill Clinton. The White House described it as a social call, but feel free to speculate. Jeb Bush's presence was unexpected -- the White House hadn't said anything about him being invited. It's all very . . . bipartisan.

The Bushes were at the White House for just over a half-hour, emerging in a driving snow that over the next few hours will blanket the capital with several inches of fluff.

"Good meeting, good meeting," the elder Bush, 85 and walking with a cane, said in response to a question called out by a reporter. (Dallas Morning News)

- How very interesting - especially in light of so many declarations that all of Obama's troubles stem from the Bush administration. The Bushes cannot be too upset if they meet with Obama for a "good meeting." Ask the Lord to reveal what transpired during this meeting. What could bring the two Bushes out on a snowy day? Angels attended this meeting also.

- "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God." (1 Corinthians 4:5)

5. BERNANKE WINS SECOND TERM AS FED CHIEF

The Senate on Thursday handed Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke a second term after a week of contentious and sometimes suspenseful debate. Easily approving the nomination with a 70-30 vote, the Senate rejected arguments by senators mostly at the political extremes on the left and right that Mr. Bernanke made fatal mistakes that led to the global financial crisis and great recession of the past two years. The Senate's action ensures that the former Bush administration economist, mild-mannered Princeton professor and expert on the Great Depression will steer the world's most powerful central bank for another four years.

Mr. Bernanke's detractors continued to sharply criticize him even after the vote. "We need a leader at the Fed who has more concern for Main Street and consumers," said Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) "The Senate rubber-stamped a failed economic policy," said Sen. Jim DeMint(R-SC). "Chairman Bernankes easy-money policy fueled the housing bubble, and his push for Wall Street bailouts made things worse." (The Washington Times)

- If we surround the Federal Reserve Board and Chairman Bernanke with prayer, we may find the mercy of the Lord. We have the lobby of the Holy Spirit! It is not head knowledge we need but rather the wisdom of the Lord.

- That He would show you the secrets of wisdom! For they would double your prudence. Know therefore that God exacts from you Less than your iniquity deserves. (Job 11:6)

6. WATCHDOG: BANK BAILOUTS CREATED MORE RISK IN SYSTEM

The problems that led to the last financial crisis have not yet been addressed, and in some cases have grown worse, says Neil Barofsky, the special inspector general for the trouble asset relief program, or TARP. The quarterly report to Congress was released Sunday. Barofsky's report outlined 77 cases of possible criminal and civil fraud, including crimes of tax evasion, insider trading, mortgage lending and payment collection, false statements and public corruption. The government's bailout of financial institutions deemed "too big to fail" has created a risk that the United States could face a worse fiscal meltdown in the future, an independent watchdog assigned to review the program told Congress on Sunday.

Barofsky wrote the $700 billion financial bailout has encouraged more risk-taking because bank executives, who are still receiving massive bonuses, figure the government will come to the rescue the next time they steer their ships nearly aground. "The market mentality now seems fixed that the U.S. government will continue to step in and bail out giant financial institutions," said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. "The IG's findings confirm my decision to oppose releasing $350 billion in TARP funds last year and my recent vote to terminate the program altogether."

"The SIGTARP's report is just another reminder of how Congress and the administration have ignored the role that politics and government played in causing the housing crisis and the economic collapse while pursuing other regulatory reforms will not fix the underlying problem," said Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., the ranking member on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. (AP)

- Either one side is hiding the truth or both sides are working together to bring the housing market and the financial institutions under government control. The drum is still beating on the blame placed on the Bush administration. Enough is enough!. Please pray that the truth about our financial health is exposed so that American taxpayers can see what is happening to our national wealth. Are the drums so loud that we cannot hear the truth? Pray into office men of integrity.

- Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase. (Proverbs 13:11)

7. SENATE VOTES TO HIKE DEBT BY $1.9 TRILLION

The Senate last Thursday voted to raise the cap on how much the government can borrow to a record level. Getting just enough votes to pass, the Senate moved to increase the debt limit to $1.9 trillion. That would push the ceiling to $14.294 trillion from the current $12.394 trillion. The 60-39 vote broke down along party lines, with no Republican voting in favor. The bill now needs to be sent back to the House for a vote.

A $1.9 trillion increase is expected to cover the Treasury's projected borrowing needs through at least early 2011, and in any case well past the November mid-term elections. Debt limit votes are always politically difficult and not ones lawmakers seeking re-election like to take. The ceiling reflects the level up to which the Treasury Department is allowed to borrow. If the ceiling is ever breached, the country would effectively be in default. That can hurt bonds, the dollar and creditors' portfolios.

The Senate legislation also included an amendment that seeks to rein in the growth rate in U.S. debt by putting in place statutory pay-go rules. A pay-go law would require lawmakers to find ways to pay for proposed tax cuts or spending increases by raising taxes or reducing spending elsewhere in the budget. Pay-go rules don't actually reduce the debt load already accrued, but they put the brake on future increases -- a helpful first step, budget experts say. The effectiveness of pay-go rules, however, depends on their parameters. The strongest form would not allow any policy to be exempt. (CNNMoney.com)

- Praise the Lord that fiscally moderate Democrats do exist in the Senate and are willing to raise their voices. Pray for Senator Conrad that he is able to withstand the onslaught of an attack that may come at him. Pray that Senator Reid's word given to Sen. Conrad is trustworthy. Repent before the Lord for the wasting practices of Americans for the great gifts of wealth He has given us to enjoy.

- No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (Luke 16:13)

8. SUPREME COURT TO REVIEW CABLE "MUST CARRY" LAW

As promised, Cablevision has asked the Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of the must-carry rules, which require cable operators to carry local broadcast stations.

Cablevision points out in its filing that even more than a decade ago, the Supreme Court's decisions--two of them--upholding must-carry was razor thin. The cable operator says that in the intervening years "the factual underpinnings of those decisions have evaporated." What was once a cable monopoly, Cablevision concedes to the court, "has been replaced by vibrant competition." Rather than being an MVPD bottleneck, Cablevision suggests, the market has been reshaped into a wide-necked vase in which all flowers can bloom. (Broadcasting & Cable) Read more.

[The following message was received from one of our dear Prayer Partners, who owns her own TV station in Texas.]

Dear Friends,

I've forwarded to you an email that describes one of the urgent dangers that faces free-over-the-air broadcasters. As you may be aware, there are several policy changes that the administration is pushing that would take away our freedom to broadcast - or even our permits to broadcast.

The "danger" described is being initiated by a cable company, and if they are successful in their quest, it would allow cable companies to drop all or some of their local TV stations. In the past local Christian TV stations had the hardest time gaining cable carriage, and it wasn't until Congress passed a law that required local carriage of all local high power stations that most Christian televsion stations were then included in local cable programming. . .

Please pray for us, and for this matter. Certainly it must be the Enemy that is currently sending this barrage of threats against free-over-the-air broadcasting, and especially Christian television stations. . .

Thank you, and may the Lord strengthen you in your ministries and labor for Him.

Lovingly,

Grace

- We hear you, Grace, and we stand with you in prayer that Father God WILL turn the wolf away from your door, and you will ALL remain free to broadcast the GOOD NEWS over the airwaves in the days to come!

- "Therefore, please hear this, you afflicted, Who are drunk, but not with wine: 22Thus says your Lord, the LORD, even your God Who contends for His people, 'Behold, I have taken out of your hand the cup of reeling, The chalice of My anger; You will never drink it again. 23"I will put it into the hand of your tormentors . . ." (Isaiah 51:21-13)

9. JUSTICE DEPT. ASKS WHITE HOUSE TO MOVE NYC TERROR TRIAL

The White House ordered the Justice Department Thursday night to consider other places to try the 9/11 terror suspects after a wave of opposition to holding the trial in lower Manhattan. The dramatic turnabout came hours after Mayor Bloomberg said he would "prefer that they did it elsewhere" and then spoke to Attorney General Eric Holder. "It would be an inconvenience at the least, and probably that's too mild a word for people that live in the neighborhood and businesses in the neighborhood," Bloomberg told reporters. "There are places that would be less expensive for the taxpayers and less disruptive for New York City. "State and city leaders have increasingly railed against a plan to try Khalid Shaikh Mohammed in Manhattan federal court since Holder proposed it last month. (Investigative Terror Report)

The Obama administration has all but abandoned its plan to put Khalid Sheik Mohammed, the self-proclaimed mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, on trial in Lower Manhattan, according to administration officials.

A senior administration official said no decision has been formalized, but the Justice Department is already considering other venues. Said another official close to the discussions: "New York is out."

The reversal would mark the latest setback for an administration that has been buffeted at every turn as it seeks to close the military detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Its options for closing the prison had already been dwindling, and without the backdrop of Ground Zero for a trial, the administration would lose some of the rich symbolism associated with its attempt to forge a new approach to handling high-profile al-Qaeda detainees.(Washington Post)

- Offer praise for this answer to prayer, and lift up "those in authority" as they seek to relocate this trial to another location. But don't stop there: let's pray, too, that this trial WILL be moved from a civil court to a military tribunal -- where it belongs. Pray!

- "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth mch." (James 5:16)

10. SHOPPING MALLS SEEN AS POTENTIAL TERROR TARGETS

Al-Qaida is putting America's shopping malls and other soft targets in its bull's-eye, according to counter-terror experts.

Bruce Hoffman, who authored a study at Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service, says in a report published in the Washington Post that al-Qaida continues to be a threat because of its networking ability. "For a terrorist movement supposedly on its last legs, al-Qaida late last month launched two separate attacks less than a week apart - one failed and one successful - triggering the most extensive review of U.S. national security policies since 2001. Al-Qaida's newfound vitality is the product of a fresh strategy that plays to its networking strength and compensates for its numerical weakness," the report said.

Hoffman added that attrition is part of al-Qaida's strategy, which is where diversifying the targets comes into play. "Najibullah Zazi, the Afghan-born U.S. resident [was] arrested in New York last September and charged with plotting a 'Mumbai on the Hudson' suicide terrorist operation. But while al-Qaida is finding new ways to exploit our weaknesses, we are stuck in a pattern of belated responses, rather than anticipating its moves and developing preemptive strategies," the report said. (WorldNetDaily) Read more.

- Intercede and decree that the nightmare of belated responses to terror and evil has, once and for all, seen its "last hoorah." Pray that this administration will finally feel the pressure it is under to tackle terror on every front. Proclaim that our "One Nation. Under God" will utilize God's wisdom to pull down this menacing spirit, once and for all. Ask that the American people and those of other nations be given the kind of wisdom, awareness, and resources needed to completely scatter the wicked, and cut the roots of terror around the globe. Ask God to raise up the righteous, who know how to do this, for His name sake.

- "Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,' says the Lord."(Jer. 1:8)

11. ARMY ANNOUNCES LARGEST ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE SINCE WWII

Click on the short 60 second video titled "Army Changes". (Pentagon News)

Listen carefully about 200 Army companies and batteries having been stood down from their traditional armor, air defense, and artillery missions to stand up, instead, a corresponding number of Special Forces, Civil Affairs, Psychological Operations and Military Police. Claims 90% done converting all 300 brigades from Cold War to 'modular organization' to better respond to 'more relevant' 21st Century threats.

- As our Army moves into this major transition, pray again that those in authority be granted "wisdom from above," particularly in the use of our men and women in uniform for domestic duties. According to the Posse Comitatus Act, the military by law can only be deployed outside of our borders. Pray!

Update - On September 26, 2006, President Bush urged Congress to consider revising federal laws so that U.S. armed forces could restore public order and enforce laws in the aftermath of a natural disaster, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

These changes were included in the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (H.R. 5122), which was signed into law on October 17, 2006. (Source:Wikipedia)

- "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)

11. KEITH ELLISON: HAMAS' CONGRESSMAN???

Keith Ellison, widely hailed as America's first Muslim congressman, could more accurately be described as CAIR and Hamas' man in Congress. Congressman Ellison has been a regular presence at CAIR fundraisers and at pro-Hamas rallies in the United States. As a former member of Farrakhan's Nation of Islam, Ellison has enough anti-semitic and Islamist credentials to satisfy anyone and had expressed openly anti-semitic beliefs in the past.

Since Ellison got his start with CAIR , his attempt to provide support for Hamas is completely unsurprising. Both Hamas and CAIR are projects of the Muslim Brotherhood, which also helped birth Al Queda. Organizations like CAIR do the same work in America that Hamas does in Israel. The difference is that CAIR does its work on a political level, while Hamas functions on both a political and a military level. Like CAIR, Ellison is careful to cloak his pro-Hamas agenda, which he does by mentioning that all violence is wrong and that Israelis probably shouldn't be shelled-- but the thrust of his agenda is to force Israel to open its border with Hamas. (Jerusalem Connection) DEFINITELY read more!

- Rep. Ellison was elected by a particular district of Minnesota, one that has become home to many Somali immigrants. When the US Congress let Ellison be sworn in on the Koran, political correctness usurped all thought of Ellison's job to protect the United States. A number of Congressmen have written Ellison about his close associations with CAIR, but Ellison has ignored their pleas Pray for encounters with Jesus Christ for Ellison and his family!

- The wicked man does deceptive work, But he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward. (Proverbs 11:18)

12. OBAMA TO SPEAK AT NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST

Like the officially elected Presidents before him since the days of Dwight D. Eisenhower, Obama will leave the White House early Thursday morning and travel to the Washington Hilton Hotel to address up to 3,000 leaders of the religious community from across the nation at their annual prayer breakfast. Leaders of many denominations will be present, as well as those of many national-level ministries. (Capitol Hill Prayer Partners)

- Pray that the church will discern the message they receive, and that they not be taken captive to devious plans. Pray for the safety and protection of ALL who will be attending this breakfast at the Hilton that day, beginning as early as 6:00 a.m. PRAY!

- "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5)


On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVII, No. 4b

1. U.S. GENERAL: MOBILITY HINDERS GETTING AID TO HAITIANS
2. U.S. AGREES TO TIMETABLE FOR U.N. GUN BAN
3. NEWS FROM CHINA
4. NEWS FROM IRAN
5. NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN
6. RUSSIA SELLS LIBYA TOP-LINE S-300 DENIED TO TEHRAN
7. CIA CHIEF PANETTA IN CAIRO AND ISRAEL FOR SECRET TALKS ON YEMEN
8. U.S. SPEEDS UP ARMS BUILDUP WITH GULF ALLIES
9. OBAMA INCREASES SPENDING ON NUCLEAR WEAPONS
10. OBAMA SURRENDERING INTERNET TO FOREIGN POWERS
11. ISRAEL BRINGS HUNDREDS OF ETHIOPIANS TO ISRAEL


1. U.S. GENERAL: MOBILITY HINDERS GETTING AID TO HAITIANS

Not all of the earthquake-traumatized Haitians are receiving the aid they need, a U.S. general said Thursday, partly because displaced residents are moving from place to place.

"We're still not up to meeting the needs of the Haitian people as far as the amount of supplies that are there. And so, there have been some instances, isolated, where we've been out to give distribution to citizens, there hasn't always been enough food," said Air Force Gen. Douglas Fraser, head of the Miami-based U.S. Southern Command.

- As mankind is at a great loss for this task, please pray that all who are called by God to help in Haiti would be given great grace and "holy spirit ground" to walk on! Ask that the Lord would lead them in His secret place to do His heart's work, and that every good Samaritan would check in with the Throne Room of Heaven from time to time, as to how to proceed. Intercede that God's "A-Team" of angels and heavenly hosts would be about their ministering duties, as He clearly states is their assignment. Pray that they would help the workers and the fallen. Who else could manage so great a task, with such impending, eternal consequences at this time?

- "But to which of the angels has He ever said: "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool"? Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1 13-14)

2. U.S. AGREES TO TIMETABLE FOR U.N. GUN BAN

The United Nations is moving forward with their plan to confiscate your guns. The United States joined 152 other countries in support of the Arms Trade Treaty Resolution, which establishes the dates for the 2012 UN conference intended to attack American sovereignty by stripping Americans of the right to keep and bear arms. Working groups of anti-gun countries will begin scripting language for the conference this year, creating a blueprint for other countries when they meet at the full conference.

The stakes couldn't be higher. Establishing the dates for the Arms Trade Treaty Conference is just the first step toward their plans for total gun confiscation.

Former United Nation's ambassador John Bolton has cautioned gun owners about the Arms Trade Treaty and says the UN "is trying to act as though this is really just a treaty about international arms trade between nation states, but there's no doubt that the real agenda here is domestic firearms control." (National Association for Gun Rights)

- Once again, the Body of Christ is being called to stand as the restraining force it is, against all forms of evil. Pray that these plans will not come together, for our Constitution guarantees us the right to bear arms.

- "For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains [Christ in us] will do so until He is taken out of the way." (2 Thess. 2:7)

3. NEWS FROM CHINA:

a. U.S. SELLS WEAPONS TO TAIWAN

The Pentagon announced Friday plans for a six-billion-dollar arms sale to Taiwan including Patriot missiles and Black Hawk helicopters, but did not meet Taipei's request for F-16 fighter jets. The deal includes 114 Patriot missiles worth 2.81 billion dollars and 60 Black Hawk helicopters worth 3.1 billion dollars, the agency said in a statement.

Amid speculation Washington was preparing to act on Taiwan's request for weapons, China had warned Washington against more arms sales to the island. (AP, Reuters)

- Mainland China is already responding to this perceived "threat." Pray and ask our Lord to place His healing balm upon the relationships between Communist China, Taiwan, and the United States.

- "God . . . calls those things which do not exist as though they did . . ." (Rom. 4:17)

b. CHINA SUSPENDS MILITARY EXCHANGES WITH U.S.

The Pentagon announced Friday plans for a six-billion-dollar arms sale to Taiwan including Patriot missiles and Black Hawk helicopters, but did not meet Taipei's request for F-16 fighter jets. The latest arms sales to Taiwan included communications equipment for Taiwan's F-16s but no new fighter aircraft that had been part of Taipei's wish list, according to the Defense Cooperation Security Agency. The deal includes 114 Patriot missiles - worth 2.81 billion dollars - and 60 Black Hawk helicopters - worth 3.1 billion dollars, the agency said in a statement.

Amid speculation Washington was preparing to act on Taiwan's request for weapons, China had warned Washington against more arms sales to the island. (AP, Reuters)

- May this administration support nations that allow religious freedom even in the face of intimidation by large countries. Thank You that Taiwan is being able to protect itself from the threat from China.

- Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Ex. 14:13-14)

c. CHINA "UNDER PRESSURE" ON IRAN SANCTIONS: CLINTON

The United States is trying to persuade Beijing that it's time to get tough with Iran on its nuclear program, even though Tehran is a major oil supplier to China, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Friday. China was "under pressure" to agree to new sanctions on Iran, Clinton told an audience in Paris, saying that efforts to negotiate with Tehran were clearly failing. Russia and China, which reluctantly supported three earlier rounds of sanctions, have appeared less eager to impose fresh curbs this time, complicating efforts to show a united front.

Clinton said among the dangers posed by Iran acquiring nuclear weapons would be a regional arms race and the possibility that Israel would feel a threat to its existence, which many fear could provoke a preemptive strike. "All of that is incredibly dangerous," she said.

Following discussions in London with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday, Clinton said she felt that the international community was moving toward a common understanding of what the next steps on Iran should be. But China's Yang appeared less cooperative on Thursday, repeating Beijing's contention that Iran should be given more time to negotiate before any sanctions are considered.

- Ask our Lord to change the hearts of world leaders to support our nation's call for increased sanctions against Iran. Tehran does pose an imminent danger to Israel, and we continue to stand by Israel in prayer.

- "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes." (Proverbs 21:1)

4. NEWS FROM IRAN:

a. SENATE VOTES TO IMPOSE MORE SANCTIONS ON IRAN

The Senate voted Thursday night to strengthen existing sanctions against Iran and impose new ones aimed at its gasoline supplies as part of the US effort to dissuade Tehran from pursuing nuclear weapons and cracking down on internal dissent. It also would expand sanctions to cover a range of financial institutions and businesses; impose a broad ban on direct imports from Iran to the US and exports from the US to Iran, exempting food and medicines, and require the Obama administration to freeze the assets of Iranians, including Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps, who are active in weapons proliferation or terrorism.

Senate and House negotiators now must work out differences between the Senate bill and a similar measure already passed by the House. A final bill, once passed by both chambers, would be sent to President Barack Obama for his signature.

- Pray that our resolve to do what must be done will be strengthened and put into action. As Iran continues to talk out of both sides of it's mouth, committing horrific atrocities on humanity, lift up the peace of Jerusalem/Israel, on whom Iran has directed most of it's wrath. Intercede that every measure will be taken to make the world a safe haven from tyrants and terrorists. Ask, as the Lord continues to fulfill His Word to us, that criminal officials of this nature be tried and convicted, so as not to give them credence, occasion, or opportunity for the next generation to follow.

- "Come, my people, enter your chambers, And shut your doors behind you; Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, Until the indignation is past. For behold, the Lord comes out of His place To punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity; The earth will also disclose her blood, And will no more cover her slain." (Isaiah 26:20-21)

b. AHMADINEJAD ISSUES THREAT FOR FEBRUARY 11TH

AHMADINEJAD: 'Iran will deliver telling blow to global powers on Feb. 11'

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says the nation will deliver a harsh blow to the "global arrogance" on this year's anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. "The Islamic Revolution opened a window to liberty for the human race, which was trapped in the dead ends of materialism," Ahmadinejad said during a cabinet meeting on Sunday. "If the Islamic Revolution had not occurred, liberalism and Marxism would have crushed all human dignity in their power-seeking and money-grubbing claws. Nothing would have remained of human and spiritual principles," he added.

Ahmadinejad said that in the three decades of its history, the Islamic Revolution had inspired some great developments in the world. The Iranian president made the remarks as the 31st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution approaches. Iranians are expected to pour into the streets on February 11 to celebrate the occasion in public rallies across the country, as they have done annually over the past three decades. (Read more)

- We stand in agreement with the Word of God. It is written: "So I will drive you out of your office, and from your position he will pull you down. I will clothe him with your robe and strengthen him with your belt; I will commit your responsibility into his hand. He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah." (Isaiah 22:19, 21)

c. DOCUMENT REVEALS SCOPE OF EU TRADE WITH IRAN

While European countries talk of imposing harsher economic sanctions on Iran, a recent Foreign Ministry document shows trade ties very much intact with Germany, Italy and France - also with Holland and Belgium. Europe boasts of its efforts to foil the Iranian nuclear program, but in reality has been trading with the Islamic Republic in the amount of some $91 billion in the past three years.

Days ago, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the time has come to discuss a new round of economic sanctions against Tehran. France has also demanded Iran put an end to its nuclear program, and has threatened harsher sanctions if it fails to do so. However, the document circulating in the Foreign Ministry shows these very same countries continue to maintain extensive trade ties with Tehran estimated at billions of euros per year. (Ynet)

- Father, hear our prayers against the deception and underhanded practices that feed our enemies and harm the security of both the US and Israel!

- "The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit; he has ceased to be wise and to do good." (Psalm 36:3)

5. NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN

For all three topics below, we offer this prayer:

- Events on the world stage are now shifting radically, almost daily. As men search for a way to find or make peace among the nations, pray that their hearts would be drawn to know the only source of true peace: a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

- "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you." (John 14:27)

a. KARZAI URGES WEST TO BUY OFF TALIBAN TO SECURE AFGHANISTAN

After giving up on winning victory in Afghanistan by military means, the international community is resorting to the centuries-old method of buying its way out. In London this week, Hamid Karzai, the Afghan president, will launch a British and American-backed plan for "reintegration" of the Taliban and call for international funding to offer jobs and bribes to bring insurgents in from the cold.

The conference, which started on Thursday, will be the first big international gathering on Afghanistan since President Obama announced his military strategy last month, including a surge of 30,000 American troops. The aim was to accompany the surge with a new political strategy and ways for the Afghans to provide their own security by setting up local militias, which could include former Taliban.

With intelligence reports warning that Taliban influence is spreading, both aims now appear in jeopardy. (Fox News; London Times) Read more.

b. U.S. GENERAL SIGNALS TALIBAN PEACE TALKS

Nato's top commander in Afghanistan has said increased troop levels could bring a negotiated peace with the Taliban. US Gen Stanley McChrystal told the UK's Financial Times newspaper that there had been "enough fighting." He said a political solution in all conflicts was "inevitable". His remarks came as the top UN envoy in Kabul said it was time to talk to the militants.

Both Afghan President Hamid Karzai and his Pakistani counterpart, Asif Ali Zardari, attended an international conference on Afghanistan in London on Thursday. "I'd like everybody to walk out of London with a renewed commitment, and that commitment is to the right outcome for the Afghan people," Gen McChrystal told the Financial Times. " It's impossible to paint the Taliban all with one brush . . . [the rank and file] don't want to pay the price for al-Qaeda's extremism for ever. "

b. U.S. ASKS U.N. TO REMOVE TALIBAN MEMBERS FROM TERRORISM LIST

A U.N. Security Council committee announced Tuesday that it has lifted sanctions against five former Taliban officials, bolstering Afghan and U.N. efforts to pursue peace talks with the group, Security Council diplomats said. The decision came after Russia agreed to stop blocking a U.S.-backed proposal to delist the men.

The action marks a dramatic shift by Russia, which for years had opposed requests by the U.S. and European governments to delist former Taliban members who say they back the government of Afghan President Hamid Karzai. No Taliban member had been delisted since the Security Council first imposed sanctions on the group more than 10 years ago.

The delisting process is part of a broader review of anti-Taliban sanctions by the Security Council, which has been criticized for failing to remove dead combatants and add new terrorism suspects to the U.N. blacklist, according to Richard Barrett, the chairman of a U.N. panel that oversees the implementation of sanctions against the Taliban and al-Qaeda. (Washington Post)

- Please decree that Taliban operatives who would hold back Bin Laden, or participate in attacking US Embassies or citizens on our soil never receive eased sanctions on arms, travel, or obtaining funds. Intercede for caution on behalf of the UN Security Council, that it update and keep its records straight, and that every terrorist, high level or otherwise, would remain under the whole world's "watchful eye."

- "And it shall be . . . that I will punish . . . all such as are clothed with foreign apparel. In the same day I will punish all those who leap over the threshold, who fill their masters' houses with violence and deceit." (Zephaniah 1:8-9)

6. U.S. SPEEDS UP ARMS BUILDUP WITH GULF ALLIES

Initiatives with Arab nations, military aimed at thwarting Iran attacks

The Obama administration is quietly working with Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf allies to speed up arms sales and rapidly upgrade defenses for oil terminals and other key infrastructure in a bid to thwart future military attacks by Iran, according to former and current U.S. and Middle Eastern government officials. The initiatives, including a U.S.-backed plan to triple the size of a 10,000-man protection force in Saudi Arabia, are part of a broader push that includes unprecedented coordination of air defenses and expanded joint exercises between the U.S. and Arab militaries, the officials said. All appear to be aimed at increasing pressure on Tehran.

Middle Eastern military and intelligence officials said Gulf states are embracing the expansion as Iran reacts increasingly defiantly to international censure over its nuclear program. Gulf states fear retaliatory strikes by Iran or allied groups such as Hezbollah in the event of a preemptive strike against Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States or Israel.

For the Obama administration, the cooperation represents tangible progress against Iran at a time when the White House is struggling to build international support for stronger diplomatic measures, including tough new economic sanctions, a senior official said in an interview. "We're developing a truly regional defensive capability, with missile systems, air defense and a hardening up of critical infrastructure," said the official, who is involved in strategic planning with Gulf states and who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "All of these have progressed significantly over the past year."
Major arms buildups

The expanded cooperation with the United States includes new agreements with Saudi Arabia to help establish a facilities-protection force under the country's Ministry of Interior to harden defenses for oil facilities, ports and water desalination plants. The new force is expected to grow to 30,000 personnel and will be used to deter attacks by al-Qaeda, as well as possible future strikes by Iran or Iranian-inspired terrorist groups, according to current and former officials familiar with the initiative. Washington is providing access to technology and equipment for the defense upgrade, the officials said.

Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are also undertaking multibillion-dollar purchases of U.S.-made defensive systems. In the past two years, Abu Dhabi has topped the list of foreign customers for U.S. arms, buying $17 billion worth of hardware, including Patriot anti-missile batteries and an advanced anti-missile system known as Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD. Three other Middle Eastern countries are considering buying the same systems. (The Washington Post ) Read more.

- As the Obama administration works to arm the enemies of Israel, stand in the gap for our nation. Cry out for mercy, for only the mercy of God can spare us from sure disaster ahead.

- "In wrath, remember mercy." (Habakkuk 3:2)

7. RUSSIA SELLS LIBYA TOP-LINE S-300 DENIED TO TEHRAN

Libyan defense minister Younis Jaber arrived in Moscow Tuesday, Jan. 26 to sign a $2 billion military acquisitions deal that makes his country the first in the Middle East to obtain the top-of-the-line S-300 PMU-2 interceptors which Russia is holding back from Iran. DEBKAfile's military sources report that Tripoli has purchased two brigades of four missile batteries each, conditional on their delivery by the end of 2010. (Debka)

- Did we know beforehand about Russia s double-dealing with Tehran? A lack of trust seems to exist on every side of this sale. And why Libya? Qadaffi is not the most stable person in the batch. Ask the Lord what is going on here. What are Russia s plans and fears? Is Iran caught in a double bind? On the surface this action looks beneficial to the USA, but keep your eyes on the other hand.

- I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will show them the back and not the face In the day of their calamity." (Jeremiah 18:17)

8. CIA CHIEF PANETTA IN CAIRO AND ISRAEL FOR SECRET TALKS ON YEMEN

The director of the CIA, Leon Panetta, paid secret visits to Cairo and Jerusalem Thursday, Jan. 28, to prepare the ground for expanding US military intervention in Yemen against al Qaeda strongholds, thereby opening a fresh front in the war on Islamist terror organization.

In Cairo, he met Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, defense minister Field Marshal Mohammed Hussein Tantawi and intelligence minister Gen. Omar Suleiman. They discussed an Egyptian expeditionary force for Yemen to fight al Qaeda combatants alongside US special forces. Panetta requested for the use of Egyptian military airfields as jumping-off bases for US air strikes against the terrorist strongholds.

In Jerusalem, the CIA chief exchanged evaluations on the Yemen front with Israel's intelligence leaders.

Debka file's intelligence sources report that the American military intervention in Yemen is already substantially broader than admitted. US special operations members of the CIA's combat units and drones armed with missiles, operated from Langley, Washington, are already installed at a big American base under construction near the Yemeni Red Sea port of Hodeira.

President Barack Obama resolved to expand America's involvement in Yemen after local and Saudi armies proved unequal to dealing with Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. (Debka)

- Pray that the U.S. finds favor with Egypt in granting this request. Pray that the nations remain united in combating the threat of al Qaeda -- no matter where this terrorist organization is operating in the world. Pray!

- "And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." (Mt. 22:21)

9. OBAMA INCREASES SPENDING ON NUCLEAR WEAPONS

President Obama is planning to increase spending on America's nuclear weapons stockpile just days after pledging to try to rid the world of them. In his budget to be announced on Monday, Mr Obama has allocated £4.3billion to maintain the U.S. arsenal - £370million more than George Bush spent on nuclear weapons in his final year. The Obama administration also plans to spend a further £3.1billion over the next five years on nuclear security.

The announcement comes despite the American President declaring nuclear weapons were the "greatest danger" to U.S. people during in his State of the Union address on Wednesday. And it flies in the face of Obama's Nobel Peace Prize, awarded to him in October for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples". The Nobel committee was attacked at the time for bestowing the accolade on a new president whose initiatives are yet to bear fruit - which included reducing the world stock of nuclear arms.

(Daily Mail UK) Read more

- Again, this administration seems to be saying one thing . . . and doing another. The result of this policy is, of course, confusion -- confusion we do not need when talking about nuclear weapons. Pray that Obama will come forward with clarity in his decision-making, for clarity brings trust and goodwill among the nations. Pray!

- "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37)

10. OBAMA SURRENDERING INTERNET TO FOREIGN POWERS

For years, the international community has been pressuring the United States to surrender its control and management of the Internet. They want an international body such as the United Nations or even the International Telecommunications Union, (an entity that coordinates international telephone communications), to manage all aspects of the Internet in behalf of all nations.

The argument advanced for those seeking international control of the Internet is that the Internet has become such a powerful, pervasive, and a dependent form of international communications, that it would be dangerous and inequitable for any one nation to control and manage it.

Now, the Obama administration has moved quietly to cede control of the Web from the United States to foreign powers. The Obama administration's actions will set in motion a slow and complete takeover of the Internet by the United Nations or some other equally U.S.-hostile and unfriendly international body. And once it is gone, it will be gone forever. (Newsmax)

- Lord, we pray that this "quiet" plan will be moved to the limelight, and that Americans will understand the implications of allowing anti-US governments control over our internet. We ask for a grassroots uprising against these actions, that the plan be stopped in its tracks.

- "The righteous see it and rejoice, and all iniquity stops its mouth." (Psalm 107:42)

11. ISRAEL BRINGS HUNDREDS OF ETHIOPIANS TO ISRAEL

Almost 150 Ethiopians immigrated to Israel in mid-January, and hundreds more who already have received permission from the Israeli government are due to arrive in the coming months. The Ethiopian "Falash Mura" immigrants are among the first to immigrate to Israel in more than a year.

The Jewish Agency for Israel estimates that more than 2,000 Ethiopians will relocate to Israel in 2010, with another 8,000 still waiting for authorization. The Falash Mura community descends from Ethiopian Jews who were forced to convert to Christianity centuries ago.

Israel's Ethiopian community is 110,000 strong, and thousands of Falash Mura still in Ethiopia are waiting to join their Jewish family members in Israel. Israel commenced Ethiopian Jewish immigration in 1984 through covert airlifts in Sudan, known as Operation Moses. During this five-week operation, more than 8,000 Ethiopian Jews were secretly bussed from Sudanese refugee camps to a nearby airport and flown to Israel. (Bridges for Peace)

- Praise God that Israel is bringing more Ethiopians home to Israel and taking steps to more effectively take care of them. Their culture makes their adjustment to life in Israel difficult. Pray that they will adjust well and enjoy their life as Israeli citizens.

- "And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." (Isaiah 35:10)

This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .

LORD, MY ROCK (Adoni Tsuree)

"Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war." (Psalm 144:1)

How blessed I am to know that You are my Rock, and my fortress. You are the One who equips me to do Your work. Thank You that You equip the called -- not call the equipped. Today, help me to realize that You have provided for my every need - one step at a time. Lord, my ROCK: how I thank You! Amen!

(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)