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Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for the Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
On Capitol Hill This Week Volume XIX, Number 12a
May 14 - 18, 2012
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
"Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, Lord, are the only God." (Isaiah 37:20)
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Focus on Israel
1. NETANYAHU FORGES COALITION GOVERNMENT
2. LAWMAKERS TIGHTEN STRINGS ON AID TO EGYPT, PALESTINIANS
3. HAMAS UNIT TASKED WITH STOPPING ATTACKS ON ISRAEL
4. "VICTORY WILL BE GREATER IF HUNGER STRIKERS DIE"
5. LAUDER CONDEMNS ANTI-SEMITIC REMARKS BY EUROPEAN INTELLECTUALS
6. MAY 14, 1948 - THE STATE OF ISRAEL WAS BORN
1. NETANYAHU FORGES COALITION GOVERNMENT
The unity deal worked out secretly by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Kadima Chairman Shaul Mofaz boosts our deterrence power on the Iranian front and Israel's ability to press the five permanent members of the Security Council and Germany not to compromise too much. The new unity government will attest to very broad support for the Netanyahu government, while the prime minister's and defense minister's position on Iran's nuclear program is widely known. This fact was certainly not lost on the US Administration and European governments, which are very anxious about potential Israel moves that may hinder their economic recovery. After all, an Israeli strike in Iran could prompt oil prices, which are currently going down, to skyrocket.
On the domestic front, the decision to form a unity government has even greater value. First, the official forum of decision-makers on Iran - that is, the security cabinet - has been reinforced with another official who possesses great defense experience. Shaul Mofaz has served as defense minister and IDF [Israel Defense Forces] chief of staff in the past, and recent conversations with him indicate that he will not rush to pull the trigger.
Mofaz will be joining the forum of top eight government ministers, which will now turn into a forum of nine entrusted with taking informal decisions on critical security and diplomatic issues; this also includes the decision on whether to strike in Iran. What we have here is another experienced hand, which will improve the decision-making process on the defense front. Should a decision to strike Iran be taken, the existence of a unity government will reduce the danger of criticism should the operation fail or lead to unexpected results.
In the final analysis, we can assert that the formation of the new government - assuming it will function properly and survive the crises expected in the coming months - boosts Israel's deterrent power and upgrades its leadership's decision-making ability on the security and diplomatic front, topped by the Iran issue. (Ynet News)
- Pray that this new unity government will stay unified and be able to work together in finding solutions to the challenging issues in Israel's immediate future.
- "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1)
2. LAWMAKERS TIGHTEN STRINGS ON AID TO EGYPT, PALESTINIANS
The U.S. Congress is tightening conditions on foreign aid to Egypt and the Palestinians. Approving by voice vote the $40.1 billion foreign operations budget for 2013, the House foreign operations appropriations subcommittee stipulated that the annual package of $1.55 billion in military and civilian assistance to Egypt would be cut if Cairo breaks its peace treaty with Israel, as some emerging political voices in Egypt have threatened.
In addition, the secretary of state must confirm that presidential elections later this month are free and fair and that human rights are respected.
Vis a vis the Palestinians, the legislation cuts funding if the Palestinian Authority signs any agreement with the Islamic movement Hamas or does not actively work to end incitement. The legislation also blocks funding for United Nations Educational and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) after it voted last year to recognize Palestine as a member state. (The Media Line)
- Praise God for this strong stand! Pray that this pressure will bring about good results.
- "To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever." (Psalm 30:12)
3. HAMAS UNIT TASKED WITH STOPPING ATTACKS ON ISRAEL
The Hamas government in the Gaza Strip is operating a unit that stops militants from firing rockets into Israel, the Ha'aretz daily reports. This marks a role reversal for the Palestinian Islamic movement, which was founded as a jihad-fighting force against the Jewish state.
Formed several months ago and under the direct command of Interior Minister Fathi Hammad, the 300-man unit is tasked with foiling attacks by organizations such as the Islamic Jihad and the Popular Resistance Committees. Its soldiers make their way around Gaza by motorcycles and four-wheel-drive vehicles and are authorized to shoot anyone who resists arrest.
Most of those detained can expect to spend at least a couple of months in prison without trial. Islamic Jihad members, however, are almost always released on the spot due to informal understandings with the Hamas government. (Media Line)
- Pray that this task force will not be biased or lenient, and justice will prevail.
-"It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity." (Proverbs 21:15)
4. "VICTORY WILL BE GREATER IF HUNGER STRIKERS DIE"
Israeli security officials fear that the death of any Palestinian prisoner as a result of the ongoing hunger strike, which has entered its 21st day, may lead to an eruption of violence in the territories, the Yedioth Ahronoth daily reported Monday [May 7].
Some 1,600 Palestinian prisoners are protesting against the conditions of their incarceration, which were significantly worsened while Gilad Shalit was held captive by Hamas in Gaza. Among other things, the prisoners are demanding an end to solitary confinement, an end to administrative detentions and reinstating family visits from Gaza. They are also demanding that Israel allow them to take university courses and give them access to Arab TV channels.
Adnan, who refused food for more than two months, ended his strike after Israel agreed to release him from administrative detention. "If they die, the victory will be even greater," he said. "In any case, Israel will be held responsible." Meanwhile, Islamic Jihad threatened to resume its rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza should one of the prisoners die. Ziad Abu Ein, Palestinian deputy minister of prisoners affairs, said the death of one of the Palestinian prisoners would trigger violence in the territories. According to him, the hunger strikers have called on Hamas' armed wing to kidnap soldiers in order to advance their release. (Ynet News)
- Pray that God will give decision makers wisdom in knowing how to handle this very delicate situation.
- "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." ( Proverbs 2:6)
5. LAUDER CONDEMNS ANTI-SEMITIC REMARKS BY EUROPEAN INTELLECTUALS
World Jewish Congress [WJC] President Ronald S. Lauder has strongly condemned recent remarks by the Norwegian sociologist Johan Galtung who on repeated occasions had revived anti-Semitic canards such as Jewish control of the media and suggested that Israel's Mossad could have been behind last year's massacres in Norway, committed by Anders Breivik, in which 77 people died.
Lauder said the "despicable" remarks by the 81-year-old Galtung, a world-renowned peace scholar, were yet another sign that "anti-Semitic and anti-Israel sentiment is on the increase in certain intellectual and academic circles in Europe" and that many scholars and artists "are clearly obsessed" with Israel and the Jews. "There is a growing tendency to blame the Jews for all evil that happens under the sun. It is a scandal that a leading academics such as Galtung does not shy away from citing notorious forgeries such as the Protocols of the Elders of Zion to support his bigoted arguments. "He and other intellectuals accuse Jews of stifling public debate and controlling the mass media. He and others hallucinate about a world in which nasty Jews control world finance. These people are obsessed about Israel and its alleged might. And, worst of all, they get their facts wrong almost all the time," Lauder pointed out.
Recently, German writer and Nobel Prize laureate Günter Grass alleged that it was Israel that posed the biggest threat to world peace. While Lauder praised the widespread condemnation for Galtung's and Grass' statements in the Norwegian and German press, he lamented the widespread silence of fellow academics and intellectuals.
"Shouldn't it be a lesson from European history that whenever anti-Semitic statements are made all decent people must condemn them, and not just the Jews? "It is time that Europe's intellectuals engage in some soul-searching because unfortunately, we are talking about more than just a few isolated cases of 'angry old men' ranting against Israel and the Jews. It is a trend that must be halted, and we hope that non-Jewish intellectuals and scholars will also come out in support for Israel and the Jewish people," said Lauder. (World Jewish Congress)
- Pray that God will raise up a voice (or voices) among European intellectuals who will take a bold stand against such anti-Semitic rhetoric.
- "He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God." (Psalm 98:3)
6. MAY 14, 1948 - THE STATE OF ISRAEL WAS BORN
On midnight, MAY 14, 1948, the State of Israel came into being and was immediately recognized by the United States and the Soviet Union.
A homeland for the thousands of Jews who were persecuted and displaced during World War II, Israel was attacked the next day by the Transjordanian Army, the Arab Legion, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq.
Against all odds, Israel survived.
In April 3, 2002, House Majority Whip Tom DeLay stated in a speech at Westminster College:
"No one can ignore the horrible aggression in the Middle East. A democratic government is fending off an orchestrated onslaught of death. The State of Israel has been targeted by groups committed to her complete elimination. And on the basis of our shared principles and democratic values, America has an undeniable obligation to stand squarely with our democratic ally against those attempting to end the State of Israel. . .
Israel and America are kindred nations. The founders of both countries were profoundly influenced by faith. Both countries drafted governments that practice religious tolerance. Both countries are filled with immigrants summoned by dreams. For people fleeing the storms of persecution, both countries have been safe harbors. . .
No one should expect the people of Israel to negotiate with groups pursuing the fundamental goal of destroying them. . . "
Congressman Tom DeLay concluded:
"America has a clear duty to stand beside a democratic ally that is besieged by terrorists . . .The terrorists attempting to destroy the State of Israel should know that America will never allow that to happen." (William Federer, The American Minute)
- Let us be unrelenting in praying for the peace of Jerusalem in her hour of peril.
- "I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest . . ." (Isaiah 62:6)
Special Prayers for New Coalition Government in Israel
Source: Intercessors for Israel
www.ifij.org
2.Israel was amazed last week when, expecting the parliament to be dissolved and early elections to be called, they woke up Tuesday and found that Bibi Netanyahu had formed one of the largest coalition governments in Israel's modern history. Kadima, headed by Shaul Mofaz, joined Bibi's Likud-led government, which now will apparently run its full course, until October 2013. We were not convinced that early elections was God's will, and asked for Him to overrule
- which He did. We now have a responsibility to intercede for Israel's current government to be all that God has raised them up to be.
- Abba, we thank You for overruling the plans of man (Prov. 16:9; Jer. 10:23) and stopping Israel from having to go to early elections.
- Lord, You promised to give Israel godly leaders in the last days. We ask that You watch over Your word and bring it to pass with this government at this season.
- "I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning: afterward you shall be called, the city of righteousness, the faithful city." (Isa. 1:26)
- "'I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds. They shall be fruitful and increase. I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, 'says the LORD. (Jer. 23:3-4)
- Bring this government in alignment with Your will.
- Enable the leaders to lead with integrity.
- Lord, please bring a real unity of purpose between Netanyahu, Mofaz and the rest of the coalition leaders.
- Give this government godly standards.
- Lord, help this current government to pass legislation that is pleasing in Your sight.
- There is a commitment to change the way the current Israeli governmental system works. This is much needed. Pray for it to be done and to bring in a new system that will be pleasing to God.
- There is also a commitment to revise the Tal law, which gives deferments to ultra-Orthodox citizens from serving in the IDF to study. One plan is to make some form of national service mandatory for every Israeli citizen- including the ultra-Orthodox and the Arabs. Pray that this too is passed and that it will bring a sense of greater equality to all Israeli citizens.
- Lord Yeshua, we declare that ultimately, this government is on Your shoulders (Isa. 9:6-7).
More International News
1. IRAN THREATENS AMERICA'S EAST COAST
2. RELATIONS WORSENING BETWEEN RELIGIOUS GROUPS IN SYRIA
3. NORTH KOREA THREATENS TO BOLSTER NUCLEAR ARSENAL
4. CHINA, JAPAN, S. KOREA WARN N. KOREA OFF ATOM TEST
5. PUTIN FLEXES MUSCLE IN SHUNNING U.S.-HOSTED G8 TALKS
6. WHOLE EUROZONE COULD UNRAVEL IN JUST A MATTER OF MONTHS
7. CRITICS: BIGGEST U.N. SUMMIT HEADING TOWARD FAILURE
1. IRAN THREATENS AMERICA'S EAST COAST
North Korea is threatening to bolster its nuclear arsenal at any cost amid worries that the country may conduct a third atomic test soon. The Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea says a U.S. call for Pyongyang to give up its nuclear and space development programs is a "grave provocation." An unidentified committee spokesman says the North will further strengthen its "nuclear deterrent" to protect its sovereignty "regardless of whatever the price it would pay." (Associated Press) Read more.
- Although an uprising against the leadership of North Korea would be bloody, pray that the people of this belligerent country will revolt against their cruel leaders. Freedom is always costly. Pray for great wisdom for our leaders working with North Korea, whose leaders seem not to know truth nor compassion. Ask the Lord to hear the cries of the people of that nation calling out for help from their miserable existence.
- " Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me." (Psalm 50: 15)
2. RELATIONS WORSENING BETWEEN RELIGIOUS GROUPS IN SYRIA
Sunni gunmen fire during clashes, in the northern port city of Tripoli, Lebanon, Sunday.. Gunfire broke out in the city Saturday and continued through the night primarily between a neighborhood populated by Sunni Muslims who hate Syrian President Bashar Assad and another area with many Assad backers from his Alawite sect. Syrian forces killed at least five people when they raided a Sunni farming village on Sunday, torching homes and looting shops in what activists said is a sign of worsening relations among the country's religious groups. Tensions stemming from the 14-month-old uprising against President Bashar Assad also touched off clashes across the border in Lebanon as the revolt threatened to morph into a broader conflict.
The relentless violence further undermines a U.N.-backed peace plan that is supposed to bring an end to Syria's deadly crisis. A cease-fire that was supposed to begin on April 12 has had only a limited effect, throwing into doubt the rest of the plan that calls for talks between Assad's regime and those seeking to end his rule.
The raid against the impoverished village of al-Tamana, about 35 miles northwest of the city of Hama, began late Saturday and continued through the early hours on Sunday. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said five people were killed in the raid and government troops were setting fire to homes. One local rebel leader was killed alongside five civilians. "He was a hero in the Free Syrian Army who was trying to defend the civilians," he said, referring to the umbrella group of local, anti-regime militias. (Associated Press) Read more.
- Pray that these Syrian attacks will end. Is Syria posing as a world power to be recognized? Cut off any ties between Iran and Russia with Syria. Remember that many WMD were trucked through and to Syria at the orders of Saddam Hussein between the Gulf War and the attack by America and allies on Iraq in 2002. Syria may have kept some of the WMD. Ask the Lord to protect the innocent Christians from the Syrian regime.
- "Give us help from our trouble, for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies." (Psalm 108: 12, 13)
3. NORTH KOREA THREATENS TO BOLSTER NUCLEAR ARSENAL
North Korea is threatening to bolster its nuclear arsenal at any cost amid worries that the country may conduct a third atomic test soon. The Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea says a U.S. call for Pyongyang to give up its nuclear and space development programs is a "grave provocation." An unidentified committee spokesman says the North will further strengthen its "nuclear deterrent" to protect its sovereignty "regardless of whatever the price it would pay." (Associated Press) Read more.
- Although an uprising against the leadership of North Korea would be bloody, pray that the people of this belligerent country will revolt against their cruel leaders. Freedom is always costly. Pray for great wisdom for our leaders working with North Korea, whose leaders seem not to know truth nor compassion. Ask the Lord to hear the cries of the people of that nation calling out for help from their miserable existence.
- " Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me." (Psalm 50: 15)
4. CHINA, JAPAN, S. KOREA WARN N. KOREA OFF ATOM TEST
China, Japan and South Korea warned North Korea Sunday they will not tolerate further nuclear tests, the South Korean president said, amid fears that Pyongyang is preparing a third atomic blast. Lee Myung-Bak made the remark after talks in Beijing with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda that also saw the trio decide to start free-trade area negotiations before the end of this year. (SpaceDaily.com) Read more.
- Father, we pray You ease the confrontation between these countries. Bring healthy, stable relations to these nations, that they each will be able to fulfill Your destiny purpose on earth.
- "Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice." (Proverbs 13:10)
5. PUTIN FLEXES MUSCLE IN SHUNNING U.S.-HOSTED G8 TALKS
Of all the signals and symbols that shape Russian foreign policy, this one seemed particularly blunt: Vladimir Putin, in one of the first decisions of his new presidency, will shun a Group of Eight summit hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama. The May 18-19 visit was to have been Putin's first foreign trip since he returned to the Kremlin on Monday, a chance to begin putting U.S. ties back on track after a growth in tension over missile defense, Syria and Russia's presidential campaign. Instead, Putin is sending his junior partner, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev - and a message that as long as he is in charge, Russia will not bend to Washington's will when its interests are at stake. (Reuters)
- Father, give our leaders wisdom concerning Russia. May we, too, not compromise or bend to Russia's demands. Keep America strong in our dealings with other countries.
- "Put them in fear, O Lord, that the nations may know themselves to be but men." (Psalm 9:20)
6. WHOLE EUROZONE COULD UNRAVEL IN JUST A MATTER OF MONTHS
Greece leaves the euro "very possibly next month." That would lead to a massive run on Italian and Spanish banks. There would be massive borrowing from the ECB to prevent a banking collapse. At which point Germany has to decide: Shoulder a major burden for the debts of Spain/Italy, etc., or let it all go. He concludes: "And we're talking about months, not years, for this to play out." (Business Insider) Read more.
- Father, we pray the will of God over this situation. Bring stability to Europe in the financial realm. Give wisdom, answers, plans, strategies to their leaders.
- "And there I will sustain and provide for you, so that you and your household and all that are yours may not come to poverty and want." (Genesis 45:11)
7. CRITICS: BIGGEST U.N. SUMMIT HEADING TOWARD FAILURE
The largest-ever United Nations conference, a summit billed as a historic opportunity to build a greener future, appears to be going up in smoke. U.S. President Barack Obama likely won't be there, and the leaders of Britain and Germany have bowed out. The entire European Parliament delegation has canceled.
And with fewer than six weeks to go until the Rio+20 conference on sustainable development, negotiations to produce a final statement have stalled amid squabbling. Logistical snags, too, threaten to derail the event.
Though the conference's host city, Rio de Janeiro, is also slated to stage mega-events in the 2014 World Cup final match and the 2016 Olympics, its hotel infrastructure is still woefully lacking. With a total of 33,000 beds for the estimated 50,000-plus visitors expected to flood the city for the June 20-22 summit, the mayor has resorted to asking residents to leave town and rent out their apartments to delegates. . . (Bay News) Read more.
- Father, this conference seems to be doomed before it starts. If this conference is guided and directed by You, then we intercede for the preparations which have gone awry. But if this "green summit" is not according to Your will, then we thank You that You will undertake on our behalf and cause this plan of man to fail. We pray thy kingdom come, thy will be done over this conference. In Jesus' Name, amen.
- "A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure." (Prov. 16: 9)
On Capitol Hill This Week: Vol. XIX, No. 12b-1
DOMESTIC ISSUES
1. THE MANHATTAN DECLARATION RESPONDS TO OBAMA'S POLICY ON GAY MARRIAGE
2. OBAMA USES SCRIPTURE TO JUSTIFY SAME-SEX MARRIAGE STANCE
3. ANOTHER E.O.: INTERNATIONAL REGULATORY COOPERATION
4. OBAMA ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM SECRETLY RELEASING TERRORISTS
5. DHS LAUNCHES ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE UNITS
6. HHS CLINIC FUNDS EXTEND FED'S REACH INTO SCHOOLS
7. NEW RULES AUTHORIZE GOVERNMENT TO DESTROY OBAMA'S DRAFT RECORDS
8. U.S. CONSIDERS IMPLANTING NANOSENSORS (RFID) IN SOLDIERS
9. REP. MICHELE BACHMANN JOINS GLENN BECK: COMMENTS ON "RUMORS OF WWW3"
10. SUPREME COURT TO REVIEW CASE SUPPORTING PRAYER IN LEGISLATIVE CHAMBERS
11. ATHEISTS THREATEN NDP OBSERVANCES
12. SECULAR COALITION FOR AMERICA BOLSTERS EFFORTS ON CAPITOL HILL
1. THE MANHATTAN DECLARATION RESPONDS TO OBAMA'S POLICY
ON GAY MARRIAGE
This past week, Obama drew a line in the sand for every Bible-believing, evangelical man and woman in this nation: do we serve man, or do we serve God on the issue of homosexual "marriage" in America? Speaking for many of us, the Manhattan Declaration has issued a statement in response, which is published in its entirety further down this page.
May we each choose wisely on this issue, and may we each choose even more wisely at the polls in November. The hidden has now been revealed, and for that we offer praise.
- Let us pray that God will not lift His Hand from our nation as she reels from rebellious leadership that threatens our Judeo-Christian heritage as Americans.
- "Choose you this day whom ye will serve . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15)
2. OBAMA USES SCRIPTURE TO JUSTIFY SAME-SEX MARRIAGE STANCE
The dust has hardly settled on Obama's move to support same-sex marriage. Indeed, it's an issue that's likely to linger on through the 2012 presidential elections and beyond.
The Assemblies of God is voicing its dissent and objection. George O. Wood, AG general superintendent, says the denomination is in complete disagreement with the president's new position and takes exception to Obama taking Scripture out of context to defend his position.
Wood explains his position: "The Bible clearly teaches that marriage should be a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman," he says. "There is no affirmation of homosexual behavior found anywhere in Scripture. However, the Bible is replete with evidence that homosexual behavior is immoral and comes under the judgment of God. Although it has become popular to quote Scripture grossly out of context to serve a personal or political agenda, it still doesn't change what God's Word clearly states."
Wood adds that in light of what Scripture says, Christians should not be surprised by individuals and groups twisting Scripture, citing 2 Timothy 4:3, "For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear" (NIV).
Wood adds that it's important for Christians to not underestimate the implications of a pro-homosexual, pro-abortion president, and what it means for the church. "In no time in our nation have we ever needed to pray more for our political leaders and this country than we need to today," he explains. (Charisma News) Read more.
- Father, we know the times are growing darker, and mankind is seeking to do whatever they wish, apart from following Your Word. We thank You that Your laws are for our own protection, as You have desired to give us an abundant life, health, and Your shalom, as we respect the boundaries of Your Word and teaching. We ask that our President would come to know and accept You in his heart, rather than his head. May he search the Scriptures, and see Who You are, and what You teach..and submit himself to You and Your authority, we pray.
Our Gracious Lord, we know the enemy of our souls knows how to quote scripture as he did to Jesus in the wilderness. We ask that your people be not deceived by the twisting of the meaning of Your words to accomplish a political goal. Thank you for an entire denomination that has risen up against the misuse of scripture. Lord, show the man in the Oval office the real meaning of the scriptures he so freely quotes for his own use. In Jesus' Name, we ask this prayer, amen.
- "For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." (Romans 16:18) "For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear" (2 Timothy 4:3)
3. ANOTHER E.O.: INTERNATIONAL REGULATORY COOPERATION
Obama signed yet another edict (aka Executive Order): Promoting International Regulatory Cooperation. This dictate is designed to standardize regulations between the United States and it's so called trading partners. What is a regulation?
Regulation is administrative legislation that constitutes or constrains rights and allocates responsibilities. It can be distinguished from primary legislation (by Parliament or elected legislative body) on the one hand and judge-made law on the other. Regulation can take many forms: legal restrictions promulgated by a government authority, self-regulation by an industry such as through a trade association, social regulation,co-regulation, or market regulation. One can consider regulation as actions of conduct imposing sanctions, such as a fine, to the extent permitted by the law of the land.
Look at what we have now:
- The Patriot Act which allows unlimited spying on the American people by the government.
- The National Defense Authorization Act with Sections 1021 and 1022 for the military arrests and indefinite detention of American nationals without any due process of the law.
- HR 347 Trespass Law for the implementation of Sections 1021 and 1022 of the National Defense Authorization Act upon any citizen who dares to speak out against the insurgency. (see below)
- Executive Order National Defense Resources Preparedness Act, which allows the dictator to confiscate every resource of the United States, including we the people as conscripts to be put in servitude to the insurgency. (Hebrew News Nation)
- Lord Jesus, we cry out to you to forgive us. There are people in positions of power who are stripping this nation of many of its original laws and protections as a nation. They are creating edicts to give this nation over to world powers to do what they desire. We know as Your people and as a nation, we have failed You and too often have turned our backs on Your ways. Please forgive us Lord and give us more time to help You bring in Your end time Harvest. Lord, we seek Your protection, direction and strength to do what You would have done to counter these edicts which are leading to the destruction of the laws and beliefs upon which this nation was built. Help us Lord, we pray, In Jesus Name, Amen and Amen.
- "Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good." (Proverbs 14:22)
4. OBAMA ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM SECRETLY RELEASING TERRORISTS
A secret U.S. program has released an undisclosed number of terrorists over the past several years from a military prison in Afghanistan, but not to worry. They were only released if they promised to give up violence. What a relief. Unfortunately though, this has been done before. Prisoners promised to stop their violence as a condition for release from Guantanamo Bay. It didn't work. But the Obama Administration decided to try again. In order to end the war by the predetermined deadline Obama imposed of all U.S. combat troops withdrawing by 2014, the releases were practically necessary. Imposing arbitrary deadlines means that sacrifices to U.S. national security and the safety of U.S. troops currently fighting are completely justifiable. With a goal "to quell violence . . .particularly as troops continue to withdraw," the program seeks to allow for the opening of diplomatic channels between us and the terrorists in order to make the war fit Obama's artificial timetable. (Townhall.com) Read more.
- Dear Lord, we lift up our military men and women who are in harms way for Your very special protection during this artificial and politically motivated timeline for withdrawal. Lord, we pray that You would do a work to convince our leaders against this method of ending a war. We pray for a replacement of those in charge who are not acting with wisdom in this matter.
- "To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom." (Psalms 105:22)
5. DHS LAUNCHES ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE UNITS
The Department of Homeland Security has announced that it is creating "environmental justice" units that will be empowered to oversee regulations in conjunction with local governments throughout the country. The framework for the Environmental Justice Working Group includes eleven federal government agencies, including the TSA, the Secret Service and FEMA.
In its just-released Environmental Justice Strategy document (February, 2012), the DHS says the idea is to "include environmental justice practices in our larger mission efforts involving federal law enforcement and emergency response activities" and to incorporate environmental justice in "securing the homeland."
Quoting from the PDF document (cited):
Our nation's vision of homeland security is a homeland that is safe and secure, resilient against terrorism and other hazards - where American interests and aspirations, and the American way of life can thrive. In seeking to fulfill this vision, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) aspires to avoid burdening minority and low-income populations with a disproportionate share of any adverse human health or environmental risks associated with our efforts to secure the nation. (Department of Homeland Security) Read more.
- Lord, this seems so bizarre and incomprehensible. Why would we need another bureaucracy, and why would the low-income population be anymore at risk than any other American? This all seems so strange. We pray, Lord, that clarity and sanity would come into this equation, and wisdom would be given to those involved in these decisions. We pray that if this proposal is unnecessary or extraneous, that it would become known, and would not further drain limited federal funds. We pray for accountability and transparency to be applied here, and we thank You for it. In Your Name, Amen.
- "And I will make peace your administrators and righteousness your overseers." (Isaiah 60:17)
6. HHS CLINIC FUNDS EXTEND FED'S REACH INTO SCHOOLS
As the U.S. Supreme Court mulls the constitutionality of the Democrats' Affordable Care Act, the Obama administration is moving ahead with plans to pour millions of dollars into "school-based health centers." On Wednesday, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that $75 million in taxpayer money is available to build and renovate health clinics inside schools. . .
According to the Healthy Schools Campaign, the recommendations "reflect a new approach to making health and wellness part of the school experience. This means that wellness is not relegated to an occasional health lesson or physical education class - it is part of math, science, lunch and everything in between. It means providing teachers with professional development related to children's physical and emotional development, and integrating health into every subject, reward system and classroom management strategy. (CNS News) Read more.
- One wonders what content and strategies will be imposed upon teachers to ensure that the federal government makes another inroad into our private lives. Our nation would be better served by requiring instructors to spend their time teaching academics to our students. Pray that all members of Congress will vote not to fund this project by HHS but will see it as it is - another tentacle of socialism to control every aspect of our lives. For example, students have already been brainwashed to accept homosexuality in every form. Pray to stop the $75 million "available" for this project.
- "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret because of him who prospers in the way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass." (Psalm 37: 7)
7. NEW RULES AUTHORIZE GOVERNMENT TO DESTROY OBAMA'S DRAFT RECORDS
Changes in the wording of Selective Service System record-keeping requirements, made days after the opening of an investigation into the alleged forgery of Obama's Selective Service registration form, raise serious questions about U.S. government intentions. . .
The Selective Service System's new privacy rules were published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, September 20, 2011, four days after the September 16 announcement by World Net Daily that the Maricopa County, Ariz., Sheriff's Office "Cold Case Posse" was opening an inquiry with full subpoena power into alleged forgery of several documents concerning Obama's birth and draft registration. . .
Changing the wording of the privacy rules alters the status of federal records, like the requested draft registration records, from "record copies" to "nonrecord copies." Nonrecord copies are subject to disposal. (Washington Times) Read more.
- Our Heavenly Father, Your spotlight is now being shone on the unusual number of coincidences in the life of this man, too many to be ignored. We pray that the real truth of this man's secret life be revealed as it should be for someone who has been voted to a place of this much authority in our country. Lord, deliver us from the control of anyone who has dealt wickedly with this kind of information. You are the Revealer of Truth and the One who renders justice at the gate.
- "And Jesus answered and said unto them, take heed that no man deceive you." (Matthew 24:4)
8. U.S. CONSIDERS IMPLANTING NANOSENSORS (RFID) IN SOLDIERS
The U.S. military wants to plant nanosensors in soldiers to monitor health on future battlefields and immediately respond to needs, but a privacy expert warns the step is just one more down the road to computer chips for all. Katherine Albrecht, and Liz McIntyre authored "Spychips," a book that warns of the threat to privacy posed by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).
According to a report at Mobiledia, the U.S. military's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has confirmed plans to create nanosensors to monitor the health of soldiers on battlefields. DARPA describes the technology on which it is working as "a truly disruptive innovation," which would diagnose, monitor vital states and "even deliver medicine into the bloodstream."
According to LiveScience.com, "Solving the problem of sickness could have a huge impact on the number of soldiers ready to fight, because far more have historically died due to illness rather than combat." The report suggested that for special forces, "the practical realization of implantable nanosensors capable of monitoring multiple indicators of physiological state could be a truly disruptive innovation." (Intercessors for America)
- Pray that our national leaders will weigh carefully any system that could be used to monitor our military personnel and their status in the field in any way. Pray for wisdom in deploying any system that would track our soldiers' locations. Pray that there will be no harm to any soldier's health if a program like this were to be implemented in the future.
"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." (Revelation 20:4)
[Capitol Hill Prayer Partners is not advocating that this current recommendation by DARPA and our military leaders is that which is talked about in the book of Revelation, but it could be viewed as a forerunner to technology that could be used to usher in an anti-Christ system of control. Wisdom for our national leaders should be sought through our prayers.]
9. REP. MICHELE BACHMANN JOINS GLENN BECK: COMMENTS ON VIDEO --
"RUMORS OF WWW3"
Video Highlights Encroachment of Muslim Brotherhood in America
Congresswoman Michele Bachmann joined Glenn on radio today (April 26) to discuss GBTV's new documentary, Rumors of War III, which debuted last night.(April 25). "I watched every second of the special you did last night," the Congresswoman told Glenn. "It was spellbinding." Congresswoman Bachmann sits on the intelligence committee, and told Glenn's listeners that she can confirm every word from Rumors of War III was accurate. "It's absolutely profound," she said.
The Congresswoman told Glenn that she wants people to be encouraged, because there are members of Congress that are on this issue [the Muslim Brotherhood]. "I personally spend twenty-five to thirty hours every week just dealing with this problem. I think this is the number one issue facing our country right now. People have no idea how far, how deep, how wide the Muslim Brotherhood has penetrated the upper echelons here in the United States," Congresswoman Bachmann explained. "Martin Dempsey, the top military man in the United States, the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, just said yesterday he ordered government censorship and a purging of any reference to Islam or Islamic training out of the military training material."
She added that the removal of Islam and Islamic training also occurred in the FBI last October. She told Glenn that when this occurred, she demanded that she be allowed to review the material that was purged from the FBI. These materials are training our FBI agents how to spot the motivation behind terrorists.
Congresswoman Bachmann told Glenn that she has been organizing a group in Congress that meets to discuss this issue on a weekly basis. Rep. Allen West, who was part of last night's documentary, is one of the members of Congress is this group. She explained that, essentially, they're a caucus that focuses on the issue of penetration from the Muslim Brotherhood and jihad in the capital and in our government. . .
"It is critical that people know who is working on this in D.C., because I have no doubt that there will be shenanigans with our elections," Congresswoman Bachmann responded. "Right now it is civilization jihad. That was the term used last night on your couch. That exactly defines what this is. This is the enemy within to destroy our western civilization, and we're being told to avert our gaze."
Congresswoman Bachmann compared what we are being told to do right now, ignore the threats that are right in front of us, to what history has taught us will happen when we do this. "From my perspective our current president and the administration are the most dangerous on national security of any that we have ever had in the United States. They have literally opened the floodgate and they are allowing these people to come in," she told Glenn. Read more (Glenn Beck website)
- Dear Heavenly Father, we fall before Your throne repenting for the waywardness and spiritual slumber of so many of the churches in this nation. Lord, we have fallen so far away from the principles upon which this nation was founded. We are so grateful for these members of Congress that are trying to do something about this serious threat that is right in the center of our national life and is an extremely serious threat to our entire future as a nation. We ask You to keep a hedge of protection around them and to be in their midst, lifting them up and letting them hear what is in Your heart over these issues. Guide them and sustain them as to what You wish to be done, In Jesus Name, Amen and Amen.
- "Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His Holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy." (Psalm 99:9)
10. SUPREME COURT TO REVIEW CASE SUPPORTING OPENING PRAYER IN LEGISLATIVE CHAMBERS
Members of the Prayer Caucus signed an amicus curiae brief submitted to the Supreme Court of the United States by the Family Research Council, asking the Court to reverse a decision by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Joyner v. Forsyth County, which held that the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners' prayer policy was unconstitutional because the prayers too often mentioned "Jesus." The county's prayer policy was based on a model policy used by other city and county councils throughout the country that has been upheld by four other federal courts since 2009. However, the Fourth Circuit held that in order to be constitutional, such prayers must not be "too sectarian." The amicus curiae brief asks the Supreme Court to take up the case and overturn the Fourth Circuit's decision, in hopes that the Court will bring the ruling into alignment with decisions of other federal courts and our nation's historic legacy of permitting such prayer. (Intercessors for America)
- Pray for the nine justices on the United States Supreme Court as they weigh this critical case. Our forefathers died for our freedom of religion, and a prayer uttered at the beginning of any legislative session in the nation serves only to bring the blessings of Messiah to bear upon the affairs of state. Pray!
- "All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart." (Proverbs 21:2)
11. ATHEISTS THREATEN NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER OBSERVANCES
Since the May 3 National Day of Payer, the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) is responding to legal threats from an atheist group over public observances of the National Day of Prayer protected under the U.S. Constitution and recently re-affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court. Those threats have been issued against various cities nationwide concerning events held during last Thursday's National Day of Prayer. ADF attorney Brett Harvey said public officials should be able to recognize public prayer activities, just as the nation's founders did.
"The Freedom From Religion Foundation and other groups like them routinely issue legal threats to cities and towns in their quest to scrub the public square free of any trace of religion," Harvey reports. "The courts have repeatedly disagreed with them because the Constitution requires no such thing. As the U.S. Supreme Court has recently stated, 'The Constitution does not oblige the government to avoid any public acknowledgment of religion's role in society.'"
The ADF has defended the National Day of Prayer, its task force, and former spokesperson Shirley Dobson in a lawsuit filed by the atheist group, which was rejected last year by the Seventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The legal group is offering free legal advice and possible representation to any local governments facing threats for honoring the prayer event, issuing their own prayer proclamations, or asking citizens to voluntarily pray for their communities and nation. (Intercessors for America)
- Thank the Lord that He is our advocate in times of need. Thank the Lord that He is the giver of wisdom when arguing God's Truth in the courts of men.
- "But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say," (Matthew 10:19)
12. SECULAR COALITION FOR AMERICA BOLSTERS EFFORTS ON CAPITOL HILL
The Secular Coalition for America, an organization that strives to remove faith from the public square, is hoping to bolster its impact on Congress by shoring up its lobbying efforts-particularly towards conservative lawmakers. According to the group's newly-hired Executive Director, some priorities the group will most focus on "include eliminating the 'parsonage exemption' that allows members of the clergy to avoid paying taxes on their housing, mandating that medical professionals cannot deny treatment based on personal beliefs and eliminating government ceremonies that reference 'God,' such as the pledge of allegiance, the National Day of Prayer and the inauguration." It will also lobby to have the national motto, "In God We Trust" removed from coins. (Washington Post) Read more.
- Oh Lord, our hearts are grieved at the efforts to take away the rich Christian heritage of our country. In the name of Jesus, we come against this effort and declare that the members of Congress, especially the conservative ones, will not be swayed by this deception of the enemy to remove the honor given to the One True God in the public life of our country. Lord, raise up a standard against these actions.
- "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision." (Psalms 2:1, 4)
Bills and Hearings to Note
1. SENATOR FEINSTEIN CALLS FOR CHARGES IN PLOT LEAK
2. HOUSE PANEL UNVEILS $608 BILLION DEFENSE BILL
3. HOUSE VOTES TO REPLACE PENTAGON CUTS MANDATED BY DEBT DEAL
4. BILL WOULD SUSPEND PASSPORT RIGHTS FOR DELINQUENT TAXPAYERS
5. OBAMA SIGNS ANTI-PROTEST TRESPASS BILL
6. THE UNITED STATES-ISRAEL SECURITY COOPERATION ACT
1. SENATOR FEINSTEIN CALLS FOR CHARGES IN PLOT LEAK
The chairwoman of the Senate intelligence committee said Sunday that the press leak on the covert operation to disrupt an Al Qaeda affiliate's sophisticated bomb plot "has to be prosecuted," calling the leak "serious" and harmful to the government's "sources and methods." Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., told "Fox News Sunday" that the leak is "a big one."
The story about the Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula bomb plot was first reported by the Associated Press. As has been previously reported, Feinstein said the government asked that the story be held -- the AP held the story until Monday.
But the publication, the senator said, still "jeopardizes" the mission and the ability of the United States to work with other countries. To boot, she said it gave "a tip-off" to Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to be more careful about who they use as couriers and bombers. Reportedly, the supposed bomber in this plot was an informant for the operation being led by the U.S. and its partners.
"The leak really did endanger sources and methods," Feinstein said. "And the leak, I think, has to be prosecuted." She said an investigation is being conducted and expressed hope that "criminal charges will go to the Department of Justice. . . There is a very dangerous process in play at the present time," Feinstein said, calling Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula the "number one threat to our country."
Feinstein's counterpart on the House side -- House intelligence committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Mich. -- has also voiced concern about the leak, claiming it prevented the operation from being completed. (Fox News) Read more.
- Lord we thank You for moving upon the heart of Senator Feinstein to call for an investigation into this matter. We continue to ask for Your divine protection over all who were involved in thwarting this attack, and we pray for extra protection for the life of this double-agent, whose identity has now been exposed. Abba please move upon the hearts of our military and DHS authorities, so that the identities of other double agents who are working to secure our nation would be hidden, and this foolish decision would not be made again.
- "You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding." (Proverbs 8:5)
2. HOUSE PANEL UNVEILS $608 BILLION DEFENSE BILL
A House panel has unveiled a $608 billion defense spending bill that restores some of the programs the Pentagon wanted to cut next year and provides nearly $1 billion for Israeli missile defense programs.
The House Appropriations Committee released the bill on Monday that includes $519.2 billion for the fiscal 2013 base budget and $88.5 billion for the war in Afghanistan and other counterterrorism activities. That's $1.1 billion more than the current level and $3.1 billion more than Obama requested.
The panel provided $278 million for a version of the Air Force's Global Hawk, the high-altitude unmanned aircraft used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The Pentagon wanted to mothball 18 of the drones. Rep. Steve Rothman, D-N.J., said the committee also provided $1 billion for Israeli missile defense. (Intercessors for America)
- Pray that the Lord will give wisdom to our national leaders in regard to how our national wealth is applied to the needs of our country and its needs.
- "When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God." (Leviticus 23:22)
[See update, below.]
3. HOUSE VOTES TO REPLACE PENTAGON CUTS MANDATED BY DEBT DEAL
The House voted Thursday to override steep cuts to the Pentagon's budget mandated by last summer's debt deal and replace them with spending reductions to food stamps and other mandatory social programs. While doomed in the Senate and opposed by the White House, the legislation, which would reduce the deficit by $243 billion, is a Republican marker for post-election budget talks with the White House.
Members approved the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act in a party-line 218-199 vote. As expected, the bill was supported by nearly all Republicans - only 16 opposed it, and no Democrats supported it. Republicans cast the bill as a first step back toward controlling federal spending, after years of allowing spending and deficits to balloon.
"We believe the purpose of the sequester was to replace the fact that Congress isn't governing," House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said during the opening debate on the bill. "Well, let's have Congress govern. That's why we're doing this." (The Hill)
- Offer praise for the passage of this bill, which ensures adequate funding for our military in the next budget cycle. Pray that this legislation will find favor in the Senate, towards passage and, in the end, would be signed into law by the president. In Jesus' name, amen.
- "The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous." (Proverbs 15:29)
4. BILL WOULD SUSPEND PASSPORT RIGHTS FOR DELINQUENT TAXPAYERS
A bill authored by a Southland lawmaker that could potentially allow the federal government to prevent any Americans who owe back taxes from traveling outside the U.S. is one step closer to becoming law. Senate Bill 1813 was introduced back in November by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Los Angeles) to "reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs, and for other purposes".
After clearing the Senate on a 74 - 22 vote on March 14, SB 1813 is now headed for a vote in the House of Representatives, where it's expected to encounter stiffer opposition among the GOP majority. (CBS/Los Angeles) Read more.
[Note: On April 18, the House passed the companion bill, H.R. 4348, sponsored by Rep. John Mica. R-FL. These bills have now gone to conference committee to be reconciled into one bill for a final vote in both houses.]
-- Report: Democrats Crafting Bill to Use IRS Code to Remove 2nd Amendment Rights
With the help of senators like Barbara Boxer of California, a bill rapidly working through Capitol Hill (passed through the Senate and is currently up for review in the House) will give the IRS power to:
- Accuse Americans of delinquency of tax payment without due process
- Revoke their passports and travel rights
- Place the accused in a centralize database
- Authorize the removal of their right to own a firearm No formal charges are required. Simply the accusation from the IRS is sufficed to strip American citizens of their Constitutional rights.
"There is no requirement that the tax payer be guilty of or even charged with tax evasion, fraud, or any criminal offense - only that the citizen is alleged to owe the IRS back taxes of $50,000 or more," reports the Daily Economist. (Read more)
- If the report in the Daily Economist is true, this bill has very serious implications for all of us. Now that these two companion bills have gone to conference to be reconciled into a single law, the next step in final approval lies ahead: the final vote in each chamber approving the conference language.
There is simply no way that the final conference report will resemble anything that is palatable to conservatives. There is nothing we can do to influence these closed-door negotiations, but we must start calling our Republican members of the House and Senate and implore them to vote down anything that resembles the Senate bill. Remember that once a conference report is approved, it must receive in up-or-down vote in both houses, and cannot be amended.
- "I said, 'This far and no farther will you come. Here your proud waves must stop!'" (Job 38:11)
5. OBAMA SIGNS ANTI-PROTEST TRESPASS BILL
HR 347 'Trespass Bill' Criminalizes Protest
Only days after clearing Congress, Obama signed his name to H.R. 347 on Thursday, March 8, officially making it a federal offense to cause a disturbance at certain political events - essentially criminalizing protest in the States. Representative Tom Rooney (R-Fla.) in the House of Representatives and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT.) in the Senate sponsored H.R. 347.
Under H.R. 347, which has more commonly been labeled the Trespass Bill by Congress, knowingly entering a restricted area that is under the jurisdiction of Secret Service protection can garner an arrest. The law is actually only a slight change to earlier legislation that made it an offense to knowingly and willfully commit such a crime. Under the Trespass Bill's latest language chance, however, someone could end up in law enforcement custody for entering an area that they don't realize is Secret Service protected and "engages in disorderly or disruptive conduct" or "impede[s] or disrupt[s] the orderly conduct of Government business or official functions."
The Secret Service serves as the police that protects not just current and former American presidents, but are also dispatched to monitor special events of national significance, called 'National Special Security Events" (NSSE) -- a category with a broad cast of qualifiers. In the past, sporting events, state funerals, inaugural addresses and NATO and G-8 Summits have been designated as such by the US Department of Homeland Security, the division that decides when and where the Secret Service are needed outside of their normal coverage.
Under the act, protesting in areas covered by Secret Service could land a demonstrator behind bars, and the thing about the Secret Service (in case you couldn't tell by their name), is that they don't always make it clear where they are. You could even say that the service they provide, at times, is kept secret. (RT.com)
- Once a bill has been signed into law, the only recourse for its reversal is in the courts. Call forth a judicial appeal of H.R. 347, with all it implies, and pray that this be ruled illegal in a court of law. As American citizens, we are not yet without hope, for there are still three branches of government in place. If we ask, He will answer . . . and by the grace of God, the third branch may, in the end, protect us all.
- "For the Lord is our Judge, The Lord is our Lawgiver, The Lord is our King; He will save us." (Isaiah 33:22)
6. THE UNITED STATES-ISRAEL SECURITY COOPERATION ACT
A message from Richard A. Hellman, President, Christians' Israel Public Action Campaign (CIPAC)
Dear Friends,
As you did with your representatives on H.R. 4133 - which as a result passed the House almost unanimously - urge your senators to co-sponsor (if they haven't yet) - and expedite passage of - the identical companion bill, S. 2165, The United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012.
Although H. Res 271 and H. Con. Res. 115, which we support, more specifically affirm Israel's right to defend herself against Iran by all needed means, S.2165 does contain the essential element of those to affirm Israel's right of self-defense.
One good part of S.2165 is the list of U.S. actions that Section 4 sets to advance Israel's defense and protect America.
Another key element is the bill's emphasis on maintaining and renewing Israel's qualitative military edge over her neighbors, particularly those that receive U.S. military aid. This issue has been highlighted with regard to U.S. military arms sales to Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and others, in light of the deteriorating Mideast security situation.
The bill calls for a report to Congress by the President on such issues within 180 days of enactment, which will serve as a basis for congressional oversight.
For such reasons as these I judge that S.2165 will signal a renewal of the strong U.S. - Israel friendship and alliance we cherish. Thus I endorse it, despite some misgivings concerning an unneeded, unproductive and unjustified provision that the US help Israel seek peace (as if Israelis are not eager for peace!).
Click here to go to our website and urge your senators to act.
- Let's undergird this action with our prayers, and let's stand in agreement that S. 2165 will pass in the Senate and be signed into law by the president. In His Name, amen.
- "Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power." (Psalm 110:3)
Manhattan Declaration: Responding to the Latest Twist
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Editor's Note:
This article is a reprint from last week's edition of The Daily Brief, posted on Thursday, May 10. Many excellent articles are also named here for further research, so we wanted to be sure you saw this statement today.
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners stands in agreement with the Manhattan Declaration on this vital policy statement.
Today, for the first time, President Obama publicly affirmed his support for same-sex marriage, a calculated political maneuver intended to energize his base in the months before the November presidential election.
At a time when most Americans' primary concern is their ability to work to provide for their family, as crippling debt, record deficits, and fragile global markets loom over the economy, the President seems intent on having a national conversation about life, love, and religious liberty.
So be it.
The Manhattan Declaration is a coalition of the historic Christian faiths united in support of the sanctity of every human life, marriage as the conjugal union of a man to a woman as the bedrock of society, and religious liberty as the cornerstone of freedom. We promote a culture of life, love, and liberty in many ways. One is to equip you, our advocates, with the best resources on these issues.
Below is a list of ten articles and videos on the subject of marriage. Take an hour to skim them. Don't try to memorize the data or recite the arguments verbatim; rather, reflect on them. Allow your mind to absorb the broad principles. As the national conversation on this topic reaches a fever pitch in the next few days, you will be primed as a witness to the truth.
One final thought: this is not a war to be won in the blogosphere or on Facebook. We are teachers, co-workers, family members, and friends in relationship with those who have yet to see. Be gracious, be patient, and be kind.
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven." (Matthew 5:11)
What is Marriage? by Sherif Girgis, Robert George, and Ryan T. Anderson
http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1722155
Why I'm Optimistic About Natural Marriage by Andrew Walker
http://www.mereorthodoxy.com/why-im-optimistic-about-natural-marriage/
Why Is Marriage Important? (video)
by John Piper
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nd3AmKexugM
Who Needs Marriage?
by Chuck Colson
http://www.breakpoint.org/the-center/columns/colson-files/17606-who-needs-marriage
Marriage in Society: The Generation Clash (pps. 47-57)
by Matthew Lee Anderson
http://issuu.com/thecity/docs/thecitywinter2009/47?mode=embed&layout=http://skin.issuu.com/v/light/layout.xml&showFlipBtn=true
What Would Bonhoeffer Do?
by Eric Metaxas
http://www.breakpoint.org/the-center/columns/call-response/15129-metaxas-what-would-bonhoeffer-do
Dennis Prager Debates Perez Hilton on Same-Sex Marriage (Warning: YouTube contains objectionable content)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTE9zWaQc_Y
Religion, Reason, and Same-Sex Marriage
by Matthew J. Franck
http://www.firstthings.com/article/2011/05/religion-reason-and-same-sex-marriage
A Marriage in Full
by Gary A. Anderson
http://www.firstthings.com/article/2008/04/003-a-marriage-in-full-3
On Marriage and the Moral Limits of Human Sexuality by Metropolitan Jonah
http://orthocath.wordpress.com/2011/08/01/metropolitan-jonah-on-marriage-and-the-moral-limits-of-human-sexuality/
There is a lot of great stuff I have failed to include in my list. Share your favorite articles, blogs, and videos with us on our Facebook page.
Warmly,
Eric Teetsel Executive Director, Manhattan Declaration
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
ETERNAL KING
(Meh-lekh O-lahm)
"But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King. . . " (Jer. 10:10)
You are the Everlasting King. Before time began, You reigned. You reign today. You will reign forevermore. Eternal King, I praise You. What assurance and peace this truth is, that no matter what assails me, Your power will ultimately conquer. Thank You for this perfect divine plan. 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)
• Special Prayers
• More International News
• This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for the Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
On Capitol Hill This Week Volume XIX, Number 12a
May 14 - 18, 2012
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
"Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, Lord, are the only God." (Isaiah 37:20)
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Focus on Israel
1. NETANYAHU FORGES COALITION GOVERNMENT
2. LAWMAKERS TIGHTEN STRINGS ON AID TO EGYPT, PALESTINIANS
3. HAMAS UNIT TASKED WITH STOPPING ATTACKS ON ISRAEL
4. "VICTORY WILL BE GREATER IF HUNGER STRIKERS DIE"
5. LAUDER CONDEMNS ANTI-SEMITIC REMARKS BY EUROPEAN INTELLECTUALS
6. MAY 14, 1948 - THE STATE OF ISRAEL WAS BORN
1. NETANYAHU FORGES COALITION GOVERNMENT
The unity deal worked out secretly by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Kadima Chairman Shaul Mofaz boosts our deterrence power on the Iranian front and Israel's ability to press the five permanent members of the Security Council and Germany not to compromise too much. The new unity government will attest to very broad support for the Netanyahu government, while the prime minister's and defense minister's position on Iran's nuclear program is widely known. This fact was certainly not lost on the US Administration and European governments, which are very anxious about potential Israel moves that may hinder their economic recovery. After all, an Israeli strike in Iran could prompt oil prices, which are currently going down, to skyrocket.
On the domestic front, the decision to form a unity government has even greater value. First, the official forum of decision-makers on Iran - that is, the security cabinet - has been reinforced with another official who possesses great defense experience. Shaul Mofaz has served as defense minister and IDF [Israel Defense Forces] chief of staff in the past, and recent conversations with him indicate that he will not rush to pull the trigger.
Mofaz will be joining the forum of top eight government ministers, which will now turn into a forum of nine entrusted with taking informal decisions on critical security and diplomatic issues; this also includes the decision on whether to strike in Iran. What we have here is another experienced hand, which will improve the decision-making process on the defense front. Should a decision to strike Iran be taken, the existence of a unity government will reduce the danger of criticism should the operation fail or lead to unexpected results.
In the final analysis, we can assert that the formation of the new government - assuming it will function properly and survive the crises expected in the coming months - boosts Israel's deterrent power and upgrades its leadership's decision-making ability on the security and diplomatic front, topped by the Iran issue. (Ynet News)
- Pray that this new unity government will stay unified and be able to work together in finding solutions to the challenging issues in Israel's immediate future.
- "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1)
2. LAWMAKERS TIGHTEN STRINGS ON AID TO EGYPT, PALESTINIANS
The U.S. Congress is tightening conditions on foreign aid to Egypt and the Palestinians. Approving by voice vote the $40.1 billion foreign operations budget for 2013, the House foreign operations appropriations subcommittee stipulated that the annual package of $1.55 billion in military and civilian assistance to Egypt would be cut if Cairo breaks its peace treaty with Israel, as some emerging political voices in Egypt have threatened.
In addition, the secretary of state must confirm that presidential elections later this month are free and fair and that human rights are respected.
Vis a vis the Palestinians, the legislation cuts funding if the Palestinian Authority signs any agreement with the Islamic movement Hamas or does not actively work to end incitement. The legislation also blocks funding for United Nations Educational and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) after it voted last year to recognize Palestine as a member state. (The Media Line)
- Praise God for this strong stand! Pray that this pressure will bring about good results.
- "To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever." (Psalm 30:12)
3. HAMAS UNIT TASKED WITH STOPPING ATTACKS ON ISRAEL
The Hamas government in the Gaza Strip is operating a unit that stops militants from firing rockets into Israel, the Ha'aretz daily reports. This marks a role reversal for the Palestinian Islamic movement, which was founded as a jihad-fighting force against the Jewish state.
Formed several months ago and under the direct command of Interior Minister Fathi Hammad, the 300-man unit is tasked with foiling attacks by organizations such as the Islamic Jihad and the Popular Resistance Committees. Its soldiers make their way around Gaza by motorcycles and four-wheel-drive vehicles and are authorized to shoot anyone who resists arrest.
Most of those detained can expect to spend at least a couple of months in prison without trial. Islamic Jihad members, however, are almost always released on the spot due to informal understandings with the Hamas government. (Media Line)
- Pray that this task force will not be biased or lenient, and justice will prevail.
-"It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity." (Proverbs 21:15)
4. "VICTORY WILL BE GREATER IF HUNGER STRIKERS DIE"
Israeli security officials fear that the death of any Palestinian prisoner as a result of the ongoing hunger strike, which has entered its 21st day, may lead to an eruption of violence in the territories, the Yedioth Ahronoth daily reported Monday [May 7].
Some 1,600 Palestinian prisoners are protesting against the conditions of their incarceration, which were significantly worsened while Gilad Shalit was held captive by Hamas in Gaza. Among other things, the prisoners are demanding an end to solitary confinement, an end to administrative detentions and reinstating family visits from Gaza. They are also demanding that Israel allow them to take university courses and give them access to Arab TV channels.
Adnan, who refused food for more than two months, ended his strike after Israel agreed to release him from administrative detention. "If they die, the victory will be even greater," he said. "In any case, Israel will be held responsible." Meanwhile, Islamic Jihad threatened to resume its rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza should one of the prisoners die. Ziad Abu Ein, Palestinian deputy minister of prisoners affairs, said the death of one of the Palestinian prisoners would trigger violence in the territories. According to him, the hunger strikers have called on Hamas' armed wing to kidnap soldiers in order to advance their release. (Ynet News)
- Pray that God will give decision makers wisdom in knowing how to handle this very delicate situation.
- "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." ( Proverbs 2:6)
5. LAUDER CONDEMNS ANTI-SEMITIC REMARKS BY EUROPEAN INTELLECTUALS
World Jewish Congress [WJC] President Ronald S. Lauder has strongly condemned recent remarks by the Norwegian sociologist Johan Galtung who on repeated occasions had revived anti-Semitic canards such as Jewish control of the media and suggested that Israel's Mossad could have been behind last year's massacres in Norway, committed by Anders Breivik, in which 77 people died.
Lauder said the "despicable" remarks by the 81-year-old Galtung, a world-renowned peace scholar, were yet another sign that "anti-Semitic and anti-Israel sentiment is on the increase in certain intellectual and academic circles in Europe" and that many scholars and artists "are clearly obsessed" with Israel and the Jews. "There is a growing tendency to blame the Jews for all evil that happens under the sun. It is a scandal that a leading academics such as Galtung does not shy away from citing notorious forgeries such as the Protocols of the Elders of Zion to support his bigoted arguments. "He and other intellectuals accuse Jews of stifling public debate and controlling the mass media. He and others hallucinate about a world in which nasty Jews control world finance. These people are obsessed about Israel and its alleged might. And, worst of all, they get their facts wrong almost all the time," Lauder pointed out.
Recently, German writer and Nobel Prize laureate Günter Grass alleged that it was Israel that posed the biggest threat to world peace. While Lauder praised the widespread condemnation for Galtung's and Grass' statements in the Norwegian and German press, he lamented the widespread silence of fellow academics and intellectuals.
"Shouldn't it be a lesson from European history that whenever anti-Semitic statements are made all decent people must condemn them, and not just the Jews? "It is time that Europe's intellectuals engage in some soul-searching because unfortunately, we are talking about more than just a few isolated cases of 'angry old men' ranting against Israel and the Jews. It is a trend that must be halted, and we hope that non-Jewish intellectuals and scholars will also come out in support for Israel and the Jewish people," said Lauder. (World Jewish Congress)
- Pray that God will raise up a voice (or voices) among European intellectuals who will take a bold stand against such anti-Semitic rhetoric.
- "He has remembered His mercy and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God." (Psalm 98:3)
6. MAY 14, 1948 - THE STATE OF ISRAEL WAS BORN
On midnight, MAY 14, 1948, the State of Israel came into being and was immediately recognized by the United States and the Soviet Union.
A homeland for the thousands of Jews who were persecuted and displaced during World War II, Israel was attacked the next day by the Transjordanian Army, the Arab Legion, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq.
Against all odds, Israel survived.
In April 3, 2002, House Majority Whip Tom DeLay stated in a speech at Westminster College:
"No one can ignore the horrible aggression in the Middle East. A democratic government is fending off an orchestrated onslaught of death. The State of Israel has been targeted by groups committed to her complete elimination. And on the basis of our shared principles and democratic values, America has an undeniable obligation to stand squarely with our democratic ally against those attempting to end the State of Israel. . .
Israel and America are kindred nations. The founders of both countries were profoundly influenced by faith. Both countries drafted governments that practice religious tolerance. Both countries are filled with immigrants summoned by dreams. For people fleeing the storms of persecution, both countries have been safe harbors. . .
No one should expect the people of Israel to negotiate with groups pursuing the fundamental goal of destroying them. . . "
Congressman Tom DeLay concluded:
"America has a clear duty to stand beside a democratic ally that is besieged by terrorists . . .The terrorists attempting to destroy the State of Israel should know that America will never allow that to happen." (William Federer, The American Minute)
- Let us be unrelenting in praying for the peace of Jerusalem in her hour of peril.
- "I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest . . ." (Isaiah 62:6)
Special Prayers for New Coalition Government in Israel
Source: Intercessors for Israel
www.ifij.org
2.Israel was amazed last week when, expecting the parliament to be dissolved and early elections to be called, they woke up Tuesday and found that Bibi Netanyahu had formed one of the largest coalition governments in Israel's modern history. Kadima, headed by Shaul Mofaz, joined Bibi's Likud-led government, which now will apparently run its full course, until October 2013. We were not convinced that early elections was God's will, and asked for Him to overrule
- which He did. We now have a responsibility to intercede for Israel's current government to be all that God has raised them up to be.
- Abba, we thank You for overruling the plans of man (Prov. 16:9; Jer. 10:23) and stopping Israel from having to go to early elections.
- Lord, You promised to give Israel godly leaders in the last days. We ask that You watch over Your word and bring it to pass with this government at this season.
- "I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning: afterward you shall be called, the city of righteousness, the faithful city." (Isa. 1:26)
- "'I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds. They shall be fruitful and increase. I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, 'says the LORD. (Jer. 23:3-4)
- Bring this government in alignment with Your will.
- Enable the leaders to lead with integrity.
- Lord, please bring a real unity of purpose between Netanyahu, Mofaz and the rest of the coalition leaders.
- Give this government godly standards.
- Lord, help this current government to pass legislation that is pleasing in Your sight.
- There is a commitment to change the way the current Israeli governmental system works. This is much needed. Pray for it to be done and to bring in a new system that will be pleasing to God.
- There is also a commitment to revise the Tal law, which gives deferments to ultra-Orthodox citizens from serving in the IDF to study. One plan is to make some form of national service mandatory for every Israeli citizen- including the ultra-Orthodox and the Arabs. Pray that this too is passed and that it will bring a sense of greater equality to all Israeli citizens.
- Lord Yeshua, we declare that ultimately, this government is on Your shoulders (Isa. 9:6-7).
More International News
1. IRAN THREATENS AMERICA'S EAST COAST
2. RELATIONS WORSENING BETWEEN RELIGIOUS GROUPS IN SYRIA
3. NORTH KOREA THREATENS TO BOLSTER NUCLEAR ARSENAL
4. CHINA, JAPAN, S. KOREA WARN N. KOREA OFF ATOM TEST
5. PUTIN FLEXES MUSCLE IN SHUNNING U.S.-HOSTED G8 TALKS
6. WHOLE EUROZONE COULD UNRAVEL IN JUST A MATTER OF MONTHS
7. CRITICS: BIGGEST U.N. SUMMIT HEADING TOWARD FAILURE
1. IRAN THREATENS AMERICA'S EAST COAST
North Korea is threatening to bolster its nuclear arsenal at any cost amid worries that the country may conduct a third atomic test soon. The Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea says a U.S. call for Pyongyang to give up its nuclear and space development programs is a "grave provocation." An unidentified committee spokesman says the North will further strengthen its "nuclear deterrent" to protect its sovereignty "regardless of whatever the price it would pay." (Associated Press) Read more.
- Although an uprising against the leadership of North Korea would be bloody, pray that the people of this belligerent country will revolt against their cruel leaders. Freedom is always costly. Pray for great wisdom for our leaders working with North Korea, whose leaders seem not to know truth nor compassion. Ask the Lord to hear the cries of the people of that nation calling out for help from their miserable existence.
- " Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me." (Psalm 50: 15)
2. RELATIONS WORSENING BETWEEN RELIGIOUS GROUPS IN SYRIA
Sunni gunmen fire during clashes, in the northern port city of Tripoli, Lebanon, Sunday.. Gunfire broke out in the city Saturday and continued through the night primarily between a neighborhood populated by Sunni Muslims who hate Syrian President Bashar Assad and another area with many Assad backers from his Alawite sect. Syrian forces killed at least five people when they raided a Sunni farming village on Sunday, torching homes and looting shops in what activists said is a sign of worsening relations among the country's religious groups. Tensions stemming from the 14-month-old uprising against President Bashar Assad also touched off clashes across the border in Lebanon as the revolt threatened to morph into a broader conflict.
The relentless violence further undermines a U.N.-backed peace plan that is supposed to bring an end to Syria's deadly crisis. A cease-fire that was supposed to begin on April 12 has had only a limited effect, throwing into doubt the rest of the plan that calls for talks between Assad's regime and those seeking to end his rule.
The raid against the impoverished village of al-Tamana, about 35 miles northwest of the city of Hama, began late Saturday and continued through the early hours on Sunday. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said five people were killed in the raid and government troops were setting fire to homes. One local rebel leader was killed alongside five civilians. "He was a hero in the Free Syrian Army who was trying to defend the civilians," he said, referring to the umbrella group of local, anti-regime militias. (Associated Press) Read more.
- Pray that these Syrian attacks will end. Is Syria posing as a world power to be recognized? Cut off any ties between Iran and Russia with Syria. Remember that many WMD were trucked through and to Syria at the orders of Saddam Hussein between the Gulf War and the attack by America and allies on Iraq in 2002. Syria may have kept some of the WMD. Ask the Lord to protect the innocent Christians from the Syrian regime.
- "Give us help from our trouble, for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies." (Psalm 108: 12, 13)
3. NORTH KOREA THREATENS TO BOLSTER NUCLEAR ARSENAL
North Korea is threatening to bolster its nuclear arsenal at any cost amid worries that the country may conduct a third atomic test soon. The Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea says a U.S. call for Pyongyang to give up its nuclear and space development programs is a "grave provocation." An unidentified committee spokesman says the North will further strengthen its "nuclear deterrent" to protect its sovereignty "regardless of whatever the price it would pay." (Associated Press) Read more.
- Although an uprising against the leadership of North Korea would be bloody, pray that the people of this belligerent country will revolt against their cruel leaders. Freedom is always costly. Pray for great wisdom for our leaders working with North Korea, whose leaders seem not to know truth nor compassion. Ask the Lord to hear the cries of the people of that nation calling out for help from their miserable existence.
- " Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me." (Psalm 50: 15)
4. CHINA, JAPAN, S. KOREA WARN N. KOREA OFF ATOM TEST
China, Japan and South Korea warned North Korea Sunday they will not tolerate further nuclear tests, the South Korean president said, amid fears that Pyongyang is preparing a third atomic blast. Lee Myung-Bak made the remark after talks in Beijing with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda that also saw the trio decide to start free-trade area negotiations before the end of this year. (SpaceDaily.com) Read more.
- Father, we pray You ease the confrontation between these countries. Bring healthy, stable relations to these nations, that they each will be able to fulfill Your destiny purpose on earth.
- "Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice." (Proverbs 13:10)
5. PUTIN FLEXES MUSCLE IN SHUNNING U.S.-HOSTED G8 TALKS
Of all the signals and symbols that shape Russian foreign policy, this one seemed particularly blunt: Vladimir Putin, in one of the first decisions of his new presidency, will shun a Group of Eight summit hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama. The May 18-19 visit was to have been Putin's first foreign trip since he returned to the Kremlin on Monday, a chance to begin putting U.S. ties back on track after a growth in tension over missile defense, Syria and Russia's presidential campaign. Instead, Putin is sending his junior partner, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev - and a message that as long as he is in charge, Russia will not bend to Washington's will when its interests are at stake. (Reuters)
- Father, give our leaders wisdom concerning Russia. May we, too, not compromise or bend to Russia's demands. Keep America strong in our dealings with other countries.
- "Put them in fear, O Lord, that the nations may know themselves to be but men." (Psalm 9:20)
6. WHOLE EUROZONE COULD UNRAVEL IN JUST A MATTER OF MONTHS
Greece leaves the euro "very possibly next month." That would lead to a massive run on Italian and Spanish banks. There would be massive borrowing from the ECB to prevent a banking collapse. At which point Germany has to decide: Shoulder a major burden for the debts of Spain/Italy, etc., or let it all go. He concludes: "And we're talking about months, not years, for this to play out." (Business Insider) Read more.
- Father, we pray the will of God over this situation. Bring stability to Europe in the financial realm. Give wisdom, answers, plans, strategies to their leaders.
- "And there I will sustain and provide for you, so that you and your household and all that are yours may not come to poverty and want." (Genesis 45:11)
7. CRITICS: BIGGEST U.N. SUMMIT HEADING TOWARD FAILURE
The largest-ever United Nations conference, a summit billed as a historic opportunity to build a greener future, appears to be going up in smoke. U.S. President Barack Obama likely won't be there, and the leaders of Britain and Germany have bowed out. The entire European Parliament delegation has canceled.
And with fewer than six weeks to go until the Rio+20 conference on sustainable development, negotiations to produce a final statement have stalled amid squabbling. Logistical snags, too, threaten to derail the event.
Though the conference's host city, Rio de Janeiro, is also slated to stage mega-events in the 2014 World Cup final match and the 2016 Olympics, its hotel infrastructure is still woefully lacking. With a total of 33,000 beds for the estimated 50,000-plus visitors expected to flood the city for the June 20-22 summit, the mayor has resorted to asking residents to leave town and rent out their apartments to delegates. . . (Bay News) Read more.
- Father, this conference seems to be doomed before it starts. If this conference is guided and directed by You, then we intercede for the preparations which have gone awry. But if this "green summit" is not according to Your will, then we thank You that You will undertake on our behalf and cause this plan of man to fail. We pray thy kingdom come, thy will be done over this conference. In Jesus' Name, amen.
- "A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure." (Prov. 16: 9)
On Capitol Hill This Week: Vol. XIX, No. 12b-1
DOMESTIC ISSUES
1. THE MANHATTAN DECLARATION RESPONDS TO OBAMA'S POLICY ON GAY MARRIAGE
2. OBAMA USES SCRIPTURE TO JUSTIFY SAME-SEX MARRIAGE STANCE
3. ANOTHER E.O.: INTERNATIONAL REGULATORY COOPERATION
4. OBAMA ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM SECRETLY RELEASING TERRORISTS
5. DHS LAUNCHES ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE UNITS
6. HHS CLINIC FUNDS EXTEND FED'S REACH INTO SCHOOLS
7. NEW RULES AUTHORIZE GOVERNMENT TO DESTROY OBAMA'S DRAFT RECORDS
8. U.S. CONSIDERS IMPLANTING NANOSENSORS (RFID) IN SOLDIERS
9. REP. MICHELE BACHMANN JOINS GLENN BECK: COMMENTS ON "RUMORS OF WWW3"
10. SUPREME COURT TO REVIEW CASE SUPPORTING PRAYER IN LEGISLATIVE CHAMBERS
11. ATHEISTS THREATEN NDP OBSERVANCES
12. SECULAR COALITION FOR AMERICA BOLSTERS EFFORTS ON CAPITOL HILL
1. THE MANHATTAN DECLARATION RESPONDS TO OBAMA'S POLICY
ON GAY MARRIAGE
This past week, Obama drew a line in the sand for every Bible-believing, evangelical man and woman in this nation: do we serve man, or do we serve God on the issue of homosexual "marriage" in America? Speaking for many of us, the Manhattan Declaration has issued a statement in response, which is published in its entirety further down this page.
May we each choose wisely on this issue, and may we each choose even more wisely at the polls in November. The hidden has now been revealed, and for that we offer praise.
- Let us pray that God will not lift His Hand from our nation as she reels from rebellious leadership that threatens our Judeo-Christian heritage as Americans.
- "Choose you this day whom ye will serve . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15)
2. OBAMA USES SCRIPTURE TO JUSTIFY SAME-SEX MARRIAGE STANCE
The dust has hardly settled on Obama's move to support same-sex marriage. Indeed, it's an issue that's likely to linger on through the 2012 presidential elections and beyond.
The Assemblies of God is voicing its dissent and objection. George O. Wood, AG general superintendent, says the denomination is in complete disagreement with the president's new position and takes exception to Obama taking Scripture out of context to defend his position.
Wood explains his position: "The Bible clearly teaches that marriage should be a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman," he says. "There is no affirmation of homosexual behavior found anywhere in Scripture. However, the Bible is replete with evidence that homosexual behavior is immoral and comes under the judgment of God. Although it has become popular to quote Scripture grossly out of context to serve a personal or political agenda, it still doesn't change what God's Word clearly states."
Wood adds that in light of what Scripture says, Christians should not be surprised by individuals and groups twisting Scripture, citing 2 Timothy 4:3, "For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear" (NIV).
Wood adds that it's important for Christians to not underestimate the implications of a pro-homosexual, pro-abortion president, and what it means for the church. "In no time in our nation have we ever needed to pray more for our political leaders and this country than we need to today," he explains. (Charisma News) Read more.
- Father, we know the times are growing darker, and mankind is seeking to do whatever they wish, apart from following Your Word. We thank You that Your laws are for our own protection, as You have desired to give us an abundant life, health, and Your shalom, as we respect the boundaries of Your Word and teaching. We ask that our President would come to know and accept You in his heart, rather than his head. May he search the Scriptures, and see Who You are, and what You teach..and submit himself to You and Your authority, we pray.
Our Gracious Lord, we know the enemy of our souls knows how to quote scripture as he did to Jesus in the wilderness. We ask that your people be not deceived by the twisting of the meaning of Your words to accomplish a political goal. Thank you for an entire denomination that has risen up against the misuse of scripture. Lord, show the man in the Oval office the real meaning of the scriptures he so freely quotes for his own use. In Jesus' Name, we ask this prayer, amen.
- "For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." (Romans 16:18) "For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear" (2 Timothy 4:3)
3. ANOTHER E.O.: INTERNATIONAL REGULATORY COOPERATION
Obama signed yet another edict (aka Executive Order): Promoting International Regulatory Cooperation. This dictate is designed to standardize regulations between the United States and it's so called trading partners. What is a regulation?
Regulation is administrative legislation that constitutes or constrains rights and allocates responsibilities. It can be distinguished from primary legislation (by Parliament or elected legislative body) on the one hand and judge-made law on the other. Regulation can take many forms: legal restrictions promulgated by a government authority, self-regulation by an industry such as through a trade association, social regulation,co-regulation, or market regulation. One can consider regulation as actions of conduct imposing sanctions, such as a fine, to the extent permitted by the law of the land.
Look at what we have now:
- The Patriot Act which allows unlimited spying on the American people by the government.
- The National Defense Authorization Act with Sections 1021 and 1022 for the military arrests and indefinite detention of American nationals without any due process of the law.
- HR 347 Trespass Law for the implementation of Sections 1021 and 1022 of the National Defense Authorization Act upon any citizen who dares to speak out against the insurgency. (see below)
- Executive Order National Defense Resources Preparedness Act, which allows the dictator to confiscate every resource of the United States, including we the people as conscripts to be put in servitude to the insurgency. (Hebrew News Nation)
- Lord Jesus, we cry out to you to forgive us. There are people in positions of power who are stripping this nation of many of its original laws and protections as a nation. They are creating edicts to give this nation over to world powers to do what they desire. We know as Your people and as a nation, we have failed You and too often have turned our backs on Your ways. Please forgive us Lord and give us more time to help You bring in Your end time Harvest. Lord, we seek Your protection, direction and strength to do what You would have done to counter these edicts which are leading to the destruction of the laws and beliefs upon which this nation was built. Help us Lord, we pray, In Jesus Name, Amen and Amen.
- "Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good." (Proverbs 14:22)
4. OBAMA ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM SECRETLY RELEASING TERRORISTS
A secret U.S. program has released an undisclosed number of terrorists over the past several years from a military prison in Afghanistan, but not to worry. They were only released if they promised to give up violence. What a relief. Unfortunately though, this has been done before. Prisoners promised to stop their violence as a condition for release from Guantanamo Bay. It didn't work. But the Obama Administration decided to try again. In order to end the war by the predetermined deadline Obama imposed of all U.S. combat troops withdrawing by 2014, the releases were practically necessary. Imposing arbitrary deadlines means that sacrifices to U.S. national security and the safety of U.S. troops currently fighting are completely justifiable. With a goal "to quell violence . . .particularly as troops continue to withdraw," the program seeks to allow for the opening of diplomatic channels between us and the terrorists in order to make the war fit Obama's artificial timetable. (Townhall.com) Read more.
- Dear Lord, we lift up our military men and women who are in harms way for Your very special protection during this artificial and politically motivated timeline for withdrawal. Lord, we pray that You would do a work to convince our leaders against this method of ending a war. We pray for a replacement of those in charge who are not acting with wisdom in this matter.
- "To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom." (Psalms 105:22)
5. DHS LAUNCHES ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE UNITS
The Department of Homeland Security has announced that it is creating "environmental justice" units that will be empowered to oversee regulations in conjunction with local governments throughout the country. The framework for the Environmental Justice Working Group includes eleven federal government agencies, including the TSA, the Secret Service and FEMA.
In its just-released Environmental Justice Strategy document (February, 2012), the DHS says the idea is to "include environmental justice practices in our larger mission efforts involving federal law enforcement and emergency response activities" and to incorporate environmental justice in "securing the homeland."
Quoting from the PDF document (cited):
Our nation's vision of homeland security is a homeland that is safe and secure, resilient against terrorism and other hazards - where American interests and aspirations, and the American way of life can thrive. In seeking to fulfill this vision, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) aspires to avoid burdening minority and low-income populations with a disproportionate share of any adverse human health or environmental risks associated with our efforts to secure the nation. (Department of Homeland Security) Read more.
- Lord, this seems so bizarre and incomprehensible. Why would we need another bureaucracy, and why would the low-income population be anymore at risk than any other American? This all seems so strange. We pray, Lord, that clarity and sanity would come into this equation, and wisdom would be given to those involved in these decisions. We pray that if this proposal is unnecessary or extraneous, that it would become known, and would not further drain limited federal funds. We pray for accountability and transparency to be applied here, and we thank You for it. In Your Name, Amen.
- "And I will make peace your administrators and righteousness your overseers." (Isaiah 60:17)
6. HHS CLINIC FUNDS EXTEND FED'S REACH INTO SCHOOLS
As the U.S. Supreme Court mulls the constitutionality of the Democrats' Affordable Care Act, the Obama administration is moving ahead with plans to pour millions of dollars into "school-based health centers." On Wednesday, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that $75 million in taxpayer money is available to build and renovate health clinics inside schools. . .
According to the Healthy Schools Campaign, the recommendations "reflect a new approach to making health and wellness part of the school experience. This means that wellness is not relegated to an occasional health lesson or physical education class - it is part of math, science, lunch and everything in between. It means providing teachers with professional development related to children's physical and emotional development, and integrating health into every subject, reward system and classroom management strategy. (CNS News) Read more.
- One wonders what content and strategies will be imposed upon teachers to ensure that the federal government makes another inroad into our private lives. Our nation would be better served by requiring instructors to spend their time teaching academics to our students. Pray that all members of Congress will vote not to fund this project by HHS but will see it as it is - another tentacle of socialism to control every aspect of our lives. For example, students have already been brainwashed to accept homosexuality in every form. Pray to stop the $75 million "available" for this project.
- "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret because of him who prospers in the way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass." (Psalm 37: 7)
7. NEW RULES AUTHORIZE GOVERNMENT TO DESTROY OBAMA'S DRAFT RECORDS
Changes in the wording of Selective Service System record-keeping requirements, made days after the opening of an investigation into the alleged forgery of Obama's Selective Service registration form, raise serious questions about U.S. government intentions. . .
The Selective Service System's new privacy rules were published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, September 20, 2011, four days after the September 16 announcement by World Net Daily that the Maricopa County, Ariz., Sheriff's Office "Cold Case Posse" was opening an inquiry with full subpoena power into alleged forgery of several documents concerning Obama's birth and draft registration. . .
Changing the wording of the privacy rules alters the status of federal records, like the requested draft registration records, from "record copies" to "nonrecord copies." Nonrecord copies are subject to disposal. (Washington Times) Read more.
- Our Heavenly Father, Your spotlight is now being shone on the unusual number of coincidences in the life of this man, too many to be ignored. We pray that the real truth of this man's secret life be revealed as it should be for someone who has been voted to a place of this much authority in our country. Lord, deliver us from the control of anyone who has dealt wickedly with this kind of information. You are the Revealer of Truth and the One who renders justice at the gate.
- "And Jesus answered and said unto them, take heed that no man deceive you." (Matthew 24:4)
8. U.S. CONSIDERS IMPLANTING NANOSENSORS (RFID) IN SOLDIERS
The U.S. military wants to plant nanosensors in soldiers to monitor health on future battlefields and immediately respond to needs, but a privacy expert warns the step is just one more down the road to computer chips for all. Katherine Albrecht, and Liz McIntyre authored "Spychips," a book that warns of the threat to privacy posed by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).
According to a report at Mobiledia, the U.S. military's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has confirmed plans to create nanosensors to monitor the health of soldiers on battlefields. DARPA describes the technology on which it is working as "a truly disruptive innovation," which would diagnose, monitor vital states and "even deliver medicine into the bloodstream."
According to LiveScience.com, "Solving the problem of sickness could have a huge impact on the number of soldiers ready to fight, because far more have historically died due to illness rather than combat." The report suggested that for special forces, "the practical realization of implantable nanosensors capable of monitoring multiple indicators of physiological state could be a truly disruptive innovation." (Intercessors for America)
- Pray that our national leaders will weigh carefully any system that could be used to monitor our military personnel and their status in the field in any way. Pray for wisdom in deploying any system that would track our soldiers' locations. Pray that there will be no harm to any soldier's health if a program like this were to be implemented in the future.
"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." (Revelation 20:4)
[Capitol Hill Prayer Partners is not advocating that this current recommendation by DARPA and our military leaders is that which is talked about in the book of Revelation, but it could be viewed as a forerunner to technology that could be used to usher in an anti-Christ system of control. Wisdom for our national leaders should be sought through our prayers.]
9. REP. MICHELE BACHMANN JOINS GLENN BECK: COMMENTS ON VIDEO --
"RUMORS OF WWW3"
Video Highlights Encroachment of Muslim Brotherhood in America
Congresswoman Michele Bachmann joined Glenn on radio today (April 26) to discuss GBTV's new documentary, Rumors of War III, which debuted last night.(April 25). "I watched every second of the special you did last night," the Congresswoman told Glenn. "It was spellbinding." Congresswoman Bachmann sits on the intelligence committee, and told Glenn's listeners that she can confirm every word from Rumors of War III was accurate. "It's absolutely profound," she said.
The Congresswoman told Glenn that she wants people to be encouraged, because there are members of Congress that are on this issue [the Muslim Brotherhood]. "I personally spend twenty-five to thirty hours every week just dealing with this problem. I think this is the number one issue facing our country right now. People have no idea how far, how deep, how wide the Muslim Brotherhood has penetrated the upper echelons here in the United States," Congresswoman Bachmann explained. "Martin Dempsey, the top military man in the United States, the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, just said yesterday he ordered government censorship and a purging of any reference to Islam or Islamic training out of the military training material."
She added that the removal of Islam and Islamic training also occurred in the FBI last October. She told Glenn that when this occurred, she demanded that she be allowed to review the material that was purged from the FBI. These materials are training our FBI agents how to spot the motivation behind terrorists.
Congresswoman Bachmann told Glenn that she has been organizing a group in Congress that meets to discuss this issue on a weekly basis. Rep. Allen West, who was part of last night's documentary, is one of the members of Congress is this group. She explained that, essentially, they're a caucus that focuses on the issue of penetration from the Muslim Brotherhood and jihad in the capital and in our government. . .
"It is critical that people know who is working on this in D.C., because I have no doubt that there will be shenanigans with our elections," Congresswoman Bachmann responded. "Right now it is civilization jihad. That was the term used last night on your couch. That exactly defines what this is. This is the enemy within to destroy our western civilization, and we're being told to avert our gaze."
Congresswoman Bachmann compared what we are being told to do right now, ignore the threats that are right in front of us, to what history has taught us will happen when we do this. "From my perspective our current president and the administration are the most dangerous on national security of any that we have ever had in the United States. They have literally opened the floodgate and they are allowing these people to come in," she told Glenn. Read more (Glenn Beck website)
- Dear Heavenly Father, we fall before Your throne repenting for the waywardness and spiritual slumber of so many of the churches in this nation. Lord, we have fallen so far away from the principles upon which this nation was founded. We are so grateful for these members of Congress that are trying to do something about this serious threat that is right in the center of our national life and is an extremely serious threat to our entire future as a nation. We ask You to keep a hedge of protection around them and to be in their midst, lifting them up and letting them hear what is in Your heart over these issues. Guide them and sustain them as to what You wish to be done, In Jesus Name, Amen and Amen.
- "Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His Holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy." (Psalm 99:9)
10. SUPREME COURT TO REVIEW CASE SUPPORTING OPENING PRAYER IN LEGISLATIVE CHAMBERS
Members of the Prayer Caucus signed an amicus curiae brief submitted to the Supreme Court of the United States by the Family Research Council, asking the Court to reverse a decision by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Joyner v. Forsyth County, which held that the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners' prayer policy was unconstitutional because the prayers too often mentioned "Jesus." The county's prayer policy was based on a model policy used by other city and county councils throughout the country that has been upheld by four other federal courts since 2009. However, the Fourth Circuit held that in order to be constitutional, such prayers must not be "too sectarian." The amicus curiae brief asks the Supreme Court to take up the case and overturn the Fourth Circuit's decision, in hopes that the Court will bring the ruling into alignment with decisions of other federal courts and our nation's historic legacy of permitting such prayer. (Intercessors for America)
- Pray for the nine justices on the United States Supreme Court as they weigh this critical case. Our forefathers died for our freedom of religion, and a prayer uttered at the beginning of any legislative session in the nation serves only to bring the blessings of Messiah to bear upon the affairs of state. Pray!
- "All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart." (Proverbs 21:2)
11. ATHEISTS THREATEN NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER OBSERVANCES
Since the May 3 National Day of Payer, the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) is responding to legal threats from an atheist group over public observances of the National Day of Prayer protected under the U.S. Constitution and recently re-affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court. Those threats have been issued against various cities nationwide concerning events held during last Thursday's National Day of Prayer. ADF attorney Brett Harvey said public officials should be able to recognize public prayer activities, just as the nation's founders did.
"The Freedom From Religion Foundation and other groups like them routinely issue legal threats to cities and towns in their quest to scrub the public square free of any trace of religion," Harvey reports. "The courts have repeatedly disagreed with them because the Constitution requires no such thing. As the U.S. Supreme Court has recently stated, 'The Constitution does not oblige the government to avoid any public acknowledgment of religion's role in society.'"
The ADF has defended the National Day of Prayer, its task force, and former spokesperson Shirley Dobson in a lawsuit filed by the atheist group, which was rejected last year by the Seventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The legal group is offering free legal advice and possible representation to any local governments facing threats for honoring the prayer event, issuing their own prayer proclamations, or asking citizens to voluntarily pray for their communities and nation. (Intercessors for America)
- Thank the Lord that He is our advocate in times of need. Thank the Lord that He is the giver of wisdom when arguing God's Truth in the courts of men.
- "But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say," (Matthew 10:19)
12. SECULAR COALITION FOR AMERICA BOLSTERS EFFORTS ON CAPITOL HILL
The Secular Coalition for America, an organization that strives to remove faith from the public square, is hoping to bolster its impact on Congress by shoring up its lobbying efforts-particularly towards conservative lawmakers. According to the group's newly-hired Executive Director, some priorities the group will most focus on "include eliminating the 'parsonage exemption' that allows members of the clergy to avoid paying taxes on their housing, mandating that medical professionals cannot deny treatment based on personal beliefs and eliminating government ceremonies that reference 'God,' such as the pledge of allegiance, the National Day of Prayer and the inauguration." It will also lobby to have the national motto, "In God We Trust" removed from coins. (Washington Post) Read more.
- Oh Lord, our hearts are grieved at the efforts to take away the rich Christian heritage of our country. In the name of Jesus, we come against this effort and declare that the members of Congress, especially the conservative ones, will not be swayed by this deception of the enemy to remove the honor given to the One True God in the public life of our country. Lord, raise up a standard against these actions.
- "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision." (Psalms 2:1, 4)
Bills and Hearings to Note
1. SENATOR FEINSTEIN CALLS FOR CHARGES IN PLOT LEAK
2. HOUSE PANEL UNVEILS $608 BILLION DEFENSE BILL
3. HOUSE VOTES TO REPLACE PENTAGON CUTS MANDATED BY DEBT DEAL
4. BILL WOULD SUSPEND PASSPORT RIGHTS FOR DELINQUENT TAXPAYERS
5. OBAMA SIGNS ANTI-PROTEST TRESPASS BILL
6. THE UNITED STATES-ISRAEL SECURITY COOPERATION ACT
1. SENATOR FEINSTEIN CALLS FOR CHARGES IN PLOT LEAK
The chairwoman of the Senate intelligence committee said Sunday that the press leak on the covert operation to disrupt an Al Qaeda affiliate's sophisticated bomb plot "has to be prosecuted," calling the leak "serious" and harmful to the government's "sources and methods." Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., told "Fox News Sunday" that the leak is "a big one."
The story about the Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula bomb plot was first reported by the Associated Press. As has been previously reported, Feinstein said the government asked that the story be held -- the AP held the story until Monday.
But the publication, the senator said, still "jeopardizes" the mission and the ability of the United States to work with other countries. To boot, she said it gave "a tip-off" to Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to be more careful about who they use as couriers and bombers. Reportedly, the supposed bomber in this plot was an informant for the operation being led by the U.S. and its partners.
"The leak really did endanger sources and methods," Feinstein said. "And the leak, I think, has to be prosecuted." She said an investigation is being conducted and expressed hope that "criminal charges will go to the Department of Justice. . . There is a very dangerous process in play at the present time," Feinstein said, calling Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula the "number one threat to our country."
Feinstein's counterpart on the House side -- House intelligence committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Mich. -- has also voiced concern about the leak, claiming it prevented the operation from being completed. (Fox News) Read more.
- Lord we thank You for moving upon the heart of Senator Feinstein to call for an investigation into this matter. We continue to ask for Your divine protection over all who were involved in thwarting this attack, and we pray for extra protection for the life of this double-agent, whose identity has now been exposed. Abba please move upon the hearts of our military and DHS authorities, so that the identities of other double agents who are working to secure our nation would be hidden, and this foolish decision would not be made again.
- "You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding." (Proverbs 8:5)
2. HOUSE PANEL UNVEILS $608 BILLION DEFENSE BILL
A House panel has unveiled a $608 billion defense spending bill that restores some of the programs the Pentagon wanted to cut next year and provides nearly $1 billion for Israeli missile defense programs.
The House Appropriations Committee released the bill on Monday that includes $519.2 billion for the fiscal 2013 base budget and $88.5 billion for the war in Afghanistan and other counterterrorism activities. That's $1.1 billion more than the current level and $3.1 billion more than Obama requested.
The panel provided $278 million for a version of the Air Force's Global Hawk, the high-altitude unmanned aircraft used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The Pentagon wanted to mothball 18 of the drones. Rep. Steve Rothman, D-N.J., said the committee also provided $1 billion for Israeli missile defense. (Intercessors for America)
- Pray that the Lord will give wisdom to our national leaders in regard to how our national wealth is applied to the needs of our country and its needs.
- "When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God." (Leviticus 23:22)
[See update, below.]
3. HOUSE VOTES TO REPLACE PENTAGON CUTS MANDATED BY DEBT DEAL
The House voted Thursday to override steep cuts to the Pentagon's budget mandated by last summer's debt deal and replace them with spending reductions to food stamps and other mandatory social programs. While doomed in the Senate and opposed by the White House, the legislation, which would reduce the deficit by $243 billion, is a Republican marker for post-election budget talks with the White House.
Members approved the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act in a party-line 218-199 vote. As expected, the bill was supported by nearly all Republicans - only 16 opposed it, and no Democrats supported it. Republicans cast the bill as a first step back toward controlling federal spending, after years of allowing spending and deficits to balloon.
"We believe the purpose of the sequester was to replace the fact that Congress isn't governing," House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said during the opening debate on the bill. "Well, let's have Congress govern. That's why we're doing this." (The Hill)
- Offer praise for the passage of this bill, which ensures adequate funding for our military in the next budget cycle. Pray that this legislation will find favor in the Senate, towards passage and, in the end, would be signed into law by the president. In Jesus' name, amen.
- "The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous." (Proverbs 15:29)
4. BILL WOULD SUSPEND PASSPORT RIGHTS FOR DELINQUENT TAXPAYERS
A bill authored by a Southland lawmaker that could potentially allow the federal government to prevent any Americans who owe back taxes from traveling outside the U.S. is one step closer to becoming law. Senate Bill 1813 was introduced back in November by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Los Angeles) to "reauthorize Federal-aid highway and highway safety construction programs, and for other purposes".
After clearing the Senate on a 74 - 22 vote on March 14, SB 1813 is now headed for a vote in the House of Representatives, where it's expected to encounter stiffer opposition among the GOP majority. (CBS/Los Angeles) Read more.
[Note: On April 18, the House passed the companion bill, H.R. 4348, sponsored by Rep. John Mica. R-FL. These bills have now gone to conference committee to be reconciled into one bill for a final vote in both houses.]
-- Report: Democrats Crafting Bill to Use IRS Code to Remove 2nd Amendment Rights
With the help of senators like Barbara Boxer of California, a bill rapidly working through Capitol Hill (passed through the Senate and is currently up for review in the House) will give the IRS power to:
- Accuse Americans of delinquency of tax payment without due process
- Revoke their passports and travel rights
- Place the accused in a centralize database
- Authorize the removal of their right to own a firearm No formal charges are required. Simply the accusation from the IRS is sufficed to strip American citizens of their Constitutional rights.
"There is no requirement that the tax payer be guilty of or even charged with tax evasion, fraud, or any criminal offense - only that the citizen is alleged to owe the IRS back taxes of $50,000 or more," reports the Daily Economist. (Read more)
- If the report in the Daily Economist is true, this bill has very serious implications for all of us. Now that these two companion bills have gone to conference to be reconciled into a single law, the next step in final approval lies ahead: the final vote in each chamber approving the conference language.
There is simply no way that the final conference report will resemble anything that is palatable to conservatives. There is nothing we can do to influence these closed-door negotiations, but we must start calling our Republican members of the House and Senate and implore them to vote down anything that resembles the Senate bill. Remember that once a conference report is approved, it must receive in up-or-down vote in both houses, and cannot be amended.
- "I said, 'This far and no farther will you come. Here your proud waves must stop!'" (Job 38:11)
5. OBAMA SIGNS ANTI-PROTEST TRESPASS BILL
HR 347 'Trespass Bill' Criminalizes Protest
Only days after clearing Congress, Obama signed his name to H.R. 347 on Thursday, March 8, officially making it a federal offense to cause a disturbance at certain political events - essentially criminalizing protest in the States. Representative Tom Rooney (R-Fla.) in the House of Representatives and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT.) in the Senate sponsored H.R. 347.
Under H.R. 347, which has more commonly been labeled the Trespass Bill by Congress, knowingly entering a restricted area that is under the jurisdiction of Secret Service protection can garner an arrest. The law is actually only a slight change to earlier legislation that made it an offense to knowingly and willfully commit such a crime. Under the Trespass Bill's latest language chance, however, someone could end up in law enforcement custody for entering an area that they don't realize is Secret Service protected and "engages in disorderly or disruptive conduct" or "impede[s] or disrupt[s] the orderly conduct of Government business or official functions."
The Secret Service serves as the police that protects not just current and former American presidents, but are also dispatched to monitor special events of national significance, called 'National Special Security Events" (NSSE) -- a category with a broad cast of qualifiers. In the past, sporting events, state funerals, inaugural addresses and NATO and G-8 Summits have been designated as such by the US Department of Homeland Security, the division that decides when and where the Secret Service are needed outside of their normal coverage.
Under the act, protesting in areas covered by Secret Service could land a demonstrator behind bars, and the thing about the Secret Service (in case you couldn't tell by their name), is that they don't always make it clear where they are. You could even say that the service they provide, at times, is kept secret. (RT.com)
- Once a bill has been signed into law, the only recourse for its reversal is in the courts. Call forth a judicial appeal of H.R. 347, with all it implies, and pray that this be ruled illegal in a court of law. As American citizens, we are not yet without hope, for there are still three branches of government in place. If we ask, He will answer . . . and by the grace of God, the third branch may, in the end, protect us all.
- "For the Lord is our Judge, The Lord is our Lawgiver, The Lord is our King; He will save us." (Isaiah 33:22)
6. THE UNITED STATES-ISRAEL SECURITY COOPERATION ACT
A message from Richard A. Hellman, President, Christians' Israel Public Action Campaign (CIPAC)
Dear Friends,
As you did with your representatives on H.R. 4133 - which as a result passed the House almost unanimously - urge your senators to co-sponsor (if they haven't yet) - and expedite passage of - the identical companion bill, S. 2165, The United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012.
Although H. Res 271 and H. Con. Res. 115, which we support, more specifically affirm Israel's right to defend herself against Iran by all needed means, S.2165 does contain the essential element of those to affirm Israel's right of self-defense.
One good part of S.2165 is the list of U.S. actions that Section 4 sets to advance Israel's defense and protect America.
Another key element is the bill's emphasis on maintaining and renewing Israel's qualitative military edge over her neighbors, particularly those that receive U.S. military aid. This issue has been highlighted with regard to U.S. military arms sales to Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and others, in light of the deteriorating Mideast security situation.
The bill calls for a report to Congress by the President on such issues within 180 days of enactment, which will serve as a basis for congressional oversight.
For such reasons as these I judge that S.2165 will signal a renewal of the strong U.S. - Israel friendship and alliance we cherish. Thus I endorse it, despite some misgivings concerning an unneeded, unproductive and unjustified provision that the US help Israel seek peace (as if Israelis are not eager for peace!).
Click here to go to our website and urge your senators to act.
- Let's undergird this action with our prayers, and let's stand in agreement that S. 2165 will pass in the Senate and be signed into law by the president. In His Name, amen.
- "Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power." (Psalm 110:3)
Manhattan Declaration: Responding to the Latest Twist
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Editor's Note:
This article is a reprint from last week's edition of The Daily Brief, posted on Thursday, May 10. Many excellent articles are also named here for further research, so we wanted to be sure you saw this statement today.
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners stands in agreement with the Manhattan Declaration on this vital policy statement.
Today, for the first time, President Obama publicly affirmed his support for same-sex marriage, a calculated political maneuver intended to energize his base in the months before the November presidential election.
At a time when most Americans' primary concern is their ability to work to provide for their family, as crippling debt, record deficits, and fragile global markets loom over the economy, the President seems intent on having a national conversation about life, love, and religious liberty.
So be it.
The Manhattan Declaration is a coalition of the historic Christian faiths united in support of the sanctity of every human life, marriage as the conjugal union of a man to a woman as the bedrock of society, and religious liberty as the cornerstone of freedom. We promote a culture of life, love, and liberty in many ways. One is to equip you, our advocates, with the best resources on these issues.
Below is a list of ten articles and videos on the subject of marriage. Take an hour to skim them. Don't try to memorize the data or recite the arguments verbatim; rather, reflect on them. Allow your mind to absorb the broad principles. As the national conversation on this topic reaches a fever pitch in the next few days, you will be primed as a witness to the truth.
One final thought: this is not a war to be won in the blogosphere or on Facebook. We are teachers, co-workers, family members, and friends in relationship with those who have yet to see. Be gracious, be patient, and be kind.
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven." (Matthew 5:11)
What is Marriage? by Sherif Girgis, Robert George, and Ryan T. Anderson
http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1722155
Why I'm Optimistic About Natural Marriage by Andrew Walker
http://www.mereorthodoxy.com/why-im-optimistic-about-natural-marriage/
Why Is Marriage Important? (video)
by John Piper
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nd3AmKexugM
Who Needs Marriage?
by Chuck Colson
http://www.breakpoint.org/the-center/columns/colson-files/17606-who-needs-marriage
Marriage in Society: The Generation Clash (pps. 47-57)
by Matthew Lee Anderson
http://issuu.com/thecity/docs/thecitywinter2009/47?mode=embed&layout=http://skin.issuu.com/v/light/layout.xml&showFlipBtn=true
What Would Bonhoeffer Do?
by Eric Metaxas
http://www.breakpoint.org/the-center/columns/call-response/15129-metaxas-what-would-bonhoeffer-do
Dennis Prager Debates Perez Hilton on Same-Sex Marriage (Warning: YouTube contains objectionable content)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTE9zWaQc_Y
Religion, Reason, and Same-Sex Marriage
by Matthew J. Franck
http://www.firstthings.com/article/2011/05/religion-reason-and-same-sex-marriage
A Marriage in Full
by Gary A. Anderson
http://www.firstthings.com/article/2008/04/003-a-marriage-in-full-3
On Marriage and the Moral Limits of Human Sexuality by Metropolitan Jonah
http://orthocath.wordpress.com/2011/08/01/metropolitan-jonah-on-marriage-and-the-moral-limits-of-human-sexuality/
There is a lot of great stuff I have failed to include in my list. Share your favorite articles, blogs, and videos with us on our Facebook page.
Warmly,
Eric Teetsel Executive Director, Manhattan Declaration
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
ETERNAL KING
(Meh-lekh O-lahm)
"But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King. . . " (Jer. 10:10)
You are the Everlasting King. Before time began, You reigned. You reign today. You will reign forevermore. Eternal King, I praise You. What assurance and peace this truth is, that no matter what assails me, Your power will ultimately conquer. Thank You for this perfect divine plan. 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)
