Friday, June 29, 2012

CHPP Daily Brief Friday, June 29, 2012



•  The Daily Brief
•  The Middle East in Focus
•  Supreme Court Ruling: What's Next?
•  Reaction
•  Today's Legislative Focus
•  Update: Colorado Fire
•  Urgent Alert: SYRIA
•  The Good News Corner
•  Worship with Us Today!

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net


The Daily Brief Friday, June 29, 2012


"Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
(Psalm 61:1,2)

The Daily Brief

1. House holds Holder in contempt over 'Fast and Furious' documents - Washington Times

The House on Thursday cited Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. for contempt of Congress in a historic vote weighted with political significance, though it does little to break the stalemate over his decision to withhold documents over the Justice Department's actions in a botched gun-walking operation.

- Lord, we know that Attorney General Holder was simply acting on instructions from his superiors, and is now being "thrown under the bus" by these same people, in order to save themselves embarassment and votes. Expose the darkness, Lord, and uncover that which is hidden, revealing that which we, the people, need to know. Amen.

- "He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open."
(Mark 4:21-11)

2. Cantor: House will vote on repeal on July 11 - Politico

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) said Thursday that the Republican-led House will vote on repealing the health care law soon after the July 4 recess.

- Abba, again we come to You, and commit this to You. We know this will be a largely symbolic gesture in an election year. Lord, we pray that You would stop the erosion of our freedoms under this administration. We ask You to place Your people in positions of authority, submissive to You. Amen.

- "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
(James 3:17,18)

3. Scalia, Kennedy, Thomas, and Alito Dissent: 'We Cannot Rewrite the Statute to Be What It Is Not' - Weekly Standard

Chief Justice John Roberts held in his majority opinion today Obamacare's individual mandate may be considered a constitutional tax rather than an unconstitutional mandate. Justices Scalia, Kennedy, Thomas, and Alito forcefully disagree with Roberts in their dissent. "[W]e cannot rewrite the statute to be what it is not," the four Justices write. "[W]e have never-never-treated as a tax an exaction which faces up to the critical difference between a tax and a penalty, and explicitly denominates the exaction a 'penalty.' Eighteen times in §5000A itself and elsewhere throughout the Act, Congress called the exaction in §5000A(b) a 'penalty.'"

The dissenting Justices also argue that "judicial tax-writing is particularly troubling," since the Constitution requires tax bills to originate in the House of Representatives, "the legislative body most accountable to the people, where legislators must weigh the need for the tax against the terrible price they might pay at their next election, which is never more than two years off."

- Father, we thank You that nothing surprises You, and that You have promised to "work all things together for good" to those of us who know You as Savior and Lord. We thank You that "our times" are in Your Hands. We thank You that You are a Righteous Judge, and we ask that You would deal with all the ramifications, and individuals involved in this ruling. Although lawlessness is running rampant throughout our world, and certainly in our government, we ask that You - Who "sets up kings and removes them"- would now bring order out of chaos, and work all things together for Your glory. Amen.

- "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." (Isaiah 9:6-8) "Adonai will fulfill his purpose for me. Your grace, Adonai, continues forever.Don't abandon the work of your hands!"
(Psalm 138:8)

4. Obama to Visit Fire-Ravaged Colorado - VOA

Hussein Obama has issued a disaster declaration for the western U.S. state of Colorado, where he will travel Friday to survey the damage caused by a massive wildfire that has destroyed hundreds of homes and killed at least one person. Authorities say 346 homes have been destroyed since Tuesday, when the Waldo Canyon fire suddenly began raging out of control, forcing about 36,000 people in Colorado Springs, the state's second largest city, to evacuate their homes.

- Father, we ask that these fires be contained. We thank You, that the death toll from this horrendous fire is very few, although many homes have been destroyed. We ask that You give Your wisdom to the firefighters, and all who are fighting these fires, to bring these fires under control. We ask You to be present with Your people and protect them, their homes, and the ministry locations. We ask that many turn to You for help, and their salvation. Amen.

-" O our God, will You not exercise judgment upon them? For we have no might to stand against this great company that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." (2 Chronicles 20:12)

5. U.S. downs target missile in high-stakes test
- Reuters

U.S. forces using a new Raytheon Co interceptor missile downed another missile in a high-stakes test of systems built to thwart what experts say are advancing capabilities of countries like North Korea and Iran.

- Father, we thank You for the success of this test. We ask that our technology will exceed that of enemy nations like North Korea and Iran, who wish us harm. Amen.

- "Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in Him, Because we trust in His holy name." (Psalm 33:20,21)

6. July UN Meeting to Discuss Global Arms Trade Treaty - VOA

Delegates from more than 150 countries are to meet next month (July 2-27) at the United Nations in New York to draft a global arms trade treaty. The proposed legally-binding treaty would set international standards to regulate the import, export and transfer of conventional weapons - from aircraft carriers to machine guns and small arms. Major arms exporters, such as the United States, and major importers, such as India, will participate. Daryl Kimball, head of the Arms Control.

- Abba, we ask that as these delegates meet at the UN next week, that You will be present, and move upon our U.S. delegates to uphold our Constitutionally protected right to bear arms. We ask for Your mercy, and wisdom, as these delegates vote on our future. We pray that somehow our sovereignty as a nation will be preserved. Amen.

-" But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
(James 3:17,18)

7. BREAKING: Arrogant Justice Dept. to House: We Won't Prosecute Holder
- Fox News

The arrogant Justice Department moved Friday to shield Attorney General Eric Holder from prosecution after the House voted to hold him in contempt of Congress.

The contempt vote technically opened the door for the House to call on the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia to bring the case before a grand jury. But because U.S. Attorney Ronald Machen works for Holder and because President Obama has already asserted executive privilege over the documents in question, some expected Holder's Justice Department to balk.

Deputy Attorney General James Cole confirmed in a letter to House Speaker John Boehner that the department in fact would not pursue prosecution. The attorney general's withholding of documents pertaining to Operation Fast and Furious, he wrote, "does not constitute a crime."

Read more.

- This is another example of a government gone off course. Ask the Lord to move with His hand of divine intervention to bring correction to this situation, for the Dept. of Justice must surely comply with the instructions of the Legislative Branch of our government, rather that with their own "boss." Let justice prevail from within the Department of Justice! Amen.

- "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve."
(Jer. 17:10)
 
The Middle East in Focus


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

"Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."
(Psalm 121:4)

1. Erekat: Abbas, Mofaz to meet next week for talks - Jerusalem Post

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will meet with Israeli Vice Premier Shaul Mofaz on Sunday, a Palestinian official said on Thursday, in the highest-level meeting between the sides since peace talks broke down in 2010.

2. IDF bolstering defenses along Syrian border - Jerusalem Post

The army is beefing up its defenses along the Syrian border due to concerns that terrorists are planning an attack in the Golan Heights, OC Division 36 Brig.-Gen. Tamir Hyman said on Thursday.

3. Israel fears UN about to announce settlement panel - Jerusalem Post

Israel fears the United Nations is on the cusp of announcing the membership of its fact-finding mission on West Bank settlements, a move it claims could harm efforts to rekindle the frozen peace process.

Supreme Court Ruling: What's Next?

There were a lot of emotional responses to yesterday's Supreme Court's ruling. Understandably, many of you were shocked and deeply saddened, as I was. But rather than delving into the details of Roberts' opinion, I want to focus on the future. Where do we go from here? How do we respond? What's next?

The reactions I received yesterday from friends across the country ran the gamut -- from "Impeach Roberts!" to "I Give Up!" I understand the frustration. But how we respond in the days and weeks ahead is critical. My friends, we cannot give in to despair!

If we give up, then Obama wins and it really is over. If we give up, the country you and I love so much is lost. If we give up, defeat is guaranteed.

I know this was a gut punch, and like any punch, it hurts. Our side has taken a lot of punches lately. Some folks may be tired and may not feel like fighting anymore. But the left never gives up after it gets knocked down. The left always picks itself up and hits right back. That's exactly what we must do now. Don't give up; fight back!

Here's a message I read this morning from Dianne in Texas that I want to share with you. She begins by writing:

"I have to admit that I cried today. I could not stop the tears. I just think of my poor children and grandchildren who will have to pay for this monstrosity."

I started to get concerned given some of the other messages I read that essentially ended there. But she continued:

"I will work hard to get Governor Romney elected. I am energized."

My friends, Dianne gets it! That is precisely how all of us must respond!

We didn't give up after November 4, 2008. We took back the House and narrowed Obama's majority in the Senate. This November, with your continued support, we'll take back the White House and the Senate, and we will take back our country too! (Gary Bauer)

[ A note from CHPP: Due to IRS regulations, we are not able to endorse nor oppose any candidate for office. In this instance, we wanted to share with you what many out there may be thinking or saying, as reported by Gary Bauer. Thank you.]

Reaction

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell took to the Senate floor and blasted Obama and the Democrats for wasting so much time on this unpopular monstrosity. And McConnell also nailed Obama for misleading the American people, saying, "The Supreme Court has spoken. This law is a tax. This bill was sold to the American people on a deception."

Within an hour of the Supreme Court's decision, the House Republican leadership vowed that it would hold a vote on legislation to fully repeal ObamaCare on July 11th, once again putting Democrats on the record. This is important because as much as some folks still insist that the economy is the biggest issue, ObamaCare is tremendously unpopular and Obama and his left-wing allies now own it. (Gary Bauer; Thursday, June 28, 2012)

Today's Legislative Focus

From The Madison Project

www.madisonproject.com

Bonus Legislation

[Every week, we will try to spotlight some positive legislation that is worthy of conservative support.]

H.R. 6000: Validating Entitlement Recipients through Indicated Federal Immigration Status (VERIFI) Act

Last week, Obama announced that he would no longer follow the law and deport those illegals who would otherwise qualify for the DREAM Act - a law that never passed Congress. Unfortunately, the response from many GOP leaders has been tepid at best, while many of them are claiming that granting citizenship to these people will make them productive members of society. What they forget to tell you is that most of them are from poor families are low-skilled workers. Once they become permanent legal residents, they will be entitled to sundry welfare programs. Just the earned income tax credit alone would cost tens of billions annually.

Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO) [who was endorsed by The Madison Project in his bid for the Senate] introduced H.R. 6000, a bill that would block all access to Medicare, Social Security or food stamps for all those who were illegal prior to any administrative amnesty. This is pure commonsense even to those in the pro-amnesty crowd. At a time when our welfare and entitlement rolls are growing exponentially, we cannot afford to support those who have come here illegally. The bill has just 11 original cosponsors. Please call your members of Congress and request them to cosponsor this commonsense bill.

Update: Colorado Fire


COLORADO FIRE A MAJOR DISTRACTION/DISRUPTION TO MINISTRIES

Posted: 29 JUNE, 2012
Mission News Network

The devastating fire near Colorado Springs, Colo., continued to grow Thursday, even as the city began to assess the damage.

More than 32,000 people in Colorado's second-most-populous city and its environs have been forced from their homes because of the fire. As of Thursday morning, 18,500 acres have burned.

Although the Air Force Academy grounds survived mainly intact, 10 acres were charred along the southwest boundary. Best estimates now are that at least 300 homes have burned to the ground. President Obama is visiting the area today and has already pledged federal funds to help rebuild.

Rich Blanco, Vice President for Outreach at Biblica, says it's not just the size of the fire that makes it noteworthy. "I believe there are over 70 organizations that have their headquarters here in Colorado Springs, and well over 100 that are represented here in Colorado Springs. Over the last several days, hearing the reports and seeing the smoke and really not knowing what's going to happen--the nightmare started as the fire crested the hill of the front range and then sort of started coming over."

Famous structures like the Navigators' Glen Eyrie conference grounds were at risk. However, at last report from the Navigators, aside from damage to one small structure at Eagle Lake, the Glen Eyrie property was untouched by the fires. Since the staff was in the evacuation area, the Navigators are currently running "essential operations" out of Focus on the Family's offices.

Blanco says he, his family, and some of their staff were all evacuated, although Biblica's campus seemed to be out of danger. Still, "It really does create a distraction for the whole community. People are just trying to get reports on where the fire is going next. For people who have been evacuated, getting information on whether their house is actually still intact."

The frenzied activity, the worry, discouragement, fear and stress caused by the fires: all a "distraction?" getting work done, but "we're kind of in that stage where you're reacting and responding to what's happening right outside of your front door, but also still trying to continue to move the ball forward, so to speak, with your global ministry, and that's the case with Biblica."
And there's the rub: "We're in the middle of some incredible opportunities in the Middle East, and the number of attacks from the enemy seems to just be on the rise." Is it a coincidence that, in a time when Bible translation has been accelerated by decades, more people than ever are responding to the Gospel, and there is an active jihad to stop the advance of Christianity, that you see a fire strike at the heart of a Great Commission hub? "We look at this as one of those. This is just a way for Satan to distract us from what the Lord has called us to do as an organization."

It's a different take on a natural disaster. Does it sound a little kooky? Blanco joins many other Christian leaders who are calling it what it is. "I think the first step in really overcoming that, is acknowledging what it is and then praying to the Lord for the strength and perseverance to press through, yet again, another spiritual battle."

Will you pray?

Urgent Alert: SYRIA

Gulf sources report US, Gulf armies on high alert pending Syria action

DEBKAfile June 28, 2012, 10:17 AM (GMT+02:00)

This military alert is reported Thursday by various Gulf sources, including the US military, pending a strike against Syria in two days. This report, according to which NATO forces are about to move to Turkey, is not confirmed by any official source. US forces in the Gulf are apparently on forward positions and high alert, as are Saudi Special Forces and National Guard. Israel too is reported in mobilization. Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan is said to be preparing an extraordinary parliament session to authorize Syria intervention. The same unconfirmed sources cite Saturday as the day of the NATO attack, when in Geneva, the UN Action Group hold its first meeting to approve a transitional unity government in Damascus. The five UN Security Council powers, the EU and Arab League are represented, but not Iran or Saudi Arabia.
Read more.

Saudi forces mass on Jordanian, Iraqi borders. Turkey, Syria reinforce strength
DEBKAfile Special Report June 29, 2012, 11:02 AM (GMT+02:00)

The Syrian crisis was Friday, June 29, on a knife edge between a Western-Arab-Turkish military offensive in the next 48 hours and a big power accord to ward it off. 

debkafile's military sources report heavy Saudi troop movements toward the Jordanian and Iraqi borders Thursday overnight and up until Friday morning, June 29, after King Abdullah put the Saudi military on high alert for joining an anti-Assad offensive in Syria. The Saudi units are poised with tanks, missiles, special forces and anti-air batteries to enter Jordan in two heads:

One will safeguard Jordan's King Abdullah against potential Syrian or Iranian reprisals from Syria or Iraq.  

The second will cut north through Jordan to enter southeastern Syriam, where a security zone will be established around the towns of Deraa, Deir al-Zour and Abu Kemal - all centers of the anti-Assad rebellion. The region is also the home terrain of the Shammar tribe, brethren of the Shammars of the Saudi Nejd province. The Saudi units deployed on the Iraqi border are there to defend the kingdom against potential incursions by Iraqi Shiite militias crossing into the kingdom for reprisals. The Iraqi militias are well trained and armed and serve under officers of the Iranian Al-Qods Brigades, the Revolutionary Guards' external arm. Western Gulf sources report that Jordan too is on war alert.

Following the downing of a Turkish plane by Syria a week ago, Turkey continues to build up its Syrian border units with anti-aircraft guns, tanks and missiles towed by long convoys of trucks. 

A Free Syria Army officer, Gen. Mustafa al-Sheikh, reported Friday that 170 Syrian army tanks of the 17th Mechanized Division were massed near the village of Musalmieh northeast of Aleppo, 30 km from the Turkish border. He said they stood ready to attack any Turkish forces crossing into Syria.

As these war preparations advanced, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in St. Petersburg Friday for crucial talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. They meet the day before the new UN-sponsored Action Group convenes in Geneva to discuss UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan's latest transition proposal for Syria. He hopes for a political settlement that will ward off military intervention. Invited to the meeting are the five veto-wielding UN Security Council members plus Turkey and Arab League envoys from Qatar, Kuwait and Iraq. . .

US-Russian concurrence on a plan for Assad's removal could avert the operation. The failure of their talks would spell a worsening of the Syrian crisis and precipitate Western-Arab military intervention, which according to military sources in the Gulf is scheduled for launch Saturday, June 30. (Read more.)

- We ask all of our Prayer Partners to stay tuned to this rapidly unfolding and volatile situation. May those in authority in all nations named move with the greatest wisdom, discretion, and caution . . . please do pray.

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

The Good News Corner

Mystery man saves church from foreclosure

MORGANTON, NC (WBTV) - A church in North Carolina is counting its blessings after a mystery man saved the day. In fact, a bank was ready to take over Grandview Baptist Church earlier this week after the church fell on hard times.

WBTV's Sharon Smith said it all started one day when stranger pulled up in a pickup truck and promptly put an end to the foreclosure.

Pastor John Whisnant Jr. said he had the worst day, and the best day, all rolled into one last Wednesday. That's when Grandview Baptist Church was about to be taken by the bank.
Grandview is a family church, where weddings are celebrated, loved ones are mourned, that is a second home to many, including the pastor's father.

"It's one of the worst things that I've ever experienced," said John Whisnant Sr.

After a lot of praying, crying and last-minute efforts, the deadline had arrived.

And then something remarkable happened. A stranger, a new man in the town, stopped by the church. "I never met him before," said Pastor Whisnant, who said he couldn't believe what happened next.

"Long story short, he basically said, 'What will it take to get the Bank of Granite off your back?'" said Whisnant. "And I told him and he said, 'Well, I'm going to take care of that for you.'"

The man gave a $345,000 gift - with no strings attached. Church members said it was a true miracle. "It's like if he'd have been ten minutes early leaving or late, or he'd been ten minutes later, we might not have heard from him again," said Whisnant Sr.

Members of the church have unpacked everything that had been packed up. Pastor Whisnant put his office back together. The piano, the podium and other things are all back in place. Folks said it feels good.

"The Bible says to whom much is given much is required," said Pastor Whisnant. "We are chomping at the bit to see what God has for us. We're going to serve to the best of our ability." (WTVR, Richmond, VA) Read more.

A note from CHPP:

We are blessed to end this tumultuous week by sharing this truly GOOD NEWS report with you! Our God is a God of miracles, for sure, and He is always right on time . . . meeting our needs.

Praise . . . the . . . LORD!
 
Worship with Us Today!


God Will Make a Way
Don Moen
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength
For each new day
He will make a way
He will make a way

Thursday, June 28, 2012

CHPP Daily Brief Thursday, June 28, 2012



•  The Daily Brief
•  The Middle East in Focus
•  The Daily Jot!
•  Joel Rosenberg on Today's Decision on Obamacare
•  In Spite Of The Ruling, There Is Hope
•  It's not over yet
•  Today's Legislative Focus
•  MB Preaches Israel's Destruction
•  The Good News Corner
•  Worship with Us Today!

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net


The Daily Brief  Thursday, June 28, 2012

"Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I." (Psalm 61:1,2)

The Daily Brief

1. Supreme Court upholds individual mandate, ObamaCare survives - AP

The Supreme Court has upheld the centerpiece of President Obama's health care overhaul, in effect allowing the law to survive. In a 5-4 decision unveiled Thursday, the court ruled as constitutional the so-called individual mandate requiring most Americans to obtain health insurance starting in 2014.

Read more:

b ) U.S. Supreme Court Affirms the Largest Tax Hike in American History - Traditional Values Coalition

Washington D.C. (June 28th, 2012) -- In a 5-4 decision with Chief Justice Roberts aligning with the liberals on the court and Justice Kennedy siding with conservatives, the individual mandate within Obamacare was upheld, not as a provision protected by the Commerce Clause, but rather as a massive $1 trillion tax on working class Americans. Read more.

- Father, in this time of shaking in our nation, we ask for Your hand of mercy over America. With the forcing of individuals to purchase expensive insurance, we know that the financial drain on Your people is going to skyrocket. We pray for the legislative branch of our government to move solidly and swiftly toward repeal of this law.

- "I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron." [Isaiah 45:2]

2. Fraud Ring In Hacking Attack On 60 Banks - Sky News

Sixty million euro has been stolen from bank accounts in a massive cyber bank raid after fraudsters raided dozens of financial institutions around the world.

- Lord, we pray for swift justice in this hacking situation, that You would reveal the perpetrators, stopping them from any further encroachment into the banking system.

- "You shall not steal."
[Exodus 20:15]

3. Lawmakers claim Air Force culture becoming 'hostile towards religion'
-Fox News

Dozens of House lawmakers accused the U.S. Air Force this week of being "hostile towards religion," citing a string of recent incidents they claim show the military is taking separation of church and state too far.

- Father, our military might is dependent upon Your favor, not upon the arrogance of men. We ask that You touch the lives of those who have decided among themselves how the air Force should operate.

- "Because I have called, and you refused; I have stretched out my hand and no man regarded it." [Proverbs 1:24]

4. Colorado wildfire: Air Force Academy Evacuated - Denver Post

Thousands of people fled the neighborhoods north and west of the city after the Waldo Canyon fire unleashed waves of flames late Tuesday afternoon.

- Father, as the Colorado Wildfires continue to rage out of control, we stand in the gap for the people and the land. We ask for forgiveness and a spirit of repentance to come over all of Colorado, removing all things which are not pleasing to You.

- "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none." [Ezekiel 22:30]

5. Federal Judge Refuses to Block Florida Voter Purge - AP

A judge on Wednesday rejected a request by federal authorities to block Florida's contentious move to remove potentially ineligible voters from its rolls.

The decision could prompt some counties to revive efforts to identify registered voters who are not U.S. citizens. Many counties had suspended the effort after hearing about conflicting legal opinions.

Read more:

- Thank You, Lord, for this small victory at a time when the courts seem to be moving in the wrong direction. We ask that You will make sure all who are eligible be allowed to cast their votes, and all who are not, be stopped.

- "Blessed is the man that hears Me, watching daily at My gates, waiting at the posts of My doors." [Proverbs 8:34]

6. House GOP poised to hold Holder in contempt, with some Dems to vote in favor - Fox News

House Republicans and some conservative Democrats are poised to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress on Thursday for withholding documents in the investigation into botched Operation Fast and Furious, which let guns slip into the hands of drug cartels.

- Lord, we ask that Your Holy Spirit place a restraining hand against any backlash from this vote. We are grieved that our Attorney General has chosen to hide behind executive privilege rather than the honesty of simply speaking the truth about a poorly conceived policy. Have mercy, Lord, bring justice and grace into this situation.

-"Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covers the mouth of the wicked."
[Proverbs 10:6]

7. GOP: Health ruling a 'sad day for liberty' - The Hill

Republicans on Thursday called the Supreme Court's decision to uphold most of President Obama's healthcare law a stinging disappointment and a "rallying cry" to win an electoral mandate to repeal it.

"It's a sad day for liberty in America," Rep. Paul Broun (R-Ga.), a conservative member of the Republican "doctor's caucus" said as he walked into a meeting of House Republicans in the basement of the Capitol minutes after the ruling came down. Read more.

- We want to encourage all of our prayer partners to not be discouraged, but encouraged. Strategies are still in place to see the Lord "rule and overrule" this agenda. (See several articles, below, for suggestions . . .) In the meantime, let's stand in faith, believing, and keep looking up, for our redemption surely draweth night.

- "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1,2)

8. House GOP poised to hold Holder in contempt, with some Dems to vote
in favor
- Fox News

House Republicans and some conservative Democrats are poised to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress on Thursday for withholding documents in the investigation into botched Operation Fast and Furious, which let guns slip into the hands of drug cartels.
- Lord we ask that Your Holy Spirit place a restraining hand against any backlash from this vote. We are grieved that our Attorney General has chosen to hide behind executive privilege rather than the honesty of simply speaking the truth about a poorly conceived policy. Have mercy, Lord, bring justice and grace into this situation.

- "Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covers the mouth of the wicked."
[Proverbs 10:6]

The Middle East in Focus

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

"Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."
(Psalm 121:4)

1. Israel fears UN about to announce settlement panel - Jerusalem Post

Israel fears the United Nations is on the cusp of announcing the membership of its fact-finding mission on West Bank settlements, a move it claims could harm efforts to rekindle the frozen peace process.

2. Zionists to blame for world drug trade - Ynet News

In blatantly anti-Semitic speech, Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi condemned the "Zionists" and the teachings of the Talmud for "inciting global drug trade and addiction in a bid to annihilate non-Jewish communities," Iran's Fars News Agency reported Wednesday.

3. We may have confused Turkish jet for an Israeli one, Syrian minister claims - Times of Israel

Syrian soldiers who shot down a Turkish military jet on Friday may have confused it for an Israeli plane, Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zubi claimed on Wednesday.

The Daily Jot!

Taxing you to death

When the socialized healthcare system was forced upon the American people, Congress and the White House sold it as a non-tax, but now the Supreme Court has ruled that the government can tax you to force compliance with nationalized medicine. This is a game changer because now your life is no longer your own, the government can decide what kind of care you will receive and how you will receive it. It is a crowning moment for socialists who want to see America under the thumb of an ever-benevolent government that knows better than individuals how to care for them and their families. According to the Supreme Court, the government has the right to tax you for services from cradle to grave--tax you to death.

Since it is now considered a tax, the Supreme Court left a back door open for "We the People." Congress can be pressured to repeal any tax, which would leave this socialist leviathan unfunded. The American Revolution was founded upon, among other things, unfair taxation. The Founders had a fundamental belief that the government was not to intrude into people's lives beyond providing safety and security--the true meaning of providing for the general welfare--for the people. Now, the Supreme Court has placed a capstone on institutionalizing government intervention in every aspect of the lives of citizens through control of their healthcare.

This means the government can make decisions like a god. If this goes unchallenged and unmet, people will soon become dependent on the government as if it were a god. In socialism and communism, the government replaces YHVH as the provider of all things to the people. We have ample examples of socialist Europe, the failed policies of the former Soviet Union and all of its satellites, and the iron fist rule of Communist China over even how many children are allowed to be born into a family. Ronald Reagan once said that a primary way to institute communism within a society was through socialized healthcare. We now stand on the precipice of this thanks to the Supreme Court, the White House and Congress.

There are certain Biblical principles being violated by such decisions and actions. First and foremost, Exodus 20:3 says, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Government is not YHVH. When we have a choice in how we are governed, we should never allow government to stand with the life or death power of a god. Exodus 20:17 says, "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's." What more could the government covet through this so-called tax? As well, Exodus 20:15 says, "Thou shalt not steal." The Supreme Court has legalized stealing the fruits of your labor by taxing you to death.

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com

Joel Rosenberg on Today's Decision on Obamacare

SUPREME COURT DECISION MAKES IMPLOSION MORE LIKELY

Health law to add $1.15 trillion to national debt.

(Washington, D.C., June 28, 2012) -- A disastrous, appalling decision was handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court today. The Court upheld the individual mandate and socialized medicine, saying both are constitutional, despite the fact that a recent poll found 68% of Americans want all or part of the law repealed.

The federal government can now force us to buy what we don't want. Washington politicians and bureaucrats will become the final arbiter of our most personal medical decisions, rationing care for many and denying care to some who are not deemed worthy of receiving it, especially if the care is expensive. The "Affordable Care Act" (nicknamed "Obamacare") nationalizes 1/7th of our economy, imposes one of the largest tax increases in American history on an economy already struggling, massively increases government spending, and will increase the national debt by $1.15 trillion, according to a recent study.

This, despite the fact that we already have a crushing federal debt of more than $15 trillion, and another $65 trillion in unfunded liabilities related to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid coming at us with breakneck speed. Our ship of state is hurtling towards massive debt icebergs, yet rather than slow down or change direction, we are accelerating our deficit spending.

Bottom line: the implosion of the American economy has just become more likely.

In Spite Of The Ruling, There Is Hope

In Spite Of The Ruling, There Is Hope The Madison Project


www.madisonproject.com

Team Madison -

In the aftermath of the Supreme Court's decision to uphold Obamacare almost in its entirety, there will be copious pages of commentary written about the legal arguments, the precedents for the future and the politics of the Supreme Court. None of that matters for us and our community of liberty-minded activists. The most salient question is where do we go from here? Are we willing to let this travesty stand?

In spite of what appears to be a tailspin by conservatives nationwide, I believe there is hope.

There is nothing we can do about the Supreme Court. Justices, even those who are political conservatives, will buy into quirky legal rationale and exhibit unique jurisprudence. What we must do now is focus on the elected branches of government.

When Republicans took over the House last year, they promised to repeal Obamacare. They also promised that in the likely scenario that their repeal bill is blocked in the Senate, they would refuse to fund Obamacare in the annual appropriations bills that funded the various agencies that oversee Obamacare. They passed the "Ryan budget," which defunded Obamacare. But then as the clock wound down to midnight, September 30, and there was the threat of a government shutdown, they caved and agreed to an Omnibus bill that included funding for Obamacare.

That must change now.

Part of the rationale for agreeing to fund Obamacare at the time was that many Republicans believed the Supreme Court would strike it down. Well, that didn't happen. Now you will hear many Republicans say that we'll repeal it next year when Romney wins the White House and Republicans take back the Senate. However, there are too many hypotheticals involved in that scenario. What if Romney loses? What if Republicans fail to win 51 seats? What if several of the members, including the likes of Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, balk at using reconciliation to repeal the full law? We simply cannot let this thing stand and hope for repeal next year. We must defund it now.

All Republicans in the House have to do is stick to their budget. It's that simple. They must tell Senate Democrats that they will not agree to fund Obamacare. If Democrats want to force a government shutdown over funding for a program that 72% of Independents wanted repealed, then let's have that debate. We have no other choice at this point. Obamacare, when fully enacted, will take over 1/6 of our economy, create permanent dependency for tens of millions of Americans, induce unsustainable inflationary pressure on the cost of healthcare and health insurance, and saddle the next generation with crippling debt.

If we've learned anything from past experiences, it's that no government entitlement program is ever repealed once the dependency takes root. If there's anything important enough and as politically unpopular enough to use to force a government shutdown, Obamacare is it.

It is incumbent upon the conservative movement and the Tea Party to get all members of Congress and Republican candidates on record to pledge to oppose any spending bill that contains funding for Obamacare. This is our next seminal battle.

Let's not get caught up in the minutia of convoluted legal arguments and the ridiculous quirks of the Supreme Court.

What's done is done. It's time to act.

For Liberty.

Drew Ryun
Political Director
The Madison Project

It's not over yet:

Individual Mandate Upheld; Religious Freedom Remains Undecided

By now, you know that the Supreme Court today voted to uphold President Obama's health care law in a 5-4 decision, with Chief Justice John Roberts providing the decisive swing vote. President Obama responded quickly, urging "it's time for us to move forward."

Though the ruling does indeed provide the final word on the constitutionality of certain provisions of the law, including the crucial "individual mandate," we must remember what it does not say. Today's decision says nothing about the contraception mandate, nor does it address the question of abortion funding. Lawsuits on these specific questions continue to make their way through the justice system.

Had the law been struck down these questions would be moot. But now, more than ever, advocates of life and the rights of religious conscience must pray for justice and support our partners in the legal battle. Here are three resources:

The Alliance Defense Fund has created a page of resources to better understand the implications of Obamacare. Visit www.alliancedefensefund.org/obamacare.

The Becket Fund is partnering with Catholic and evangelical institutions suing the administration, including Belmont Abbey College and Colorado Christian University. Becket has created HHS Information Central with cases, maps, a timeline, and other resources.
The Colson Center has developed a page with regular updates on the religious liberty questions still in play.

From: The Manhattan Declaration

Today's Legislative Focus

From The Madison Project

www.madisonproject.com

Appropriations

This week, the House is expected to continue its open floor process on the 12 annual appropriations bills. They were initially slated to consider the annual Agriculture bill, but it was postponed due to conservative concerns about the Farm Bill, which contains all the mandatory spending that is appropriated in the Agriculture appropriations bill. Instead the House took up the Transportation-HUD bill this week.

Conservative concerns:

- To begin with, conservatives believe that the government needs to stay out of housing. Even if we had all the money in the world, we should not let the federal government distort the market with housing programs. That should be the enduring lesson from the housing crash. To that end, we need to eliminate many HUD programs in an effort to abolish the entire department.

Although the bill spending before the House cuts spending by $3.9 billion, it still provides $51.6 billion in discretionary spending for transportation and housing. Several conservatives plan to offer amendments that will strip out more programs and place limitations on their ability to mess with the housing market. We will be keeping score of all the major amendments and will post them at our new website; ConservativeVotingRecords.com.

MB Preaches Israel's Destruction

Exclusive: Muslim Brotherhood Preaching Israel Destruction After Egyptian Election

"Every Muslim will be asked about the Zionists' usurpation of al-Aqsa Mosque. Why did he not seek to recover it, and wage Jihad in His way? Did he not care about the fatwa of the ulema [scholars] of the Muslims, 'Jihad of self and money to recover al Aqsa is a duty on every Muslim?'" asked Mohamed Badie, General Guide of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, in a June 14th speech translated exclusively by the Investigative Project on Terrorism.

The speech from the Brotherhood's Ikhwan Online website is evidence that the group has not moderated its position even an iota, despite assurances to Western audiences.

"How happy would be the Muslims if all Muslim rulers made the Palestinian cause a pivotal issue, around which Muslims, rulers and the ruled, would line up," he stated. According to Badie, they would ally to make "the sole goal for all of them the recovery of al Aqsa Mosque, freeing it from the filth of the Zionists, and imposing Muslim rule throughout beloved Palestine."
"The Lord of Glory has threatened these murdering Zionists criminals with a penalty of a kind which operates in this world before the Hereafter, he said, before referencing a Quranic quote calling Jews "apes, despised."

"We say to our people and our brothers in Palestine (all of Palestine): Unity, unity, persistence, persistence, reconciliation, reconciliation, and patience, patience. Make your motto and your starting point be in confronting the Zionists," he added.

Badie also made reference to the role of Hamas-tied convoys, in aiding in the effort to eliminate the Jewish state. (Investigative Project on Terrorism) Read more.

The Good News Corner

Mayor plans to keep God in government


Despite legal threats from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a Georgia mayor says he plans to continue to live out his faith publicly.

Warner Robbins Mayor Chuck Shaheen is taking heat from the Freedom From Religion group for publicly thanking God and for supporting public prayer. He tells OneNewsNow they can try to separate church and state, but they cannot separate church and this mayor.

"Being a mayor is not the pinnacle of my life because I'm going to be a Christian long after I'm a mayor," he explains. "Because of what Jesus did for me, I'm not ashamed of the gospel. And I do get attacked a lot for my stand, but I don't push it on anybody, and I just hope I can let my light so shine before men that they can see the good works that God does in our lives and glorify our Father who is in Heaven."

Mayor Shaheen says he agrees with the separation of church and state, just not the way religious skeptics see it.

"The state needs to get out of the church, but the church doesn't need to get out of the state," he contends. "You need to have more godly people in government and keep government out of the church."

He says he has received overwhelming support from Warner Robbins citizens for his convictions. (OneNewsNow)

Worship with Us Today!

Carman's "Lord, Send the Rain"


Worship here.

We dedicate today's worship song to the good citizens of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Praise God!

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

CHPP Daily Brief Wednesday, June 27, 2012



•  The Middle East in Focus
•  The Daily Jot!
•  URGENT: ASK FOR RAIN IN COLORADO!
•  Links to Live Streaming News in Colorado Springs
•  Today's Legislative Focus
•  Senator Suggests Impeaching Obama
•  The Good News Corner
•  Worship with Us Today!

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net


The Daily Brief Wednesday, June 27, 2012

"Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I." (Psalm 61:1,2)

URGENT ALERT!! The National Day of Prayer Task Force is hosting an emergency conference call TODAY at 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time to cover extreme weather issues from fires to floods. They will be calling on people from different states to lead as you are able to join.

The number for this conference call is: 712-432-0075
Access Code: 4961322#
Editor's note:


We will send you our Daily Brief Headlines later today. We wanted to get news of this call out to all of you NOW!

The Middle East in Focus

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

"Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."
(Psalm 121:4)

1. Putin praises Abbas for his approach to peace process - Jerusalem Post

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, praising him for his approach to the peace process.

2. Putin visits Western Wall - Ynet News

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Western Wall overnight Tuesday.

3. Israel fears UN about to announce settlement panel - jpost

Israel fears the United Nations is on the cusp of announcing the membership of its fact-finding mission on West Bank settlements, a move it claims could harm efforts to rekindle the frozen peace process. Already on June 14, UN Human Rights Council president Laura Dupuy Lasserre responded to a query on the matter at a meeting with NGO representatives in Geneva.

The Daily Jot!

White House goes Gay, disrespects God and country

The International Gay and lesbian Human Rights Commission, the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN), the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and other homosexual activists attended a White House reception held in honor of Gay Pride month and hosted by the man who occupies the Oval Office. GLSEN and HRC are among the most militant supporters of homosexual rights in history. And while the White House tried to distance itself from homosexuals dishonoring their country and their movement by "flipping off" the official White House portrait of former President Ronald Reagan, the current president has defiled the office of the Presidency by his encouragement of homosexual militancy.

The president told the homosexual activists that they have "every right to push, loudly and forcefully, for equality. He told the group, "I've said before that I would never counsel patience; that it wasn't right to tell you to be patient any more than it was right for others to tell women to be patient a century ago, of African-Americans to be patient a half century ago." Obviously, these radicals took him at his word by behaving like disrespectful, anti-American rogues as guests at the White House. White House spokesman Shin Inouye said, "While the White House does not control the conduct of guests at receptions, we certainly expect that all attendees conduct themselves in a respectful manner."

What did the president expect? The prevailing attitude is one of being loud and forceful. He gave them license to behave disrespectfully. Anybody who disagrees with those involved with HRC and GLSEN are routinely demonized as bigots, whether it be man or YHVH. Yes, as Christians we are to love them and help them to see the error of their ways that they might receive the gift of salvation, but we are not to tolerate this evil lifestyle in society. Nonetheless, our president has invited it into the White House to be celebrated. Many sources have told The Daily Jot that this particular White House has employed more homosexual activists than any other. Americans need to start questioning this.

Romans 1:24-27 says, "Wherefore YHVH also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of YHVH into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause YHVH gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meant." And the White House honors this behavior.

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com

Urgent Prayer Request for Rain over Colorado Wildfires

(Woodland Park, CO)-According to news reports Wednesday morning, the wildfire that has been threatening developments in Colorado Springs jumped firefighters' perimeter lines overnight, and has doubled in size.

Over 9,000 residents near the area are under mandatory evacuation, as some 32,000 residents overall have been affected by evacuation orders throughout the area.

We at BCN (Breaking Christian News) ask our readers to please pray for an end to these raging fires in Colorado. That the Lord God would send just enough rain-even today-as to quench the fires and stop them from advancing any further; for the wind to calm and no more lives or homes to be lost.

"Peace be still" over Colorado, in JESUS' name.
Read more here.

Update from CHPP:

As of this morning, a total of 37,500 people have evacuated their homes in Colorado Springs, and the fires are still raging out of control.

We do ask the LORD to send RAIN to this region, but please, NO LIGHTNING! Along with the rain, it is critical that the winds be CALM.

We need to pray for a miracle . . . pray!

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

Links to Live Streaming News in Colorado Springs

To effectively monitor the unfolding developments surrounding the fires in Colorado Springs, here are several sites that are live streaming the news from that city:

1. LIVE ABC: KRDO

2. LIVE CBS: KKTV

3. LIVE: NBC

4. (Also) LIVE: NBC

5. LIVE: FOX

Today's Legislative Focus

From The Madison Project

www.madisonproject.com

Issue Number One: Farm Bill

Last Thursday, the Senate passed the $970 billion Farm Bill (S.3240), which permanently enshrines the Obama-levels of spending for Food Stamps, perpetuates market-distorting favors for special interests and rich farmers, and creates a new farm program that guarantees farmers 90% of average annual income for many farmers. The bill passed 64-35. Republicans opposed it 30-16; Democrats supported it 48-5. Almost a dozen southern Republicans opposed the bill because it didn't provide enough subsidies for southern crops, not because it proposed too much spending. Click here for our unique scorecard on relevant amendments courtesy of our new website; ConservativeVotingRecords.com.

Now the battle moves to the House where conservatives must begin taking a firm stand against the bill. The good news is that the House Agriculture Committee agreed to push off the markup on the bill until mid-July, giving us more time to gather momentum against the bill. The Farm Bill will continue to be the central battleground for free markets and limited government over the next few months.

Issue Number Two: Flood Insurance

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created in 1968 to provide insurance to those living in flood-risk areas. Ever since the last long-term NFIP re-authorization expired, Congress has passed 17 stop-gap extensions. Not surprisingly, the program has racked up $18 billion in debt during that tumultuous time. The latest extension expires at the end of July. In another bipartisan lovefest, the Senate plans to take up a 5-year re-authorization this week (S. 1940), and is expected to pass it with overwhelming support.
Conservative concerns:

- Move to Privatize: It will not be an easy task to eliminate this program. Decades' worth of government incentives to live in flood-prone regions have enticed thousands of homeowners into purchasing houses in areas that will forever necessitate more subsidies. Nonetheless, we must ensure that the next extension contains some serious immediate reforms and a trigger to privatize the program after a certain period of time. The current bill is more of the same. Senator Rand Paul plans to offer and amendment that will move the insurance program towards privatization. Please call your Republican senators and ask them if they plan to wind down government control of flood insurance.

Senator Suggests Impeaching Obama

Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) floated the possibility of impeaching President Obama over the administration's recent decisions on immigration, during an appearance on Bill Bennett's radio show on Tuesday.

Responding to a question about the Department of Homeland Security's decision to pull back "on a program known as 287(g) - which allows the feds to deputize local officials to make immigration-based arrests" - following the Supreme Court's ruling invalidating substantial sections of Arizona's SB 1070, Kyl said the president must be held accountable.
BENNETT: How do you make the feds cooperate [with state immigration efforts]?

KYL: Well, that's the executive's job and there are only a couple of ways to do it . . . If the president insists on continuing to ignore parts of the law that he doesn't like, and simply not enforce that law, the primary remedy for that is political. And you have it two ways: one is oversight through the Congress to demonstrate what they're doing wrong and there are some potential criminal charges there for dereliction of duty. Although, I haven't looked that up yet. And the other part of it is people need to react through the ballot box to turn out of office those people who are not doing their duty. Now if it's bad enough and if shenanigans involved in it, then of course impeachment is always a possibility. But I don't think at this point anybody is talking about that.

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer (R) adopted a similarly bellicose tone towards the president on Monday, saying, "I guess he doesn't think we're part of the country anymore." (Source: Think Progress) Read more.

The Good News Corner

California City Changes Zoning Code to Allow Home Bible Study After Couple Was Fined

A note to our prayer partners:

Last year, we alerted you to pray about this issue. Here is the happy result to your prayers. Thank you!

San Juan Capistrano, Calif. city officials have voted to change their zoning code after a couple was fined $300 for holding home Bible study sessions, KCBS-TV reported.

Chuck and Stephanie Fromm were cited last year after authorities said they were in violation of municipal code 9-3.301, which bars "religious, fraternal or non-profit" gatherings of more than three people in residential neighborhoods without a costly permit. Stephanie held a weekly Bible study that drew about 20 people, while Chuck held a Sunday service that attracted about 50.

The Southern California city ultimately refunded the Fromms their fine after their story sparked a massive outcry, and on Tuesday the city council voted to change its code so that such home-based religious gatherings will not require permits.

According to KCBS, the change conforms with the California Building Code, which does not require permits for such gatherings with less than 50 participants.

"There is no reason why any family in the United States of America should have to worry about the government crashing their home Bible study or whatever meeting they're having because of arduous rules and unreasonable restrictions," Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute, told the station. The Pacific Justice Institute had represented the Fromms in their appeal against the city.

"We only hope at this point that other cities and counties across the country can learn from this wonderful resolution by the city of San Juan Capistrano to not make the same mistake twice," Dacus said. (KCBS-TV, Los Angeles)

Worship with Us Today!

Bless The Lord O My Soul
sung by Matt Redman.
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

CHPP Daily Brief Tuesday, June 26, 2012



•  The Daily Brief
•  The Middle East in Focus
•  The Daily Jot!
•  Next Sunday: Call2Fall
•  A Message to the Attorney General
•  Today's Legislative Focus
•  Update: Florida Prayer Case
•  The Good News Corner
•  Worship with Us Today!

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net


The Daily Brief Tuesday, June 26, 2012

"Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I." (Psalm 61:1,2)

The Daily Brief
 
1. Jimmy Carter Accuses U.S. of 'Widespread Abuse of Human Rights'
- ABC News

A former U.S. president is accusing the current president of sanctioning the "widespread abuse of human rights" by authorizing drone strikes to kill suspected terrorists. Jimmy Carter, America's 39 th president, denounced the Obama administration for "clearly violating" 10 of the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, writing in a New York Times op-ed on Monday that the "United States is abandoning its role as the global champion of human rights." "Instead of making the world safer, America's violation of international human rights abets our enemies and alienates our friends," Carter wrote. . .

The former president blasted the government for allowing "unprecedented violations of our rights to privacy through warrantless wiretapping and government mining of our electronic communications." He also condemned recent legislation that gives the president the power to detain suspected terrorists indefinitely, although a federal judge blocked the law from taking effect for any suspects not affiliated with the September 11 terrorist attacks. "This law violates the right to freedom of expression and to be presumed innocent until proved guilty, two other rights enshrined in the declaration," Carter said. While Carter never mentioned Obama by name, he called out "our government" and "the highest authorities in Washington," and urged "concerned citizens" to "persuade Washington to reverse course and regain moral leadership." Read more.

- Lord, we thank You for this report, as a former president is now challenging the sitting president on a policy that may endanger our own rights as free citizens. We pray that this report would be noted by those who have authority to make policy changes, and that they be given wisdom in doing so. Thank You, Lord. Amen.

- "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel."
(Proverbs 12:15)

2. Iraq orders closure of 44 media outlets - Reuters

An Iraqi regulatory body has ordered the closure of 44 media outlets in the country including the BBC and Voice of America in a dispute over broadcast licenses, sources with knowledge of the order said on Sunday, but no action has yet been taken. Other organizations targeted for shutdown include privately-owned local TV channels Sharqiya and Baghdadia as well as U.S.-financed Radio Sawa.

- Lord, we pray that these orders to shut down media sources in Iraq be reversed. We pray that truth would be able to be broadcast and heard. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

- "Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."
(John 18:37)

3. Spain formally requests a bailout for its banks - BBC

Spain has formally requested a bailout loan for its banking sector from its eurozone partners. Eurozone countries have agreed to lend up to 100bn euros ($125bn; £80bn). No specific figures were given for the emergency loans, although independent audits last week said that the banks would need up to 62bn euros to stabilize themselves.

- Lord, we pray for Spain and that they would look to You for their provision and as they grow to love You that provision would then come to the people. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. - "May they prosper who love you." (Psalm 122 6)

4. Putin arrives in Israel to discuss Iran, Syria - Jerusalem Post

With the Muslim Brotherhood now in charge in Egypt and Syria in flames, Russian President Vladimir Putin makes his first visit to the volatile region on Monday since becoming president again in May, with a quick two-day journey to Israel and Jordan.. . The focus of the Netanyahu - Putin talks is expected to be on Iran and Syria, where the two countries have wide differences of opinion.

- Lord, we pray for wisdom and discernment for Israel's leader in dealing with Putin and Russia, Iran, Syria and Egypt. We pray Israel will come to rely on You Lord and not the leadership of any of these countries. In the name of Jesus, the Messiah, we stand in the gap for Israel. Amen.

- "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars." (2 Chronicles 16:9)

5. Morsy: I will work to expand bilateral ties with Iran - Jerusalem Post

Egyptian President-elect Mohammed Morsy is looking to expand ties with Tehran to create a strategic "balance" in the region, according to an interview with Iran's semi-official Fars news agency published Monday. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have been severed for more than 30 years, but both sides have signaled a shift in policy since former president Hosni Mubarak was overthrown last year in a popular uprising.

- Lord, many of us are not surprised by this report of Morsy looking to expand ties with Tehran. We know there is great turmoil in the region because of their separation from You and their belief in a false religion. Lord, we pray that these leaders and countries will see the Light. We also pray for ourselves, that we will stand stong in these times and when hearing these reports. In the name of Jesus, the Light of the world, we pray. Amen.

- "And in those times there was no peace to the one who went out, nor to the one who came in, but great turmoil was on all the inhabitants of the lands. So nation was destroyed by nation, and city by city, for God troubled them with every adversity. But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded."
(2 Chronicles 15:5-7)

The Middle East in Focus

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

"Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."
(Psalm 121:4)

1. US and Israel to hold largest ever joint military exercise - Times of Israel

Israel and the US are set to hold their largest ever joint military exercise in October, featuring thousands of soldiers and advanced anti-missile defense systems, and simulating simultaneous fire from Iran and Syria.

2. Putin: Don't rush to strike Iran
- Ynet News

President Vladimir Putin expressed his reservations over the prospect of a military strike in Iran, urging Israel Monday to learn from negative US experience in Afghanistan and Iraq.

3. U.S., Israel continue preparations for strike on Iran nuclear facilities - Ha'aretz

Israel and the U.S. are pushing forward with preparations to jointly strike Iran's nuclear facilities, the U.S. blog Business Insider reported on Saturday.

The Daily Jot!
 
White House and [Moslem] Brotherhood advance Ezekiel 38 prophecy clock


The organization that vows a "Civilization Jihad" in the United States to destroy its "miserable house" has toppled the Egyptian government by winning the presidential election and the vast working majority of seats in the country's parliament--all with the help of the man who occupies the Oval Office. In fact, the White House even issued a public statement after [Obama] called with congratulations. The White House issued this statement: "We look forward to working together with President-elect [Mohamed] Morsi and the government he forms, on the basis of mutual respect, to advance the many shared interests between Egypt and the United States."

The statement continued, "We believe it is essential for the Egyptian government to continue to fulfill Egypt's role as a pillar of regional peace, security, and stability. And we will stand with the Egyptian people as they pursue their aspirations for democracy, dignity, and opportunity, and fulfill the promise of their revolution." Just to put things in perspective on the international scene, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement that Israel looks forward to "continuing cooperation with the Egyptian government on the basis of the peace treaty between the two countries." He also said that he appreciated the democratic process and "respects" the results of the presidential election.

The Prime Minister of the terrorist group Hamas phoned Morsi to congratulate him on becoming the first Islamist president of Egypt. Ismail Haniyeh was quoted by CBC as saying, "This is a victory for all Arabs and Muslims, and this is Allah's promise to his believers." During the campaign, Morsi promised to institute Islamic law. One of his chief supporters, Islamic cleric Safwat el-hegazy, called for an Islamic superstate across the Middle East with Jerusalem as its capital. It is reported that Safwat made the statement during a rally at which Morsi was present and that Morsi did not refute the claim. The Muslim Brotherhood's main goal is to reestablish the Islamic Caliphate that was dismantled in 1922 in Turkey.

The US president joined known terrorists in calling to congratulate an Islamist win by yet another terrorist group. The Israeli Prime Minister issued a very cautious statement. What a contrast! Working with the Muslim Brotherhood, the US president has helped further the goals of a Caliphate across the Northern tier of Africa and the Middle East--Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Yemen, and is working on Syria. Joined with the George W. Bush Caliphate support of Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, and Gaza, there are very few countries left to come under strict Islamic control--Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, for example. And Turkey is fast leaning Islamic. Ezekiel 38:9 says, "Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm..." We are watching how those forces reach "storm" power.

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com

Next Sunday: Call2Fall

Dear Praying Friends and Leaders,

Call2Fall 2012, is less than one week away - Sunday July 1st.

Pastors across America will lead their congregations to take at least five minutes on their knees together in humble, repentant prayer, to acknowledge America's dependence upon Almighty God - before we celebrate our nation's independence three days later on the 4th of July.

Christians everywhere are invited to join in this important time of prayer. Well over a million believers are planning to participate.

A host of resources are available for pastors, churches and individuals at www.Call2Fall.com. But with just one week before Sunday July 1, I'm writing everyone on my personal list to ask you please: 1) to sign up yourself, and 2) to enlist friends and relatives, who may not know about Call2Fall. All the details are on the Website.

Email your pastor and circle of Christian friends urge them to join us. Post Call2Fall.com on your Facebook page. You'll find lots of things you can use on our website: banners, videos, blogs, quotes, resources for individual participants and resources for pastors, guides for conducting Biblical solemn assemblies and much more. Every page has valuable nuggets, perfect for posting.

Please forward Tony Perkin's letter. Or ask your Facebook friends to watch Tony's short video.
May God use each and all of us together to set a pattern of humble, repentant prayer for the days ahead (2 Chr 7:14). Jesus Christ is our nation's Hope! By falling on our knees in prayer next Sunday, we will help launch what is hoped will be the most prayer-filled summer in modern history, with hundreds of church and para-church groups planning fasts and weeks of prayer leading up to November's Election.

May God hear and answer our heartfelt prayers!

For Faith in Christ, Family and Freedom,

Rev. Pierre Bynum
Chaplain & National Prayer Director
Email: pbynum@frc.org

" . . . if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
(2 Chronicles 7:14)

A Message to the Attorney General

Video: Keep America Free, Mr. Eric Holder

Herman Cain and Ken Blackwell join forces to protect your vote. Voter ID laws offer a "reasonable safeguard" to protect against voter fraud and ballot-box stuffing.

To view the concerns of Herman Cain and Ken Blackwell and their message to Eric Holder, go here.

Today's Legislative Focus

From The Madison Project

www.madisonproject.com

The Week of June 25-June 29

Fellow conservative patriots,

All eyes are on the Supreme Court this week as it is expected to issue its ruling on Obamacare this Thursday. There will also be much punditry over the SCOTUS ruling in favor of Arizona on the main provision of the law, but against the state on some of the other provisions. Our job is to keep up the pressure on Congress in case some bad legislation is passed when nobody is looking.

For Liberty.

The Honorable Jim Ryun
Chairman of the Madison Project
Issue One: Highway Bill (S.1813)

The latest highway bill extension expires next Sunday night, so we must be on high alert to ensure that the conference committee fails. Republicans on the committee are getting ready to cave and support a massive bill that will create a permanent deficit in the highway trust fund and preclude devolution of transportation authority to where it belongs - the states. Too many Republicans are telegraphing the message to Democrats that they'd be willing to accept this mega-bill, as long as it contains a provision to permit the construction of Keystone XL. We must not let them deflect attention away from the serious problems in the underlying bill. Here is a list of talking points you can use when discussing your opposition to the bill with your member of Congress.

It's important to note that in order for House Republicans to fulfill their pledge not to vote on a bill before it had been available for 72 hours, they will have to formalize the agreement and post it by Tuesday. If no such agreement exists by then, we must oppose any long-term extension - not just on policy grounds, but as a violation of the transparency reforms. Again, a short-term extension is not ideal, but it is better than a long-term bill that precludes us from initiating reforms for several years.

Issue Two: Student Loans


Siren! Capitulation Alert!
Republicans are getting ready to agree to continue subsidized Stafford student loans, thereby continuing to fuel the education bubble and fund Big Education.

On April 27, House Republicans passed a one-year extension (HR 4628) of the 2007 law that reduced interest on government subsidized Stafford loans from 6.8% to 3.4%. The $6 billion cost was offset by eliminating an Obamacare program aimed at public health and prevention. On May 8 and May 24, the Democrats in the Senate pushed a similar bill (S.2343), but Republicans blocked it because it paid for the extension with tax increases on S corporations.
The reduced interest rates on Stafford loans was supposed to be temporary at the time, but like every dependency program in Washington, politicians are trying to make it permanent. Instead of articulating a bold contrast and opposing the extension on its merits (it will help fuel the education bubble), Republicans are about to cut a deal. With the expiration of the student loans set for July 1, and Mitt Romney wholeheartedly supporting this inflation-inducing policy, Republicans are eager to cut a deal. Mitch McConnell and Harry Reid have been in negotiations all week. The most likely outcome is that they will agree to extend it without tax increases, but without real spending offsets. Moreover, even if they agree upon spending cuts to offset the cost to the government, they will never factor in the cost to the free market. These subsidized loans will continue fueling the education bubble, making it more difficult for anyone who wants to go to college without government subsidies.

What is even more cynical about this extension is that, despite the duplicitous rhetoric to the contrary, the impending increase in loan rates would not affect any current borrower. It would only apply to those taking out new loans this year. Furthermore, it would only save borrowers $7 a month, even though the macroeconomic cost (taxpayers and free market) would be enormous.

This will be an uphill battle as the House and Senate will probably vote on a bill (pending final negotiations) this week without much warning. The loan extension will pass Congress, so the best we can do is to take names. And that is something we intend to do at ConservativeVotingRecords.com.
 
Update: Florida Prayer Case


FRC, 13 Members of Congress Submit Amicus Brief in Florida Prayer Case

June 26, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) and 13 Members of Congress submitted a brief of amicus curiae in the case Atheists of Florida v. City of Lakeland at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. The brief argues that the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals should throw out the case because it lacks jurisdiction to take it.

The case involves a Lakeland city commission meeting. Atheists of Florida filed a lawsuit to prevent vocal prayer at the start of each of the commission's meetings. City officials had been inviting clergy from various religions and denominations to offer the invocation, consistent with an 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling allowing prayer in public meetings.
Of the case, Ken Klukowski, J.D., director of FRC's Center for Religious Liberty, said:

"Prayers are offered before the opening of every session of Congress, and also open virtually every state legislature and local governmental body meeting as well. This practice began early in our Republic's history. Those Americans who adopted the First Amendment understood that it did not prohibit the very prayers that began their deliberations.

"Prayers during public meetings do not violate the Establishment Clause. The Supreme Court has settled that issue, consistent with American law and history. "Where a court has no jurisdiction, it has no constitutional power to declare the law. That is the case in Atheists of Florida v. City of Lakeland. Therefore, the Court of Appeals should vacate the lower court's judgment and dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

"If the Court decides to take the case, the Lakeland city commission has acted in accordance with the Constitution, and the city should retain the ability to allow prayer at the beginning of meetings. "We thank Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA) for taking the lead on this important case, along with the other Members of Congress who joined us in filing this brief."
To read FRC's amicus brief in the case, click here: (Family Research Council)

The Good News Corner


Redeeming Hollywood One Script at a Time

Faith-based screenwriting competition sees more winners go into production.

Hollywood, CA)-More Hollywood producers and studios are flocking to the faith-based winners of the Annual $50,000 Kairos Prizes for Spiritually Uplifting Screenplays by Beginning and First-Time Screenwriters.

According to a news release from Movieguide®, the first Grand Prize winner, JOHN THE REVELATOR, was released in January 2011 on DVD as JOHNNY. Three more Kairos winners went into production recently, including TOUCHED (retitled A SEASON OF MIRACLES) by Rusty Whitener, A MATTER OF TIME by Christina Denton, and UNDER THE APPLE TREE, a romantic comedy with Christian values, by Matthew Hill and Landon Johnson.
Michael Trent, manager of the Kairos Prize competition, said three other winners are scheduled to go into production before the end of the year.

"This is a tremendous achievement," said Dr. Ted Baehr, co-founder of the competition and publisher of Movieguide®: The Family Guide to Movies and Entertainment. "It usually takes nine to 13 years on average for a script to be produced into a movie."
"God really seems to have His fingerprints on this competition," Trent added. "I'm excited to see what's coming next. . . . "Great movies are great stories well told, have a positive worldview, and are morally or spiritually inspiring," Dr. Baehr noted.

Supported by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation headquartered just outside Philadelphia, the Annual Kairos Prizes (now in their eighth year) reward the three best scripts that "greatly increase humanity's love or understanding of God."
(Assist News Service) Read more. Reported by: Breaking Christian News

Worship with Us Today!

Spirit and Truth by Shira of Shirasong.com
"I worship You in spirit and in truth."
A simple song, based on John 4:23.

Monday, June 25, 2012

On Capitol Hill This Week Volume XIX, Number 16 - June 25 - 29, 2012



•  News from Israel
•  Moslem Brotherhood Takes Over in Egypt
•  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 16a
June 25 - 29, 2012


INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

"Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I." (Psalm 61:1,2 )

News from Israel


1.    ISRAEL'S PROSOR SLAMS UN OVER SILENCE ON ROCKET FIRE
2.    PM TO SECURITY CHIEFS: ACT STRONGLY TO PROTECT THE SOUTH
3.    TERROR ROCKET BARRAGE
4.    PUTIN ARRIVES IN ISRAEL ON MONDAY
5.    U.S. CONCERNED ISRAEL MAY LAUNCH ATTACKS ON SYRIAN WMD SITES
6.    FAR FEWER PALESTINIAN REFUGEES THAN CLAIMED
7.    OFFICIAL PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY TERMINOLOGY GUIDE PUBLISHED
8.    ISRAEL SOCIAL JUSTICE PROTESTS TURN VIOLENT
9.    U.S., ISRAEL DEVELOPED FLAME COMPUTER VIRUS TO SLOW IRANIAN NUCLEAR EFFORTS, OFFICIALS SAY


1. ISRAEL'S PROSOR SLAMS UN OVER SILENCE ON ROCKET FIRE

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations Ron Prosor presented on Thursday a letter of complaint to the UN Security Council and to the organization's Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, over the escalation of violence in southern Israel. In the letter, Prosor emphazied the absurdity of the situation, noting that Israel opens its border crossings in order to allow for humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip, and it return dozens of rockets are fired at Israel. (Ynet News)
Read more.

- Dear Abba Father, we come before Your throne with another example of how world leaders ignore violence and hatred targeted against Your special land and people. Our hearts grieve with You over these kind of attitudes. We ask You Lord to confront them, so they will know who You are, and what they are ignoring. Lord, we ask for mercy upon them if they repent; but we as Your servants bind and rebuke the spirits of arrogance, and lust for power, that these responses seem to reflect in the name of Jesus, Amen & Amen.

- "The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to be nothing. He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever. The plans of His heart to all generations."
(Psalm 33:10-11)

2. PM TO SECURITY CHIEFS: ACT STRONGLY TO PROTECT THE SOUTH

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Saturday told top security officials to continue acting strongly in order to ensure the safety of residents in Israel's South, following six days of rocket fire from Gaza Strip. Israel cannot remain silent in the face of continued rocket fire from the Gaza Strip," Home Front Defense Minister Matan Vilna'i said earlier Saturday during a visit to the afflicted areas of Sderot and the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council area. Vilna'i also paid a visit to the IDF's Gaza Division for an operational review of recent events. "We hold Hamas fully responsible for everything that happens in the Gaza [border area]," Vilani said during the visit. "Israel is working, and will continue to work with a heavy hand against those terrorists that want to escalate the situation in the region."The minister stressed that, "the state attaches great importance to protecting the cities that lay within a radius of 4.5 to 7 km. of the Gaza Strip."

Hamas said that an Egyptian-brokered cease fire between Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip and Israel was expected to take effect Saturday night, Channel 10 reported.IDF officials responded to the report saying "quiet will be answered with quiet and fire will be answered with fire," according to the report. Hamas's armed wing, the Izzadin Kassam Brigades, released a statement Saturday warning Israel over the recent escalation of violence in Gaza, saying if Israeli airstrikes continue "we are ready to smash [Israel's] arrogance."Israeli attacks, a statement published online by the group said, are a crime which Hamas cannot remain silent about and vowed a "proper" response.

In light of the recent wave of rockets, the IDF instructed residents in the area to stay within 15 seconds of protected spaces. In a conversation with Army Radio, Sderot Mayor David Buskila called on the government to return quiet to the region. The violence all but erases diplomatic progress made in the form of an informal ceasefire brokered by Egypt on June 20, which brought two days of relative quiet to southern Israel. [Yaakov Lappin contributed to this report ] (Jerusalem Post)

To View rocket range chart and detail, go here

- Dear Abba Father, we come before You in praise that although some have been wounded from these attacks from Gaza, none have yet died. We especially lift up to you the children who are being badly traumatized by the constant barrage of rockets and missiles. We ask that You keep Your peace, comfort, and encouragement, all around them. Lift up Your right hand and strike down these rockets and missiles at their launch, in Jesus' Name, Amen & Amen.

- "He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him." (Psalm 91:15)

3. TERROR ROCKET BARRAGE


Since Monday, close to a hundred projectiles were fired into Israel from the Gaza Strip. Dozens of rockets were launched on Wednesday. The Israeli Air Force has carried out counter-strikes on Gaza nine times since Monday. Four people were hurt, one of them seriously, in a terror rocket strike on Tuesday night. The injured Israelis are Border Policemen, and the seriously injured man is an officer. Forty-four terrorist rockets slammed into southern Israel between midnight and 10:30 p.m. Tuesday. The incessant rocket fire placed hundreds of thousands of Israelis under siege since the beginning of the week. The Hamas terrorist group has taken responsibility for the rocket fire at the Negev. Thousands of residents were forced to remain in shelters until late Wednesday. The two terrorists who infiltrated Israel Monday were a Saudi citizen and an Egyptian belonging to a group called the Shura Council of the Mujahedeen at al Quds. The pair appears in a video made public by the group in which they can be seen reading their final wills before launching the attack. (Summary from Ha'aretz/INN)

Note: According to an IDF Spokesman, Hamas' weapons arsenal is growing with the new and advanced Iranian made Fajr-3, Katyushas/Grads, anti-tank missiles, and heavy mortars. Over the past six years, Hamas rocket fire has killed 44 innocent Israeli civilians and injured a staggering 1,687.

- Pray for the protection of Israel's residents in southern communities. Hamas' military wing, it was reported late Wednesday, announced it had agreed to an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire with Israel. Such treaties on the part of terrorist groups are often quickly broken. The conflict is neither ended nor resolved. Lord Jesus, we ask You to surround these communities with Your angels in this very oppressive and frightening time, when missiles and rockets are raining down on families and communities. Keep them safe Lord, in Jesus' Name, Amen & Amen.

- "The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You." (Psalm 9:9-10)

4. PUTIN ARRIVES IN ISRAEL ON MONDAY

WANTS TO SHOW THAT HE IS KEY PLAYER IN THE REGION

Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose support for Syrian President Bashar Assad is straining his ties with the West, is scheduled to visit Israel on Monday for a short trip one diplomatic official said that is designed to send a clear message to the world: Russia is a key player in the region that needs to be taken into account. While the official purpose of the 24-hour visit will be to dedicate a memorial in Netanya to the Red Army defeat of the Nazis, talks between Putin and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will center on Russia's policy of propping up Assad in Syria and on the talks with Iran. Russia is a member of the P5+1 group - which also includes the US, China, France, Britain and Germany - negotiating with Tehran. Putin last visited Israel in 2005, during his first term as president in a ground-breaking first-ever Russian presidential visit here. While one diplomatic official acknowledged the differences of opinions between Moscow and Jerusalem on issues surrounding Iran, Syria and the diplomatic process with the Palestinians, it was critical for Israel to keep open a good channel of communication with the Kremlin. (Jerusalem Post) Read more.

- Pray that P. M. Netanyahu will receive the Lord's strength, wisdom, and determination as he speaks with Putin. Pray also that Netanyahu will dismiss any intimidation from Putin. Although Putin has cowed Obama, Putin must not do the same with Netanyahu! Pray also for the Israeli officials who will be attending any of the events of Putin's visit. Ask the Lord to send angels ahead of this visit to protect P.M. Netanyahu during these talks. Decree that no harm will come to Israel because of their time together.

- "Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law. That You may give him rest from the days of adversity until the pit is dug for the wicked."
(Psalm 94: 12,13)

5. U.S. CONCERNED ISRAEL MAY LAUNCH ATTACKS ON SYRIAN WMD SITES

U.S. intelligence agencies are closely watching Israel's military for signs it will conduct strikes on Syria's stockpiles of chemical weapons, amid concerns the deadly nerve agents could fall under the control of Hezbollah or al Qaeda terrorists, U.S. officials said.Syria's arsenal remains vulnerable as the result of the internal conflict currently underway in Syria between government forces and opposition rebels, one official said. Most but not all of the weapons stockpiles are known to U.S. intelligence agencies.

Recent statements by senior Israeli military officials prompted U.S. concerns over an Israeli strike on Syria. Senior officials in Israel told the newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth that if Syria's army gave chemical weapons to Hezbollah or other terrorists an Israeli attack would be needed. The newspaper reported May 31 that Israel failed to prevent Syria's transfer of M-600 rockets to Hezbollah and the weapons can now threaten central Israel. One military source was quoted as saying that mistake would not be repeated. (Free Beacon)

Read more

- Dear Heavenly Father, we fall before You to seek protection and wisdom for Israel, as they monitor this horrific threat. Guide and direct their leadership as to when, what, and how they are to handle this, In Jesus' Name, Amen & Amen.

- "In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us." (Psalm 62:7-8)

6. FAR FEWER PALESTINIAN REFUGEES THAN CLAIMED

The Palestinian refugee phenomenon is unique in that, unlike past refugee situations, the number of Palestinian refugees is growing exponentially. Of the 600,000-750,000 Arabs displaced by the 1948 Israeli-Arab war, as few as 30,000 remain alive and nation-less today. And yet, the Palestinians somehow claim over five million refugees, with the support and blessing of the international community. This is because the UN decided years ago, against all previous norms, to allow the Palestinians to retain refugee status even if they became citizens of another nation, and to pass their refugee status on to their children. Also unique to the Palestinian refugees was the creation of a separate UN agency to aid their situation, an agency (UNRWA) that is in fact the largest of all UN agencies. UNRWA has a biennial budget of $1.2 billion. The United States is the principal donor, giving about $280 million to the agency every year. The US is not so happy about this situation, and has commissioned a study into the validity of "Palestinian refugee" status, a move that could have far-reaching consequences for the Middle East peace process. (Israel Today/Ryan Jones)

When Israel was created in 1948, Arab states and Arab Palestinians attacked the Jewish community in Palestine and the Jewish state, vowing to "drive the Jews into the sea." They lost the war however, and some 600,000-750,000 Arab Palestinians at the behest of Arab leaders voluntarily fled the area that became Israel. Palestinian Arabs claim any peace agreement with the Jewish state must allow the descendants and families of these refugees, now numbering over five million to return to Israel. If Israel were to agree to this Jews would became a minority in their own state. Return of the refugees would put an end to the Jewish homeland. (Source: Jerusalem-on-the-Line)

- Father God, may your word be honored among the modern-day children of Israel, so that their labor and subsequent wealth not be given to foreigners who do not honor You, or Your chosen people.

- Therefore hear me now my children, and do not depart from the words of my mouth. . .lest aliens be filled with your wealth, and your labors go to the house of a foreigner. (Proverbs 5:7-10) So says the Lord Jehovah: No son of an alien, uncircumcised of heart and uncircumcised of flesh, shall enter into My sanctuary, or any son of an alien among the sons of Israel. (Ezekiel 44:9)

7. OFFICIAL PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY TERMINOLOGY GUIDE PUBLISHED

The Palestinian Authority [PA] Ministry of Information has published a book instructing Palestinians which words to use and calling to replace "the Israeli and American dissemination of poisoned terms." The book, which is called "Terminology in Media, Culture and Politics," includes a chart with the "poisoned terms" to be replaced by Palestinian terms. This terminology guide issued by the PA reiterates the official PA positions that foreign governments and the international media often don't understand, deny, or ignore. The PA does not recognize Israel's right to exist. Accordingly, the introduction to the PA Ministry of Information's book stresses that Palestinians must avoid language that recognizes Israel's existence as "natural."

Palestinians are encouraged to use terms that indicate that Israel is the result of "a racist, colonialist endeavor," and the book instructs Palestinians never to use the name "Israel" alone but instead to use the term "Israeli colonialism." To use "Israel" by itself is wrong, according to the PA, because it "describes Israel as a natural state." This book issued by the PA Ministry of Information is significant because it states and confirms in an official PA document what Palestinian Media Watch has been documenting for years: that the PA terminology that is used by PA leaders and their controlled media is significant and carefully chosen and reflects PA opinions and policy. [Reported by BFP: Bridges for Peace]

- Pray that all governments and their media agencies will take note of this proof of how the Palestinian media twists the truth in their news. Pray that world's media will not be blinded to such deceit.

- "When he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly." (Proverbs 26:25-26)

8. ISRAEL SOCIAL JUSTICE PROTESTS ON SATURDAY TURN VIOLENT

Israeli "social justice" demonstrators on Saturday renewed last summer's movement against Israel's high cost of living with a Tel Aviv rally that quickly turned into a violent riot. Last year, weekly social justice demonstrations in Tel Aviv and elsewhere repeatedly attracted hundreds of thousands of participants. Those gatherings were almost entirely peaceful. But the leaders of the movement apparently felt last year's approach had failed to sufficiently achieve their goals.

When several thousand protesters came together in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening, their intentions were anything but peaceful. While violently clashing with police, a number of the protesters smashed the windows of three banks. Later in the night, several hundred demonstrators blocked Israel's large coastal highway, causing major traffic jams.

Protest leaders denounced the more violent incidents, but then turned around and suggested that the confrontation had been a sort of revenge for alleged police brutality when social justice activists demonstrated without a permit on Friday. Police officials insisted there had been no brutality, but that some demonstrators had to be restrained and removed with force. Saturday night's clashes ended with the arrest of 85 protesters, 20 of whom police said would face criminal charges.

"We have to enforce the law. Protests are legitimate and we will allow them as long as they are held within the law. If we didn't initiate arrests we would have seen looting as well," a police official told Israel's Ynet news service. "The rioters crossed every possible red line. I couldn't believe this could happen in Israel. We were very close to seeing the harsh sights we see in violent rallies overseas, here." Israel's social justice movement was largely modeled after last year's "Occupy Wall Street" demonstrations in America. (Israel Today)
Read more

- Dear Abba Father, we approach Your throne weeping, as legitimate protests in Your special land are becoming so lawless, and far from Your ways. They are not acting as they should. We rise up and decree that the spirit of lawlessness should cease and desist, in the name of Jesus, Amen & Amen.

- "Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity; for the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord has heard my supplication; The Lord will receive my prayer. Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled; Let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly." (Psalm 6:8-9)

9. U.S., ISRAEL DEVELOPED FLAME COMPUTER VIRUS TO SLOW IRANIAN NUCLEAR EFFORTS, OFFICIALS SAY

A report this week disclosed the US and Israel jointly developed a sophisticated computer virus nicknamed Flame that collected critical intelligence in preparation for cyber-sabotage attacks aimed at slowing Iran's ability to develop a nuclear weapon, according to Western officials with knowledge of the effort. The massive piece of malware was designed to secretly map Iran's computer networks and monitor the computers of Iranian officials, sending back a steady stream of intelligence used to enable an ongoing cyberwarfare campaign. Flame was developed at least five years ago as part of a classified effort code-named Olympic Games, according to officials familiar with US cyber operations and experts who have scrutinized its code. (Washington Post)

Read more

- Abba Father, we do not know why this information was given out to the world community like this. It is like inciting a violent response from those affected by this virus. We ask for Your special angelic protection over the people of Israel, and Your remnant here in the U.S., from any backlash that this exposure brings forth, in the name of Jesus, Amen and Amen.

- "Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, Just as we hope in You."
(Psalm 33: 20-22)

Moslem Brotherhood Takes Over in Egypt

1.    MOSLEM BROTHERHOOD'S MORSI WINS PRESIDENTIAL RUNOFF
2.    WHITE HOUSE URGES MORSI TO RESPECT MINORITIES
3.    VIDEO REVEALS PROBABLE INTENTIONS OF EGYPT'S NEW PRESIDENT, DESPITE HIS WORDS
4.    AL-QAIDA URGES EGYPT TO CANCEL PEACE TREATY WITH ISRAEL


1. MOSLEM BROTHERHOOD'S MOHAMMED MORSI WINS PRESIDENTIAL RUNOFF

Huge crowd Rallies in Tahrir Square

Egypt's election commission has declared Mohammed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood the winner of Egypt's first free elections by a narrow margin over Ahmed Shafiq, the last prime minister under deposed leader Hosni Mubarak. The commission said Morsi won with 51.7 percent of the vote versus 48.3 for Shafiq. A huge crowd of Morsi supporters in Cairo's Tahrir Square erupted in cheers and dancing when the result was read out on live television.

Hussein Obama telephoned the U.S.-educated Morsi to congratulate him on his victory and offer continued support for Egypt's transition to democracy. The White House said Morsi expressed appreciation for Obama's call and "welcomed U.S. support for Egypt's transition."

The reaction from Israel was subdued, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying he respected the results of Egypt's democratic process and hoped the peace agreement between the two countries would remain intact. Ecstatic residents in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip filled the streets, fired guns in the air and handed out candy.

Speaking on Egyptian television Sunday evening, Morsi declared he had a "message of peace. We will respect all international agreements." He did not mention Israel but the remark seemed to be a reassuring nod to respecting the peace treaty. "I tell everybody in this memorable day, that because of your choice, your will, and after God's favor, I am a president for all Egyptians," the 60-year-old engineer, professor and former lawmaker said in his speech, delivered stiffly as he read from notes. (AP) Read more.

- Despite Morsi's smooth words, other videos reveal another agenda that is extremely dangerous for Israel. (see next article, below) Pray that the nations not be taken in by his sly rhetoric, but instead would watch his every move with a fine-tooth comb. Let us not be found asleep at the switch on this one; the fate of the region now hangs in the balance. Pray!

- "His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords."
(Psalm 55:21)

2. WHITE HOUSE URGES MORSI TO RESPECT MINORITIES

The White House on Sunday urged Egypt's newly elected president to respect the rights of religious minorities, amid concerns that the Moslem Brotherhood candidate's win marked a shift toward Islamist rule. In a written statement, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney congratulated Mohammed Morsi on his victory. "We look forward to working together with President-elect Morsi and the government he forms, on the basis of mutual respect, to advance the many shared interests between Egypt and the United States," Carney said.

But he urged Morsi to take steps to "advance national unity" in forming a new government, and protect the country's non-Moslem population. "We believe in the importance of the new Egyptian government upholding universal values, and respecting the rights of all Egyptian citizens -- including women and religious minorities such as Coptic Christians," Carney said. "Millions of Egyptians voted in the election, and President-elect Morsi and the new Egyptian government have both the legitimacy and responsibility of representing a diverse and courageous citizenry."

The election results sharply divided lawmakers on Capitol Hill. On his Facebook page, Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., urged Obama to "cut off" U.S. aid to Egypt and "repudiate the Muslim Brotherhood." "A year ago there were those of us who warned the Obama administration of a Muslim Brotherhood takeover in Egypt. We were castigated as alarmists and loose cannons. Today our predictions have come to reality and the ominous specter reminding us of the Iranian revolution is evident," he wrote. "Clearly the Arab Spring is nothing more than a radical Islamic nightmare. Now we need to unequivocally reiterate our support to the Coptic Christians and Israel."

But Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sided more with the White House in urging continued engagement with Egypt. "Egypt remains a key partner for the United States, a leader in the region, and a bellwether for the long-term meaning of the Arab Spring," Kerry said in a statement. "Obviously American concerns about the Muslim Brotherhood's past statements and positions are widely shared and well understood. But it would be a mistake for us to pull back from our engagement with a free and democratic Egypt. This is a time to test intentions, not to prejudge them." (FoxNews.com) Read more

- These are nice words from the White House, but they are probably empty, for what will the White House do to protect these minorities? We have heard nice words before which accomplished nothing but to deceive Americans. Pray that the words spoken by Rep. West will pervade Congress but not those words of Sen. Kerry. Ask the Lord to strengthen American convictions to cut ties with the Moslem Brotherhood and to stand with the minorities in Egypt. Obviously there is much prayer travailing to do for all of Congress to stand for what is right and just.

- "He who despises the word (the Bible, Jesus) will be destroyed; but he who fears the commandment will be rewarded." (Proverbs 13: 13)

3. VIDEO REVEALS PROBABLE INTENTIONS OF EGYPT'S NEW PRESIDENT, DESPITE HIS WORDS


What are the intentions of this new leader concerning Israel? Watch this short YouTube clip to find out. The man calling for Egypt's new capitol to be Jerusalem is a prominent Egyptian cleric (not Morsi)

What a horrifying scene occurred in a huge square in Cairo on May 1 as a cleric Safwat Higaza led the thousands gathered in the square and launched Morsi as the candidate to be the new president of Egypt! Shouts of of approval filled the space as the cleric led the people into a frenzied and mesmerizing speech about what Morsi will do: lead martyrs into Israel to claim Jerusalem as the Arabs' rightful capital. Not one word was uttered about conditions in Egypt itself. The scene was reminiscent of the rallies at Nuremburg in Germany when Hitler ranted and raved about what he would do to bring honor and respect back to Germany. First, Morsi will liberate Gaza. What an odd expression, for the Israelis moved from Gaza in 2005 during the Disengagement. Shouts of Allah Akbar resounded throughout, as well as Allah willing. One of the repeated shout phrases was: Come you lovers of martyrdom; you are HAMAS ( which means violence). [Sources: Capitol Hill Prayer Partners, MEMRI, Hebrew Nation News]
President-elect Morsi seeks 'to conquer Jerusalem,' says Ambassador Zvi Mazel

Israel must brace itself for a deeply problematic period in its relations with Egypt, a former Israeli ambassador to Egypt said Sunday afternoon, responding grimly to the election of Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Morsi as Egypt's president. While Israel's political leadership issued no immediate response to the election result, and the Foreign Ministry also had no immediate comment, ex-envoy Zvi Mazel was unequivocal in expressing his concerns. Incoming president Morsi seeks the destruction of Israel, charged Mazel, who was Israel's ambassador to Cairo in the late 1990s. "He has said he wants to conquer Jerusalem." (Times of Israel)

- Pray intensely over this development in Egypt and the goals of the Moslem Brotherhood. Pray for discernment of the Israelis as they face the Islamic call to usurp their capital Jerusalem. Pray for God Almighty to divinely protect Jerusalem. This branch of Islam has become totally berserk in its desire to rule over all. The Egyptian Christians also need divine protection, for past experiences have revealed that Islam will not tolerate Christians on its soil. Ask the Lord to strengthen the resolve of our Congress to boldly help Israel in her time of need.

- "And the Lord will strike Egypt; He will strike and heal it; they will return to the Lord, and He will be entreated by them and heal (save) them." (Isaiah 19:22)

"The message concerning Egypt. See, Yahweh is riding on a swift cloud, and He shall come into Egypt. And the idols of Egypt shall tremble at His presence, and the heart of Egypt melt in its midst. And I shall stir up Egyptians against Egyptians, and they shall fight, each one against his brother, and each one against his neighbor, city against city, reign against reign. And the spirit of Egypt shall vanish within them, and I destroy their counsel. And they shall seek the idols and mutterers, the mediums and the sorcerers. And I shall deliver the Egyptians into the hand of a cruel master, and a fierce king to rule over them," declares the Master, Yahweh of hosts. Yahweh has mixed a perverse spirit in her midst. And they have led Egypt astray in all her work, as a drunkard strays in his vomit." (Isaiah 19: 1-4,14)

4. AL-QAIDA URGES EGYPT TO CANCEL PEACE TREATY WITH ISRAEL

Al-Qaida's leader has urged Egypt to cancel its peace treaty with Israel and to establish Islamic rule, according to an audio message released Sunday. He said the goal was to stop Israel from turning Jerusalem into a Jewish city. Ayman al-Zawahri, an Egyptian, issued his 10th message to Egypt since taking over al-Qaida's leadership after founder Osama bin Laden was killed in an American raid in Pakistan last year.His 47-minute audio recording was posted on jihadi websites.

"The continued crimes of the Zionists reveal the truth that these crimes could not have reached this level without taking Egypt out of the battlefield by the peace treaty signed by [late President Anwar] Sadat, the traitor," he said. Al-Zawahri continued, "If we want to confront the Judaization of Jerusalem, there is no way other than applying the Shariah [Islamic] laws, exerting pressure on Israel and ending the treaty." Egypt and Israel signed their peace treaty in 1979. (Israel Hayom) Read Read more.

- Lord Jesus, we fall before You to seek Your face, to ask that You place a special firewall of protection all around Your special land and people. We ask that You extend peace, strength and protection to all the Egyptian believers in You for this time. We ask You to arise and strike down all the spirits coming forth from the enemy, where You extend mercy to those who will come to belief in You, in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.

- "Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; O Lord, revive me according to Your justice. They draw near who follow after wickedness; they are far from Your law. You are near, O Lord, and all Your commandments are truth. Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever." (Psalm 119:149-152)

More International News

1.    EYEBALLING IRAN? US COMMISSIONS 361 CRUISE MISSILES
2.    TURKEY CALLS NATO MEETING ON WARPLANE DOWNED BY SYRIA
3.    ANY ATTACK WILL CAUSE END OF ISRAEL, WARNS IRANIAN GENERAL
4.    IN NORTH KOREA, LEARNING TO HATE U.S. STARTS EARLY


1. EYEBALLING IRAN? US COMMISSIONS 361 CRUISE MISSILES

The United States has commissioned 361 new Tomahawk cruise missiles, and some 238 of them are meant to find their way to the Fifth Fleet, which is based in Bahrain, Ynet learned on Sunday.

According to the Business Insider, the deal - inked on the backdrop of repeated deadlocks in the nuclear negotiations between the West and Iran - may suggest that the US is gearing for a possible military campaign against the Islamic Republic.

US defense contractor Raytheon won the deal, for a reported $331 million.

The pressure on Obama to present a viable military option against Iran is growing, as 44 senators - Democrats and Republicans - demanded that he set clear preconditions for continuing the nuclear talks. (Ynet News)

Read more

- Pray that wise heads deal with Iran, and that America does act to protect Israel. Praise the Lord for these missiles being sent to the Fifth Fleet as deterrents to Iranian nuclear attacks. Praise the Lord also for pressure from Congress and other American agencies being placed on President Obama.

-"The words of the wicked are, 'Lie in wait for blood' but the mouth of the upright will deliver them."
(Proverbs 12: 6)

2. TURKEY CALLS EMERGENCY NATO MEETING ON WARPLANE DOWNED BY SYRIA


Turkey has called a meeting of NATO member states to discuss its response to the shooting down of one of its warplanes by Syrian forces on Friday. Ankara has invoked Article 4 of NATO's charter, under which consultations can be requested when an ally feels their security is threatened, officials say.

Earlier, Turkey's foreign minister said the F-4 Phantom was in international airspace when it was shot down. Syria has insisted the jet was engaged while it was inside its airspace. It has also said no act of hostility was intended, noting that as soon as the military discovered the "unidentified" aircraft was Turkish its navy joined efforts to rescue the two crew members. But Turkey's NATO allies condemned Syria for the act.

"The United States condemns this brazen and unacceptable act in the strongest possible terms," said US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. "It is yet another reflection of the Syrian authorities' callous disregard for international norms, human life, and peace and security". UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said the Syrian military's actions were "outrageous" and underlined "how far beyond accepted behavior the Syrian regime has put itself. . .

NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said the North Atlantic Council, the principal political decision-making body within the military alliance, would meet in Brussels on Tuesday to discuss the incident."According to our conclusions, our plane was shot down in international airspace, 13 nautical miles (24km) from Syria," he said. According to international law, a country's airspace extends 12 nautical miles (22.2km) from its coastline, corresponding with its territorial waters.

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said the aircraft was unarmed, and on a routine training mission. Mr Davutoglu also insisted that the jet had not been on a "covert mission related to Syria" but had instead been carrying out a training flight to test Turkey's radar capabilities. He said the plane had not "shown any hostility", been clearly marked as Turkish, and that he did not agree with the Syrian military's statement that it had not known to whom it belonged.(Washington Post) Read more.

- Please pray for the welfare of the Syrian refugees, who have fled into Turkey. Praise the Lord that the refugees have a place of relative safety in Turkey. With Turkey angry with Syria, Israel leary of Syrian motives, and the rest of the world, including the USA, doing nothing to stop the slaughter of Syrian citizens by their government, the Lord might possibly be setting an Isaiah 17:1 scenario. Pray for the innocents in these countries.

- "He [the rock of my refuge] has brought on them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; the Lord our God shall cut them off." (Psalm 94: 23)

3. ANY ATTACK WILL CAUSE END OF ISRAEL, WARNS IRANIAN GENERAL


Statement comes after failed nuclear talks between Iran and world powers earlier this week in Moscow. Any attack by Israel against Iran would lead to the collapse of the Jewish state, a senior Iranian general said Saturday. "The Zionist regime cannot do the least against Iran but if the regime still considers any military attack against us, then it would cause its own end and collapse," General Mostafa Izadi, Iran's deputy chief of staff, told Fars news agency. The general was referring to the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear sites after negotiations between Iran and the world powers earlier this week in Moscow failed.

The two-day talks in Moscow ended without tangible results, not even the prospect of another round of talks. The two sides merely agreed to hold a low-level meeting of working groups on July 3 in Istanbul. Neither the formation of these groups nor the agenda have yet been clarified.
Israel accuses Iran of working on a clandestine nuclear weapons program which directly threatens its safety and has therefore not ruled out military attacks on Iran's nuclear sites. Iran has several times warned that in case of an Israeli attack, it would use its medium-range missiles which - according to Tehran - have a range of 2,000 kilometers and could therefore reach any part of Israel. Although President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has distanced himself from his own previous remarks on wiping Israel from the map, some generals from the army and revolutionary guards continue to repeat such threats. (Haaretz)

- As long as the Iranian regime brags about its capabilities to strike back at Israel, we know that pride and arrogance are speaking to intimidate the world powers. Russia, considering itself one of Iran's buddies, needs to be careful, for what would keep Iran from attacking Russia? Remember that Hitler invaded Russia after having signed a pact with Russia. Please pray that the Lord will shut down this wicked regime in Iran. Pray for divine protection for the Christians of Iran. Ask the Lord to raise up an underground resistance army willing to sabotage the works of the mullahs' regime.

- "He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction." (Proverbs 13: 3)

4. IN NORTH KOREA, LEARNING TO HATE US STARTS EARLY

A framed poster on the wall of a kindergarten classroom shows bright-eyed children brandishing rifles and bayonets as they attack a hapless American soldier, his face bandaged and blood spurting from his mouth. "We love playing military games knocking down the American bastards," reads the slogan printed across the top. Another poster depicts an American with a noose around his neck. "Let's wipe out the U.S. imperialists," it instructs.

For North Koreans, the systematic indoctrination of anti-Americanism starts as early as kindergarten and is as much a part of the curriculum as learning to count. Toy pistols, rifles and tanks sit lined up in neat rows on shelves. The school principal pulls out a dummy of an American soldier with a beaked nose and straw-colored hair and explains that the students beat him with batons or pelt him with stones - a favorite schoolyard game, she says.

North Korean students learn that their country has had two main enemies: the Japanese, who colonized Korea from 1910 to 1945, and the U.S., which fought against North Korea during the 1950-53 Korean War. They are told that North Korea's defense against outside forces - particularly the U.S., which has more than 28,000 soldiers stationed in South Korea - remains the backbone of the country's foreign policy. And they are bred to seek revenge, even as their government professes to want peace with the United States. "They tell their people there can be no reconciliation with the United States," says American scholar Brian Myers, who dissected North Korean propaganda in his 2010 book "The Cleanest Race: How North Koreans See Themselves and Why It Matters." ''They make it very clear to the masses that this hate will last forever." (AP)

Read more

- Unfortunately, every would-be dictator has started to train very young children to hate. The hope is that when the minds of children are captured, children will hate forever. However, we know that our Savior can set these children free. Pray these children will come to know Jesus, and invite Him into their hearts. No doubt that the South Koreans are pleading for the freedom of their divided nation, and are reaching the captives. Pray for Bibles to be smuggled into North Korea. While Jesus loves everyone unconditionally, He especially loves little children. Ask Him to wipe hate from their hearts.

- "He (our God) does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities." (Micah 7: 18b,19a)

On Capitol Hill This Week Volume XIX, Number 16b

DOMESTIC ISSUES

At the Supreme Court

1.    POLITICAL LEADERS BRACE FOR LANDMARK SUPREME COURT RULING
2.    BREWER "GRATEFUL FOR LEGAL VICTORY" ON COURT RULING ON ARIZONA LAW
3.    FEDS SUSPEND IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM IN ARIZONA
4.    UPTON, WALDEN STATEMENTS IN FCC vs. FOX DECISION


1. POLITICAL LEADERS BRACE FOR LANDMARK SUPREME COURT RULING


Obamacare Ruling to be Released this Week


At last, the verdict.

Republicans and Democrats are girding for a politically explosive week as the Supreme Court prepares to rule on the federal health care overhaul.

The court ruled Monday on Arizona's immigration law, and the health care ruling isn't expected until later this week, possibly Thursday, the last day of the court's session.

The health care ruling, as campaign advisers are well aware, has the potential to re-shape this year's presidential race. For weeks, each party has been positioning itself to make the best of whatever outcome emerges from the tight-lipped justices.

And the implications go far beyond the 2012 election. The outcome of the health care case, involving one of the most divisive domestic policies in modern times, will affect millions of Americans. Calling for the law's survival, supporters trumpet the expanded consumer protections and subsidies that make insurance more available and affordable. Calling for its defeat, critics blast what they describe as an unconstitutional requirement to buy health insurance, and warn the law will pummel businesses with its mandates and fines.

In the run-up to the historic ruling, each party is crafting a game-plan . (Fox News)
Read more.

- Father, by Your great power, mighty dominion and supreme authority bring total defeat to Obamacare with all its addendum. Destroy every prop, lie, and deception by the blood of Jesus. Teach the people to follow the good and the right way. In Jesus' Name.

- "And turn not aside: for then should you go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain." (I Samuel 12:21)

2. BREWER "GRATEFUL FOR LEGAL VICTORY" ON COURT RULING ON ARIZONA LAW

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer called the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on SB 1070, the Arizona immigration law is a "legal victory," saying she is focused on "the true task ahead: the implementation and enforcement of this law in an even-handed manner that lives up to our highest ideals as American citizens."

The high court upheld one of four provisions in the law that were challenged, saying that law enforcement may check the immigration status of those they stop during the course of enforcing the law as long as they have "reasonable suspicion" that the individual is an illegal immigrant.

"The case for SB 1070 has always been about our support for the rule of law. That means every law, including those against both illegal immigration and racial profiling. Law enforcement will be held accountable should this statute be misused in a fashion that violates an individual's civil rights," she said at a press conference following the court's ruling Monday.

"The last two years have been spent in preparation for this ruling. Upon signing SB 1070 in 2010, I issued an Executive Order directing the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZ POST) to develop and provide training to ensure our officers are prepared to enforce this law efficiently, effectively and in a manner consistent with the Constitution," she said.

"In recent days, in anticipation of this decision, I issued a new Executive Order asking that this training be made available once again to all of Arizona's law enforcement officers. I am confident our officers are prepared to carry out this law responsibly and lawfully. Nothing less is acceptable," Brewer added. Brewer expects additional legal challenges to SB 1070.
"Our critics are already preparing new litigation tactics in response to their loss at the Supreme Court, and undoubtedly will allege inequities in the implementation of the law. As I said two years ago on the day I signed SB 1070 into law, 'We cannot give them that chance. We must use this new tool wisely, and fight for our safety with the honor Arizona deserves,'" Brewer said. (CNSNews.com)

- Father we thank you for Governor Jan Brewer and the tenacity and determination you have placed in her to pursue righteousness to the end in this matter. We ask that you continue to strengthen her and those working on behalf of righteousness in this case. We thank you for this victory, Lord, and ask that the enforcers of the law will act judiciously, and those opposing the law in part, or in its entirety, will be stopped.

- "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."
(Proverbs 14:34)

3. FEDS SUSPEND IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM IN ARIZONA

In the wake of the Supreme Court's decision on Arizona's immigration law, Obama administration officials announced Monday they are suspending in the state a key program that allowed state and local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration law. The move further weakens efforts by Arizona, and potentially other states, to take the reins on immigration enforcement.

Obama administration officials and congressional Democrats immediately raised concerns this could lead to "racial profiling," though Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer adamantly denies it. To address those concerns, Obama administration officials moved Monday to pull back on enforcement cooperation with local jurisdictions -- meaning that even if local police step up immigration checks, they'll have to rely on federal officials to make the arrests.
Federal officials said the program known as 287(g) would be immediately rescinded in Arizona. That program was a partnership between federal and local governments, and allowed local authorities to make immigration-based arrests.

Officials also said Immigration and Customs Enforcement will be selective in responding to the expected increase in calls from Arizona and other police agencies about immigration status of people they pull over. Officials said ICE will not respond to the scene unless the person in question meets certain criteria -- such as being wanted for a felony. (Fox News)
Read more.

- Offer praise for the boldness of Arizona's Governor Brewer to clamp down on illegals coming across their southern border, and trust the LORD -- not MAN (the federal government) -- to bring in the resources needed to make this happen.. Bind the spirit of control (python) that would seek to "squeeze' the life out of Arizona's immigration policy, resulting n the slowing down of ICE response times to reported violations. Bind the spirit of lawlessness; loose the spirit of grace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

- "Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law, Have fellowship with You? But the Lord has been my defense, And my God the rock of my refuge. He has brought on them their own iniquity, And shall cut them off in their own wickedness; The Lord our God shall cut them off." (Psalm 94:20,22,23)

4. UPTON, WALDEN STATEMENTS IN FCC vs. FOX DECISION

Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) today released the following statements on the Supreme Court's decision in FCC vs. FOX:

"It has long been a priority of ours to protect family values, which is why we have fought to ensure that the rules on the books are properly enforced," said Walden. "The Supreme Court ruled today that the FCC's indecency regulations were too vague at the time of the 2002 and 2003 Billboard Awards and NYPD Blue incidents to give FOX and ABC fair notice of the applicable standards. This highlights once again the need for the FCC to conduct its business through a more transparent and orderly process, allowing for better input and decision-making.
How much longer can we allow bad process to produce bad results? The time is now for reform, such as those included in the FCC Reform Act. In the meantime, today's ruling reinforces the responsibility of broadcasters to represent their communities. Most of them know and do the right thing, and we urge them to continue to listen to the public and uphold appropriate community standards that protect families and children" . . .

"Although the decision focused on the FCC's failure to provide due process, the larger underlying issue remains: the importance of protecting both our Constitution and our families and communities," said Upton. "I would remind executives in New York and Hollywood that they should act responsibly when it comes to the entertainment they are sending, via the public's airwaves, into family rooms across the country."

The FCC Reform Act, which was approved with bipartisan support in the House, awaits action by the Senate. (Christian Coalition of America)

- In spite of what the Supreme Court has ruled, the High Court of Heaven is very clear on this matter: Christians are advised to be mindful of God's commandments, from which speech is not considered exempt. May we each find the grace to obey God's law regarding profanity, that we may shine as lights of truth in this ever-darkening world. We petition the Lord to make a way for this ruling to be overturned as the FCC "modifies its current indecency policy" in light of the ruling.

- "O, Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babbling."
(1 Timothy: 2:16)

"A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness therein is a breach of the spirit."
(Proverbs 15:4)

In Congress

1.    ISSA PREDICTS "BIPARTISAN" CONTEMPT VOTE AGAINST HOLDER THIS WEEK
2.    OBAMA INVOKES EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE IN "FAST AND FURIOUS"
3.    EMAILS SUGGEST "FAST AND FURIOUS" WOULD BE USED TO HELP BAN ASSAULT WEAPONS
4.    COMMENTARY: THE DREAM ACT IS A NIGHTMARE
5.    REPUBLICANS UP IN ARMS OVER NEW DEPORTATION POLICY
6.    SENATORS QUESTION OBAMA'S AUTHORITY TO ISSUE IMMIGRATION EDICT
7.    REP. STEVE KING TO SUE OBAMA OVER IMMIGRATION POLICY


1. ISSA PREDICTS "BIPARTISAN" CONTEMPT VOTE AGAINST HOLDER THIS WEEK

The top Republican leading the House investigation into Operation Fast and Furious said Sunday he expects a "bipartisan" floor vote to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress this coming week. "I believe they will (vote to hold him in contempt)," House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., told "Fox News Sunday." "Both Republicans and Democrats will vote that -- I believe it will be bipartisan."

Issa kept his focus on the Justice Department, clarifying that he has no evidence the White House was involved in any Fast and Furious cover-up. But he repeatedly said Congress is trying to get to the bottom of why the Justice Department "lied" about the operation.

Issa defended the escalation, saying the committee is trying to obtain critical documents to help explain why Congress was initially told -- incorrectly -- in February 2011 that the government did not knowingly let guns "walk" across the U.S.-Mexico border. The department later issued a correction to that statement. "We, in fact, are simply trying to get to the truth when we were told a lie," Issa said. "It's about the cover-up." "Ultimately, Justice lied to the American people on February 4 (2011), and they didn't make it right for 10 months." (Fox News)

- This is a very serious topic in the middle of a very serious week on Capitol Hill. Lift up a mighty prayer over all members of the United States House of Representatives as they weigh this charge of contempt against Attorney General Eric Holder. During the debate, pray that even more evidence would come to light, so that Congress can make a wise decision when it votes. As a nation, we have now entered into a season of judgment. Let each man and woman vote in the fear of the Lord when it comes time to take this action. Pray!

- "When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness." (Isaiah 26:9)

2. OBAMA INVOKES EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE IN "FAST AND FURIOUS"


Obama is refusing to turn over documents requested by a House panel on the Fast and Furious gun smuggling probe, citing executive privilege. The botched operation resulted in illicitly purchased guns ending up at crime scenes in Mexico. The committee said it would still proceed on the resolution to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress.

Ordinarily such documents are off-limits to Congress. But the Justice Department incorrectly denied their agents were involved, providing the basis for lawmakers to demand them. Holder and Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., met Tuesday but failed to reach an agreement on the documents requested. Issa said they have no choice now but to move forward with the contempt vote.

In response to Obama's claim of executive privilege, Senator Charles Grassley, ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, fired back. He said: "The assertion of executive privilege raises monumental questions. How can the president assert executive privilege if there was no White House involvement? How can the president exert executive privilege over documents he's supposedly never seen? Is something very big being hidden to go to this extreme?" (CBN News, Gary Bauer, Christian Coalition)

- In the name of Jesus, we pray that the months of obstruction of justice in this matter will be brought to a quick end. In memory of the US border agent murdered by individuals who illegally obtained weapons from our own government, we ask that this administration's cover-up be blown apart, and documents containing the truth be fully revealed. May those involved be held accountable under the law. We pray that no executive order will supplant the truth, and we bind every attempt to allow those involved with the illegalities of Fast and Furious to get off the hook, in Jesus' name.

- " Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered." (Proverbs 11:21)

3. EMAILS SUGGEST "FAST AND FURIOUS" WOULD BE USED TO HELP BAN ASSAULT WEAPONS

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), chair of the House oversight committee, on Sunday told ABC News' Jake Tapper on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" that e-mails from people involved in Operation Fast and Furious demonstrate that the operation was more about pushing for gun control than actually getting criminal prosecutions.

Tapper played a video clip of Issa at a National Rifle Association convention in April. "We've never answered the question, 'What were they thinking of?' Could it be that what they really were thinking of was in fact to use this walking of guns in order to promote an assault weapons ban. Many think so, and they haven't come up with an explanation that would cause any of us not to agree," Issa said in the video.

Tapper said Issa seemed to "suggest Fast and Furious may be part of a deliberate attempt by the administration to make the case for stronger gun laws."

"Do you really think that it was a possibility that they were sending guns across the border - not because they were trying to get people in the Mexican drug cartels, not cause they were trying to figure out gun trafficking, but because they were trying to push gun control?" Tapper asked.

"Two things, quickly: First of all, this was so flawed that you can't believe they expected to actually get criminal prosecutions as a result of it, so they level of flaw - if that's a word - here is huge. But here's the real answer as to gun control: We have emails from people involved in this that are talking about using what they're finding here to support, basically assault weapons ban or greater reporting," Issa said.

So - chicken or egg - we don't know which came first. We probably never will. We do know that during this Fast and Furious Operation there were e-mails in which they're saying, 'We can use this as part of additional reporting or things like assault weapons ban. So, the people involved saw the benefit of what they were gathering. Whether or not that was the original purpose, we probably will never know," Issa added.

- In this hour, when deception abounds, ask our Lord to send forth His grace to rest upon all of those who are trying to get past the lies to find the truth. Pray for the safety and the protection of all who are trying to do so, in any agency and at every level. It is time for the broom of heaven to clean house, so we all might breathe freely again.

- " . . . if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)

4. COMMENTARY: THE DREAM ACT IS A NIGHTMARE

"[Obama], why do you favor foreign workers over Americans?" That was the obvious question Hussein Obama refused to answer when a reporter, doing his job, sought an answer rather than a canned teleprompter presentation.

That is, indeed, the question that begs for an answer. And Obama simply wouldn't answer that question, not in the middle of his remarks, or at the end of his statement, or at any other time.

Obama announced Friday afternoon (June 15) that he will grant amnesty to 800,000 young illegal aliens instead of deporting them as the law requires. No, he didn't call it amnesty; he denied it was amnesty; but Americans recognize it as amnesty.

The 800,000 are aliens who were brought into the country in violation of U.S. law, and have already been rewarded with a free elementary and secondary education paid for by the American taxpayers. Now Obama wants to reward them further by allowing them to stay in America, giving them work permits, driver's licenses, and other documents they lack.
Congress has refused, year after year, to pass the legislation, colloquially known as the Dream Act, that would allow these young aliens to remain in America, take U.S. jobs, and attend U.S. universities at preferential rates and/or even get financial aid. This is one more example of Obama thinking he can take action without the consent, indeed defying the opposition, of Congress, and do what he wants anyway.

Obama is not fooling anyone about his motives in unilaterally announcing that his administration will not deport these young illegals, but will give them the benefits of the unpassed Dream Act. The Obama-friendly New York Times admitted that this is "a bluntly political move," and "a clear play for a crucial voting bloc in states that will decide whether he gets another term. It also held the potential for considerable payoff."

We all concede that Obama is playing politics for the Hispanic vote. But, unless our elections are more fraudulent even than Republicans suspect, the beneficiaries of Obama's decision will not be able to vote this November. (By Phyllis Schlafly; Eagle Forum) Read more.

Take Action: Take a Stand Against Unconstitutional Amnesty!

- Father God, we pray that the warring angels of heaven be dispatched to fight all the people who are attempting to enact the Dream Act through executive fiat. God, You are Almighty God and we call on our righteous God to pull down any and all executive orders that are against the law, that fight against the Constitution, and who attempt to reverse our solid American way of life. We ask You, Lord, to strengthen every member of Congress who is intent on doing Your will, to rise up in the power that was vested to them and vote this evil down. Rise up, oh God, and stand mighty for America as a country and the American people as a whole. In the Name of Jesus, amen.

- "I will bring again the captivity of My people, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them, and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I WILL plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, says the Lord our God."
(Amos 9:14-15)

5. REPUBLICANS UP IN ARMS OVER NEW DEPORTATION POLICY

Rep. Allen West questions new Obama deportation policy as 'backdoor' right to vote

Amid the Republican backlash over the Obama administration's new lenient deportation policy for some illegal immigrants, Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) called into question the new order's possible "backdoor" opportunity for illegal immigrants to vote.

"What is going to happen as far as their right to vote?" West said on Fox News Friday. "Is this one of those backdoor opportunities to allow people in the next five months to get the opportunity to vote? Will we see Janet Napolitano and the president come out with a new edict that says since we allow these people to be here legally, we're now going to allow them to vote? How far down the rabbit hole will it go?"

Republicans are up in arms over Obama's new policy saying the new rules - which will prevent deportations for as many as 800,000 illegal immigrants brought to the United States as children - overstep the law in order to buy Obama support from Hispanics ahead of November's elections, in which the Hispanic vote will likely be crucial.

"This huge policy shift has horrible consequences for unemployed Americans looking for jobs and violates President Obama's oath to uphold the laws of this land," Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee said in a statement. "How can the administration justify allowing illegal immigrants to work in the U.S. when millions of Americans are unemployed? President Obama and his administration once again have put partisan politics and illegal immigrants ahead of the rule of law and the American people." (The Hill) Read more.

- We thank the Lord that Congress is not taking this illegal move on immigration by the president sitting down. Pray that the momentum that has been unleashed against the administration would have its full effect, causing the president to withdraw this policy and to adhere to the Constitution in days ahead. Pray!

- "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

6. SENATORS QUESTION OBAMA'S AUTHORITY TO ISSUE IMMIGRATION EDICT

Senator Chuck Grassley is leading a group of senators in questioning the directive announced last week by President Obama to grant deferred action to illegal immigrants and asking for a full accounting from the President of his legal authority to issue such a directive, how the executive action will be implemented and administered, and the cost to taxpayers.

In a letter sent to the President this afternoon, the senators asked for written responses to a list of detailed questions and a briefing from the administration officials who will be responsible for the program. They described their concerns about President's circumvention of Congress in issuing the directive and questioned the impact of allowing work authorizations for illegal immigrants at the same time young Americans face record-high unemployment rates.

Grassley's letter was signed by Senators Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Orrin Hatch of Utah, Mike Crapo of Idaho, James Risch of Idaho, Saxby Chambliss of Georgia, Johnny Isakson of Georgia, John Boozman of Arkansas, Jim DeMint of South Carolina, Thad Cochran of Mississippi, Roger Wicker of Mississippi, David Vitter of Louisiana, Mike Johanns of Nebraska, Pat Roberts of Kansas, Mike Lee of Utah, Mike Enzi of Wyoming, Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, James Inhofe of Oklahoma, John Barrasso of Wyoming, and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin. (Christian Coalition of America) Read more
.
To read this letter, go here.

- Offer a chorus of praise for this bold move on the part of 20 members of the United States Senate, in standing up to an increasingly dictatorial president who seems intent on doing whatever he pleases, regardless of the dictates of the Constitution. Ask that each one be protected and strengthened to be able to withstand the backlash that will surely visit them. Ask the Lord to send the wind of His Spirit through the Senate chamber, stirring others -- both Republicans and Democrats -- to sign onto this critical message to the White House. It is time to take a stand for righteousness, and for our nation governed by law, rather than by the whims of one man. Pray!

- ". . . the people who know their God will display strength and take action."
(Daniel 11:32)

7. REP. STEVE KING TO SUE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION OVER NEW IMMIGRATION POLICY

Iowa Republican Rep. Steve King said Friday that he plans to sue the Obama administration to halt implementation of its newly announced selective illegal immigration law enforcement policy. He told Mike Huckabee on the former Arkansas governor's radio program Friday that he successfully sued his own state's governor - and won - over a similar separation-of-powers issue.

"I will tell you that - I'm not without experience on this - I'm prepared to bring a suit and seek a court order to stop implementation of this policy," King said "I have done it once in the past successfully when then-Governor Tom Vilsack thought he could legislate by executive order - and the case of King vs. Vilsack is in the books. And that individual, by the way, is now the Secretary of Agriculture. I wonder if he's not counseling the president on his legal proceedings." (Daily Caller) Read more.

- God, we thank You that Your hand is upon Rep. Steve King to stand up to lawlessness by this administration and we trust that You will strengthen him to win his fight in blocking this illegal immigration law. Father God, speak to the evil forces to be prostrate on their faces in utter defeat and destruction and they not be allowed to raise their evil heads ever again. We praise God for the victory that is in motion by Your hand even now as we pray. In Jesus' Name.

- "Upright men shall be astonished at this, and the innocent shall stir up himself against the hypocrite. The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that has clean hands shall be stronger and stronger." ( Job 17:8-9)

Bills We Are Watching

1.    RAND PAUL PRESENTS BILLS TO SHOOT DOWN DOMESTIC DRONES
2.    H.R. 1299: THE SECURE BORDER ACT OF 2012
3.    H.R. 5743: INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT
4.    H.R. 2764: WMD INTELLIGENCE AND INFORMATION SHARING ACT
5.    H.R. 5854: FUNDING MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
6.    6. SENATE MAY CONSIDER RATIFYING U.N. "SMALL ARMS TREATY"


1. RAND PAUL PRESENTS BILLS TO SHOOT DOWN DOMESTIC DRONES


On June 5th, we suggested that rather than encourage the use of drones for domestic surveillance and law enforcement, Congress must step in and exercise its constitutional responsibilities to protect our privacy before 18,000 police departments get drone fever and armed police drones are hovering over every city and town, and bedroom, in America. We can now thank Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky and Congressman Austin Scott of Georgia for doing just that.

Their bills are specifically drafted to place the use of domestic surveillance drones under strict constitutional limits and require the use of such drones to be subjected to the same standards for any other wiretap or search warrant. (Conservative HQ) Read more.

- O God, we thank You for Senator Rand Paul and Congressman Austin Scott who have exercised their constitutional responsibility to protect the privacy of the American people by restricting the use of domestic drones. We thank You that this legislation will be used to subject the use of these drones to the same standards required for any other wiretap or search warrant. We ask You, Lord, to look down from heaven and to move upon the hearts of the members of the House and the Senate, so that these bills will be passed through to victory. In the Name of Jesus we pray, amen.

- "But the Lord your God you shall fear and revere: and He shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies." (II Kings 17:39)

2. H.R. 1299: THE SECURE BORDER ACT OF 2012

H.R. 1299, the Secure Border Act of 2012, requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop and evaluate a comprehensive strategy to gain operational control of our nation's 2,000-mile southwest border, as well as our 4,000-mile northern border. Specifically, the bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to produce a plan to gain control of the border within five years, taking into account staffing requirements and infrastructure, including pedestrian fencing, vehicle barriers, and sensors. This bill is an important step during a time when the DHS and the administration seem unwilling to tackle the challenge of effectively securing our nation's borders.

H.R. 1299 passed the House of Representatives by voice vote. It has been sent to the Senate, where it has been referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

- Father God, we ask You to impress upon the Senators the importance of the passage of this bill to focus attention on the need for an effective border protection plan. Father, where there has been delay and compromise, we ask that You would bring about a workable plan to secure our borders from drug dealers and illegal immigrants. Thank you for bringing about change in this area.

- "Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19)

3. H.R. 5743: INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT

The bipartisan Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, H.R. 5743 authorizes funds for the Intelligence Community to continue to protect the American people from threats to our national security, including terrorism, cyber attacks, and espionage. This authorization also ensures that the Director of National Intelligence will work with relevant agencies in responding to the threat from drug traffickers, including drug trafficking along our southern border. H.R. 5743 ensures that vital national security and intelligence programs are authorized in a timely manner to instill funding certainty and effectively protect the American people.

H.R. 5743 passed the House of Representatives 386-28. This bill has now moved to the Senate, where it has been referred to the Select Committee on Intelligence.

- Thank you, Father, that provision is being made to ensure the safety of the US by adequately funding intelligence agencies. Lord, we pray they will be keen to detect threats to our citizens and be especially effective in stopping drug trafficking along our southern border. Please keep a watch over this bill as it goes to the Senate for a vote and impress upon them the great necessity to fund this effort.

- "For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth."
(Isaiah 21:6)

4. H.R. 2764: WMD INTELLIGENCE AND INFORMATION SHARING ACT

The Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Intelligence and Information Sharing Act provides congressional direction for the Department of Homeland Security's program to conduct and share WMD Intelligence Analysis with other departments and agencies.

Since September 11, 2001, we have learned the immense importance of effective intelligence information sharing. The Department of Homeland Security, a critical component of our nation's national security apparatus, conducts analysis of terrorism related to chemical, biological, radiological and even nuclear threats. Ensuring that this analysis and the critical information gathered is shared throughout the Intelligence Community is vital to preventing a key fact or threat from falling through the cracks.

H.R. 2764 passed the House of Representatives by voice vote. It has been referred to referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for further action.
-Gracious Lord, we ask You to watch over this important legislation to see that it passes in the Senate to ensure proper intelligence sharing among the various agencies to watch over weapons of mass destruction. Lord, we speak out that their efforts shall indeed be effective to stop all threats to our national security.

- "Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding." (Proverbs 23:23) "Through wisdom an house is builded; and by understanding it is established." (Proverbs 24:3)

5. H.R. 5854: FUNDING MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS


H.R. 5854, the Military Construction & Veterans Affairs Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2013 (FY2013), was overwhelmingly passed the House in a 407-12 vote. Overall, this bill provides the nation's military with the infrastructure needed to house, train and equip military personnel, improves the quality of life, and maintains a strong military base structure. It also funds veterans' benefits and programs to ensure that all veterans receive the services they need and deserve. The legislation also includes provisions to increase oversight of taxpayer dollars at the VA.

H.R. 5854 next goes to the full Senate for passage.

- Our Lord God, we thank You for responsible legislation that has passed the House to insure provision for our current military and provide promised benefits to our veterans. We pray that our Senators will see the necessity of this funding and quickly pass this measure. And Lord, please keep a watch over our active duty military and keep them out of harms way as they do the vital job of protecting our country.

- "Withhold not good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it."
(Proverbs 3:27)

6. SENATE MAY CONSIDER RATIFYING U.N. "SMALL ARMS TREATY
"

U.N. Agreement Should Have All Gun Owners Up In Arms

Under the guise of a proposed global "Small Arms Treaty" premised to fight "terrorism", "insurgency" and "international crime syndicates" you can be quite certain that an even more insidious threat is being targeted - our Constitutional right for law-abiding citizens to own and bear arms.

What, exactly, does the intended agreement entail?

While the terms have yet to be made public, if passed by the U.N. and ratified by our Senate, it will almost certainly force the U.S. to: In short, overriding our national sovereignty, and in the process, providing license for the federal government to assert preemptive powers over state regulatory powers guaranteed by the Tenth Amendment in addition to our Second Amendment rights.

Have no doubt that this plan is very real, with strong Obama administration support. In January 2010 the U.S. joined 152 other countries in endorsing a U.N. Arms Treaty Resolution that will establish a 2012 conference to draft a blueprint for enactment. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has pledged to push for Senate ratification.

Former U.N. ambassador John Bolton has cautioned gun owners to take this initiative seriously, stating that the U.N. "is trying to act as though this is really just a treaty about international arms trade between nation states, but there is no doubt that the real agenda here is domestic firearms control.". . .

Now, more than ever, it's imperative to stick by our guns in demanding that all Constitutional rights be preserved. If not, we will surely lose both. (Larry Bell, Forbes) Read more.

- God, send forth reinforcements from heaven to bombard the schemers, all government agencies, the United Nations and all others who would prevent the American people from carrying handguns for their own protection. Scramble the final wording of the Anti-Gun Small Arms Treaty and turn it to sawdust that it never be enforced upon the American people. Help us, Lord, so that we not be robbed of the right to carry handguns to resist intruders and protect ourselves from being injured or killed by the wicked acts of evil. In the Name of Jesus.

- "And it was so on the morrow, that the people were put in three companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the evil people until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together."
(I Samuel 11:11)

This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .

THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS
- (Adoni Tseedkaynu)

"In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." (Jer. 23:6)

Lord, may I always remember it is never me, always Thee. In my goodness, it is Thee. How I praise You that I have no goodness apart from You. How I praise You that Your righteousness can be mine. Help me to be obedient to You -- in thought, word and deed.

(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)