1. White House Publishes President's Record On Confronting Climate Change - Agence France PresseThe White House issued a rare open letter defending President George W. Bush's record on climate change, rejecting criticisms that he has only recently awakened to the problem of global warming. "In fact, climate change has been a top priority since the president's first year in office," the letter said. "Beginning in June 2001, President Bush has consistently acknowledged that climate change is occurring and that humans are contributing to the problem," it said, adding excerpts from speeches in 2001 and 2002 as evidence. "President Bush committed the United States to continued leadership on the issue and since 2001 has dedicated nearly 29 billion dollars to advance climate-related science, technology, international assistance, and incentive programs. This is far more than any other nation."
• Thank You, Lord, for our President's leadership concerning climate change. We ask You to reveal a solution to safely combat global warming. Show us how to be responsible with Your entrusted resources. • "Thou madest him (man) to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet; . . ." (Ps. 8:6)
2. U.S. Productivity Rises In 4th Quarter - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Productivity, the economy's onboard air bag, added a little more cushion at the end of last year, the government reported Wednesday. That basic measure of efficiency – which permits higher wages and better living standards while absorbing potential inflation – rose 3 percent during the final three months of 2006 after a decline in the third quarter, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Reports that the U.S. productivity boom is dead are grossly exaggerated," said economist Peter Morici of the University of Maryland. "The U.S. economy continues to bang out new products and more efficient methods for making goods and services. Productivity will continue to surge in the months ahead."
• Lord, we join together with praise and thanksgiving over a good report on productivity. All good gifts come from You. We thank You for bringing truth forward and strengthening our economy. • "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: . . ." (Ps.103:2) "Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening. O LORD, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth full of thy riches. That thou givest them that gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good." (Ps. 104:23-24,28)
3. President Bush Issues Emergency Response Orders To Direct Federal Medical Personnel - AP
President Bush issued orders Wednesday for how federal medical personnel should respond to a nuclear, radiological, biological or chemical attack, saying authorities should focus on threats that can be dealt with medically. The directive points out that the primary goal is to prevent such an attack, "but we must be fully prepared to respond to and recover from an attack if one occurs." "We are moving heaven and earth to prevent" an attack, Homeland Security spokesman Russ Knocke said. He called the directive a playbook for how the federal government will respond and coordinate in providing medical treatment in case prevention fails."
• We continue to pray for the Lord to stay the hand on our nation in preventing an attack. We also give praise to Him, for the wisdom going forth from President Bush. We pray for the knowledge in preparation to minister medically in case of such an emergency. • "When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul: Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee. To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; . . . ."(Prov. 2:10-12)
[Note: Several of our readers have advised us that Wal-Mart, Costco and Sam's Club are all sellling ten- gallon buckets or jugs of "Emergency Survival Food." These freeze-dried products are selling for about $90/each, and the food is guaranteed to last for five years.]
4. Iranian Public "Openly Criticizes" Leadership For "The Combative Nature Of Its Nuclear Diplomacy" - Los Angeles Times
Iran's leadership is facing mounting public unease and the seeds of mutiny in the parliament over the combative nature of its nuclear diplomacy. For the first time since Iran resumed its uranium enrichment activities, there is broad, open criticism of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's defiance of the Bush administration and United Nations Security Council. Warnings have emerged that the public may not be prepared to support the Islamic regime through a war. The criticism and public wariness arise at a time when the Bush administration has moved ships to the Persian Gulf, and both Washington and Israel refuse to rule out a pre-emptive strike against Iran's nuclear facilities.
• Lord, use the crying out of the Iranians to change the direction of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. We ask that You stir up truth over Iran, that the gospel will go forth. Shine the light of Jesus to those who sit in darkness. May the leadership receive your word from Proverbs. • "Put away from thee a forward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil." (Prov. 4:24,26- 27)
5. Israel, US sign homeland security pact - Jerusalem Post
Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter and his US counterpart, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, signed a joint memorandum in Washington DC on Wednesday evening, setting a series of goals and terms for security collaboration between the two nations.
• Offer praise for this strong work of collaboration between our two nations, and intercede that all communication between the United States and Israel would be unhindered by enemy forces. • "The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth." (Psalm 145:18)
6. South Dakota, Utah legislators consider bills banning abortion, challenging Roe v. Wade - Baptist Press
Less than a year after South Dakota pro-lifers failed in their effort to place an abortion ban on the books, legislators there are trying again -- and they're not alone.
• "Thy people will volunteer freely in the day of Thy power." (Psalm 110:3 NASB)
