1. Bush, Lawmakers, Eye Quick Stimulus Package - AFP
Congressional leaders emerged from crisis talks at the White House saying that they hoped to pass, within three to four weeks, a plan for priming the sputtering US economy with an infusion of roughly 140-150 billion dollars.
"I'm confident that we can get an agreement passed, and we can get an agreement passed in relatively short order," Bush said after meeting with lawmakers and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, his lead negotiator.
* Gracious Father, who provides for our daily needs, we humbly ask You to soften the hearts, minds and souls of our nation's leaders and Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke, so that they will look to You for a divinely inspired economic recovery plan. May America set aside its participation in the division of Israel and not reap Your curse upon those who come against Your chosen people.
* "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; but he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him." (Psalm 32: 8 & 10 NKJV)
2. World Stock Markets Assess U.S. Rate Cut - ABC News and International Herald Tribune
The U.S. Federal Reserve, responding to an international stock sell-off and fears about a possible U.S. recession, cut its benchmark interest rate by three-quarters of a percentage point Tuesday, an aggressive move that came a week ahead of a regularly scheduled meeting of the central bank. For the shaken world markets, the move seemed to provide some relief. When trading resumed Tuesday after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Wall Street initially joined in the plunge that had shaken Europe and Asia for two days.
For example, Korean stocks suffered a major blow, ending down 4.4 percent Tuesday, following a 3.3 percent fall the previous day. It was the biggest percentage loss in five months. Trading started with a panic sell-off in reaction to the global equities turbulence and was later suspended for five minutes as the benchmark KOSPI index plunged more than 6 percent. The market picked up by the close, which analysts said was due to solid economic fundamentals.
* Omniscient God, may Your peace and calm reign over the world's economic markets. May Your very presence be seen, felt and heard by financial experts to lead them to rely on You for global market projections and economic health. For Your glory, may traders not panic and cause stock market crashes around the world!
* "I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid; I will rid the land of evil beasts, and the sword will not go through your land." (Leviticus 26: 6 NKJV)
3. Senate Passes Revised Defense Bill - USA Today
The Senate voted Tuesday to approve a revised defense bill authorizing a 3.5% pay raise for troops while sidestepping a veto showdown with President Bush. The 91-3 vote sends the $696 billion measure to Bush for his expected signature.
* Thank You, Lord, for Your "surge" that has protected all of our troops and now allows for them to receive a pay raise to further improve their quality of life while serving America. May this current and the next generations of American defenders increasingly turn to You, just as Israel did, as their ultimate Shield and Sword!
* "Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help and the sword of your majesty! Your enemies shall submit to you, and you shall tread down their high places." (Deuteronomy 33: 29 NKJV)
4. Thompson Quits Presidential Race - Associated Press
Republican Fred Thompson, the actor-politician who attracted more attention as a potential presidential candidate than as a real one, quit the race for the White House on Tuesday after a string of poor finishes in early primary and caucus states.
This week in Florida, Sen. John McCain, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani are battling for the lead ahead of its January 29th primary. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is evaluating his campaign amid money troubles.
* Despite this perceived setback, may Fred Thompson's love for the Lord increase and not decrease. May You, God, continue to bless and use Mr. Thompson, his family, friends and supporters to bring about an increased awareness of Your sovereignty in America.
* "Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12: 11 NKJV)
5. Hillary-Obama Feud Alarms Party Officials - Washington Times
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama are increasingly going after each other, prompting top Democrats to warn they are muddying the party's image in advance of the general election.
In an e-mail to supporters, Sen. John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic nominee whose campaign was hurt by Republican-funded "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth" ads, told voters he will help Mr. Obama fend off attacks. His message does not mention Mrs. Clinton, but notes the anonymous e-mails that are circulating that question Mr. Obama's Christian faith and said, "We're fighting back.
* In honor of our nation's Godly heritage, we pray Lord that all rhetoric in all campaigns would reflect the sterling statesmanship that was demonstrated by our Founding Fathers. May there be no more dirty tricks by any party to win elections in America and may voters have discernment on how to choose an ethical and Godly candidate. We ask You to please choose the next President of the United States who will be a Godly man who loves you with all of his heart, mind and soul.
* "Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts. As for such as turn aside to their crooked ways, the Lord shall lead them away with the workers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel!" (Psalm 123: 4-5 NKJV)
6. Thousands Rally On U.S. Abortion Law Anniversary - AFP
Thousands of anti-abortion activists rallied in Washington Tuesday to mark the 35th anniversary of the Supreme Court's landmark decision, "Roe v. Wade," that legalized the procedure in the United States. Throngs of protesters, many of them young, sang the US national anthem as a wintry drizzle swept the National Mall.
A recorded message from U.S. President George W. Bush blared across the Mall before the rally set out for the Supreme Court. "You're here because you know that all life deserves to be protected. And as you begin your march, I'm proud to be standing with you," Bush said.
Around a quarter of Americans have consistently backed on-demand abortion, a quarter have called for a ban, and half have said abortion should be legal but restricted.
A rainbow appeared during the rally, arching over the U.S. Supreme Court building.
* As You lead, Lord, may those affected by abortion come forward to share their testimonies to help them and even more babies to be saved and restored unto You! May Norma McCorvey, the "Roe" in this heinous ruling, be used mightily by You to help overturn this bad law. We pray that this will be the last year of any remembrance of "Roe v. Wade, " and that those who support it will be saved. In Your Holy Name, we pray these things and ask for Your Holy Spirit to intercede for abortion to be removed from the earth and its peoples that You created. Amen.
* "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate." (Psalm 127: 3-5 NKJV)
The Middle East in Focus 1. Barak recommends security barrier for Israeli- Egyptian border- ICEJ News 2. Peres: Peace should be 'decision of the people' - ICEJ News 3. Israel launches spy satellite - ICEJ News 4. Livni baffled by Russian nuclear fuel transfers to Iran - ICEJ News
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Who is like unto You, O LORD, among the gods? who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?" (Exodus 15:11)
Pushes change to infiltration law to cover African humanitarian cases To catch and deter infiltrators, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak recommended on Sunday to erect a security barrier along the border between Israel and Egypt. He also is approaching Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to endorse a Knesset bill regarding the thousands of Africans entering the country who are looking for work compared to those who are considered a security threat.
"In my opinion, the government conducting the negotiations should formulate its position, and bring it to the decision of the people," Israeli President Shimon Peres told the gala opening of the Herzliya Conference, an annual gathering of Israel's top political, military and economic leaders to shape national policies and priorities. "This will allow the people to truly choose. And this is the same for the opposition. It is not enough to criticize the conducting of negotiations, it needs to present an alternative," he said.
TecSar - a commercial Israeli intelligence satellite - was launched by the Indian Space Agency into orbit Monday. To date, it is Israel's most advanced satellite, able to photograh any point on earth, and has the capability to transmit footage regardless of weather and time of day
Moscow supplies third shipment of fuel to Bushehr plant Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Thursday about "tightening sanctions" on Iran and this week's escalation in Kassam rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza. The meeting occurred ahead of the upcoming UN Security Council meeting of its five permanent delegates set for late January to discuss the Iran sanctions issue.
Prayers for the Persecuted Church
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Mt. 5:44)
1. Instability, tensions still high after disputed elections in Kenya- ANS News
Tensions are still running high and the situation is still unstable outside of Nairobi, Kenya, following the disputed elections of December 27. Rival gangs from opposing tribes are roaming the streets, looking for revenge.
2. Penalize 'Re-conversion,' Egyptian Fatwa Says - Assyrian International News Agency
Egypt's top religous body has called for tough penalties on people who convert to Islam for personal reasons, only to re-convert to their old religion, Quds Press news agency reported on Saturday.
The religious ruling, issued by the fatwa committee at Al Azhar, affects mostly Coptic Christians, who often convert to Islam in order to get a divorce, to remarry, or to marry a Muslim. They then convert back to Christianity once they have achieved the desired result. According to the fatwa, the practice of re-converting after converting to Islam is "a grave crime that cannot be met with leniency."
3. Mediterranean EU Members Call for Firm Stance towards Syria - International Christian Concern
Mediterranean EU foreign ministers on Friday urged the European Union to "define a consistent policy towards" Lebanon's neighbor Syria, which has been accused by opponents in Beirut and Western governments of blocking the vote.
The ministers from 10 nations voiced support for Arab League efforts to help rival Lebanese leaders overcome their differences and elect a president, to fill a seat vacant for nearly two months.
"On Lebanon, we pledged our full support to the Arab League initiative to resolve the current political impasse," a statement said. "We also acknowledge the importance of the role played by Syria. Consequently the EU should define a consistent policy towards Syria," it added.
4. Pope Calls for Religious Freedom in Arab Countries - Reuters
Pope Benedict on Friday issued a strong call for religious freedom in Arab countries, saying everyone should have the right to practise their faith openly and to convert to other religions if they wanted.
The Pope, making his call in an address to Catholic bishops from Arab regions, also said he was concerned that parts of the Middle East risked becoming just "an archaeological site" if an exodus of Christians forced out by violence continued.
"I dearly hope that authentic religious freedom could become reality everywhere and that everyone's right to practise their religion freely, or to change it, should not be impeded," he told the bishops working in the Middle East and Africa. "This is a primordial right for every human being," he added in his French-language speech.
(Read more.)
A Symposium to Note
Exposing the Threat of Islamist Terrorism
America's Original Symposium Series on the Threat of Islamist Terrorism
Sponsored by: America's Truth Forum
Saturday February 2, 2008
Ranch of the Lonesome Dove
2299 Lonesome Dove Rd.
Southlake, TX 76092
(817) 329-1100
For details, go here:
REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN!!
Speakers Include:
Lee Boyland
Nuclear Engineering & Expert
Mr. Boyland is a former Explosive Ordnance Disposal officer in the U.S. Army, assigned to the Defense Atomic Support Agency an its Nuclear Emergency Team. He had access to the design details of all nuclear and thermonuclear weapons and participated is several tests at the Nevada Test Site.
Subject: The Nuclear Threat Posed by Radical Islamists
Frank Gaffney
Founder and President Center for Security Policy
Subject: The Infiltration of Middle Eastern Influence into Washington DC Institutions. Mr. Gaffney will examine the increasing Middle Eastern within some of our countries most important institutions including our government.
Caroline Glick
Deputy Managing Editor, Jerusalem Post & Senior Fellow at the Center for Security Policy
Subject: Assessing the Iranian Threat to Global Security
Joe Kaufman
Chairman of Americans Against Hate, Founder of CAIR Watch, Investigative Journalist for FrontPage Magazine
During a 2007 protest against the Islamic Circle of North America, seven Dallas-area Muslim organizations sought to deny Kaufman his Freedom of Speech by serving him with a lawsuit and a restraining order.
Subject: The Fragile Nature of our Constitutional Freedoms in the Face of Jihad.
Dr. Moorthy Muthuswamy
Nuclear Physicist, Internationally recognized critic of political Islam
Dr. Muthuswamy is the author of the new book, The Art of War on Terror: Triumphing over Political Islam and the Axis of Jihad. Subject: Neutralizing Political Islam's Terror War
Dr. Paul Williams
Former FBI consultant, best-selling author and investigative journalist
Subject: The American Hiroshima & Domestic Jihadi Training Camps. Dr. Williams will discuss the vulnerability of the United States to "The American Hiroshima," Osama bin Laden's quest to deploy and detonate nuclear weapons within US borders. He will also discuss his recent examination of jihadi training facilities located within the United States.
Prayer for the Primaries
More Primary News in January
So far this month, we have survived primaries in several states, including Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina (Republican), Michigan and Nevada. The remaining schedule for primaries in January is:
23- Republican presidential debate in Florida
25- Democratic presidential debate in Florida
26- South Carolina Democratic primary
29- Florida primary
On February 5th, more than 20 states, representing a total of 2,075 delegates, have scheduled their contests for the earliest date allowed by the party without special exception.
· Earnestly intercede against media and special interest manipulation during this primary season. Pray that moral, God-fearing, pro-life, pro-marriage, and pro-family men and women be selected, supported, and find favor in local, state, and national campaigns. Intercede that the Lord reveal His choices, expose corruption, immorality, bribery, the occult, and hidden anti-biblical agendas.
(Source: Intercessors for America)
" . . . if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19) President Bush Says He Will Return to Israel During His Presidency Browse the world media today and you will find the headlines have President George W. Bush instructing Israel to "end the occupation. Now is the time to make difficult choices," he said in newspaper and TV reports around the world. "The agreement must establish a Palestine as a homeland for the Palestinian people just as Israel is a homeland for the Jewish people" Bush says in a favored quote. Bush said, a deal establishing the Palestinian state could be finalized during his term. Then to do the political thing he changed emphasis and insisted Arab countries should reach out to Israel. "I call upon the Arab countries to reach out to Israel, a step that is long overdue," he said. My question to President Bush and the Arab delegation remains: "What will happen if Kassams are still falling on Sderot, a year from now?" Will this visit be assessed as a failure? Oh there is one other question, "What will be the name of the Israeli Prime Minister at that time?" Prayer Focus
While journalists show their personal agenda by the portions of a speech they choose to report, the question for the President and the various negotiators remains: Who are the Palestinian people? Are they not a creation of the late Yasser Arafat rather than an ancient people? Is it not true, "the Palestinian people" are simply Arabs making a claim to the ancient land of Israel?
Bush is walking a fine line. He is speaking so as to cajole the Arab network, nations like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, who have been created to be the US influence in the region. He is also trying to be responsive to his Christian teaching on the importance of Israel and its connection to his faith. But can he have it both ways?
Bush requested he visit Bethlehem and Capernaum, locations important in the life of Christ. But geography is not the evidence of faith, love is.
"I will return," said the President. Through his spokesman, National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley, Bush announced he would return at least once more before his term expires in January, 2009. Nabil Abu Rudeina, a spokesman for Mahmoud Abbas said the announcement by Bush was "the first step toward a real peace." He added, "Israel must understand that the settlements are illegal."
(By Ron Ross, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, January 11, 2008) [Excerpted]
Pray that despite the failings of men, the Lord will bless Israel and the region with His peace "which passes all understanding."
Scripture
"The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." (Numbers 6:26)
