Today's Daily Brief
1. Deal Reached Between Kenya Rivals After Months of Violence Over Disputed Election-AP
Kenya's rival politicians reached an agreement Thursday on a coalition government after weeks of bitter negotiations on how to end the country's deadly post-election crisis, according to mediator Kofi Annan.
· Thank you Lord, for this answer to the prayers of Your people! We pray for peace and stability to be restored in Kenya.
· "Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live." (Psalm 116:2)
2. Virtual Fence Along Ariz- Mexico Border Delayed Three Years - AP
Homeland Security officials have told federal lawmakers that the "virtual fence" along the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona doesn't meet contract requirements for detecting border intrusions and some of its technology will have to replaced by this summer.
· Lord, we ask that You move on our officials to bring about the security of America's borders. May our security not be bogged down in politics and government red tape.
· "He brought me out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps." (Psalm 40:2)
3. Fed Tries to Stave Off Stagflation- Newsmax.com
The Federal Reserve is ready to lower interest rates again to brace the wobbly economy even as zooming oil prices spread inflation, Chairman Ben Bernanke signaled to Congress on Wednesday.
· Lord, we call upon You for economic understanding for our leaders, and especially the head of the Federal Reserve. May he not act from his own abilities, but only directly from Your wisdom.
· "I will instruct and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye." (Psalm 32:8)
4. Conservative Writer, Commentator, William F. Buckley, Jr. Dies at 82 - AP
William F. Buckley Jr., the erudite Ivy Leaguer and conservative herald who showered huge and scornful words on liberalism as he observed, abetted and cheered on the rights post-World War II rise from the fringes to the White House, died Wednesday. He was 82.
· Father, we pray Your comfort for Mr. Buckley's family, and we thank You for his consistent message in the conservative arena. May You raise up many strong, intelligent voices of Your wisdom in the days ahead.
· "His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations." (Psalm 100:5)
5. Explosion Reported at Illinois Mall - MSNBC The Middle East in Focus 1. Abbas does not rule out resuming armed conflict with Israel - Ynet News 2. Palestinians are trying our patience, says Olmert - Ynet News 3. Hamas Kids' TV teaches a healthy diet: Don't eat a Danish, Eat a Dane! - Israel Insider 4. 'We should wipe out Hamas leaders' - Jerusalem Post
A large explosion at a shopping plaza Thursday, ignited a fire and injured five people, police said.
· Thank you Lord, that this gas explosion was minimal, compared to what it could have been. We ask for full healing for all the victims, and protection against any further explosions.
· "And by His stripes we are healed. . ." (Isaiah 53:5)
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem." (Zech. 12:9))
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Thursday that he does not completely rule out the possibility of resuming the armed conflict with Israel.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met Wednesday night with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Tokyo.
Hamas children's TV dedicated a program to hatred of Denmark, the West and Israel, climaxing with a statement about the West by the co-host, a giant rabbit character named Assud: "If they repeat it we will kill them ... I will bite them and eat them!"
A large-scale ground operation in the Gaza Strip will not put an end to Kassam rocket fire on the western Negev, Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit said Thursday morning, a day after the death of 47-year-old Roni Yihye in a Kassam attack on Sapir College.
Prayers for the Persecuted Church
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth." (Psalm 124:8)
[Note: The following news items are featured on the website for International Christian Concern. Links to original articles are posted there.]
1. PHILIPPINES: Religious Groups Commit to Rally as One on Friday - Inquirer.net
The religious community in the Philippines has banded together to form a mass movement against corruption under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. A rally of various religious groups is scheduled to take place on Friday.
2. MALAYSIA: Islamist Party Downplays Shari'a Ahead of Malaysian Elections This Weekend - CNSNews
An Islamist party in Malyasia, PAS, has decided to shy away from its emphasis on Shari'a Law as elections draw near (next weekend), but there is little doubt that the move is only an attempt to garner more suppport from those becoming wary of increasing intolerance for non-Muslim minorities in the country.
3. CUBA: U.S. Urges Full Protection of Freedom of Religion and Human Rights - U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
President Fidel Castor's resignation gives the Cuban government an opportunity to reject its repressive past and to chart a future course in which religious freedom and human rights are protected.
Candidates Cast Their Care In what could be the last debate between Senators Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.), the two tangoed on several issues, but it was universal health care that stole center stage. The discussion quickly digressed into a contest of whose plan would cover the most people. But lost in the candidates' rosy promise of "health care for all" was the reality of what kind of policies will best preserve consumer choice, hold down skyrocketing costs by allowing market forces to work, and protect private rights of conscience. Although both candidates have retreated from the liberal dream of a government-run or "single- payer" health care system, the array of mandates they would impose on individuals, employers, and insurance companies would hardly result in the free market we need. The bureaucratic nightmare aside, entrusting the government with our health care also means allowing them to make value judgments on our core beliefs. They may let you choose your doctor, but probably won't let you choose an insurance plan that doesn't pay for abortion. Without competition, the quality of health care will suffer, while waste and inefficiency grow. Our system may need a dose of reform, but the cure is not abdicating our freedom and values to achieve it. (Source: Family Research Council) Adult Stem-Cell Successes Add Up Adult stem cells taken from blood or bone marrow may provide successful treatment for some autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular disorders. That's according to a study published in today's issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association. Dr. Richard K. Burt of Northwestern University and his colleagues reviewed more than 300 reports to test the ability of blood- and bone-marrow-derived adult stem cells to treat patients. The results showed clinical successes of adult stem cells are rapidly increasing. "This study helps us codify what we've known for years - unlike embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells are successfully treating patients suffering from autoimmune and heart diseases," said Dawn Vargo, associate bioethics analyst for Focus on the Family Action. (Source: Focus on the Family; CitizenLink) Obama Worries Top Brass (Click here to also see why) . . . The Washington Times recently interviewed a number of senior military commanders, and many of them expressed serious reservations about a "Commander-In-Chief Obama." Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Thomas McInerney told the Times, "We're very concerned about his apparent lack of understanding on the threat of radical Islam to the United States. A lot of retired senior officers feel the same way." Retired Army Gen. John Keane, who helped develop the surge strategy, said: "Anyone who is advocating a precipitous pullout of U.S. forces, believing this will be a catalyst for political progress, does not understand the realities of Iraq and the minds of the key political leaders. The U.S. military presence is the glue that is holding things together in Iraq and is the fundamental reason for the recent political progress. If you remove this presence, the political leaders will believe they are on their own and will fall prey to their own fears and paranoia." One senior Pentagon official told the Times that an Obama swearing-in "will give the Arab street the final victory, the best optics, and the ultimate bragging rights. They win, we lose." All of these comments are absolutely right. Osama bin Laden looked at America's history of giving up on Vietnam, running out of Lebanon and pulling out of Somalia and concluded that we were a "paper tiger that runs after a few blows." The terrorists thought they could drive us out of Iraq too, and they were right to think so. . . . Thankfully, Senator John McCain and others were demanding a new strategy for victory, and, thankfully, President Bush refused to accept the Democrats' demand to surrender. As a result of America demonstrating its commitment to Iraq's freedom and security through the surge of reinforcements, the Sunni tribal chiefs turned on Al Qaeda, Iran stopped its meddling and the Iraqi politicians are beginning to make hard decisions. Now that things are starting to improve, it makes no sense whatsoever to "change horses in mid-stream" by electing a president who is convinced of America's failure and determined to force our defeat in Iraq. (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; Feb. 27, 2008 -- excerpts) Saturday, March 8 For a complete guide to the Republican primaries, go here: For a complete guide to the Democratic primaries, go here: Intercessory Prayer Initiative Dear Prayer Warriors, Spiritual wickedness in high places is contending for control of the highest office in the land. We must contend as well. The time is NOW to come into agreement to pray the will of God and shift the momentum toward God's will and way. Prayer Points: More than ever before in history, we need to heed God's admonition in 2 Chronicles 7:14 to "humble" ourselves, pray, seek His face and turn from our wicked ways. He has promised to heal our land if we do. Feel free to forward this notice to anyone who will join us in prayer. Strategies for prayer are not made for public announcement but for the purpose of intercession. To sign up and receive the ALERTS, go to our website (http://www.prayerinitiative.com/) and join forces with us for His kingdom to be advanced! Recommended links are now posted on our CHPP Blog. Click here to visit our blog for more information. We particularly wish to cite Intercessors for America as the source to find all other ongoing prayer initiatives at this time. For news at the state level (including court decisions re: gay rights), please see the links for the Family Research Council and for Citizen Link (Focus on the Family.) Thank you!!
Health Care Debated..
PRIMARIES, CAUCUSES FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH:
Tuesday, March 4
(D) (R) Ohio Primary
(D) (R) Rhode Island Primary
(D) (R) Texas Primary
(D) (R) Vermont Primary
(D) Wyoming Caucus
Tuesday, March 11
(D) (R) Mississippi Primary
PRAYING FOR THE ELECTIONS
PRAYER ALERT - February 26, 2008
Nationally known prophet, Chuck Pierce, who teaches on times and seasons, was with us last week and spoke about the times we are in and the urgency of the hour to pray concerning God's will for the upcoming elections.
- Pray that the truth regarding the candidates and their agendas would surface and that people would see beyond race, gender, age or rhetoric to choose the best.
- Pray that the spirits of delusion and deception would lose their ability to operate effectively in this election.
- Pray that the nation would unite to elect God's choice when hidden agendas that threaten our nation's security and freedoms are exposed.
Intercessory Prayer Initiative is sponsored by Charisma and SpiritLed Woman magazines. 
Links to Other Resources
