In This Issue· The Daily Brief
· The Middle East in Focus
· Prayers for the Persecuted Church
· The White House in Transition
· More Revealed in Illinois
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The Daily Brief Wednesday, December 17, 2008
"And the government shall rest upon His shoulder." (Isaiah 9:6)
The Daily Brief
1. Rep.Jackson Jr. Went to Authorities about Illinois Governor - CNN
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who was cited in a criminal complaint against Rod Blagojevich, went to the U.S. Attorney's office about alleged wrongdoers, including the Illinois governor, a Jackson spokesman said Tuesday. Jackson rejected being labeled with the term "informant" in a message to CNN contributor Roland Martin. Spokesman Kenneth Edmonds described Jackson's interaction with federal authorities this way: "As a responsible citizen and elected official, Congressman Jackson has in the past provided information to federal authorities regarding his personal knowledge of perceived corruption and governmental misconduct."
· Praise the Lord that Rep. Jesse Jackson has the integrity to report corruption to the proper authorities. However, there is a smack of "getting even" in the whole story, for the Illinois governor did try to exact money for a political favor for Jackson's wife -- money that Jackson did not give. Pray that Jackson is led by the Lord to rise above all the political corruption in Illinois and be an honest and effective representative in the US Congress.
· "Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the Lord God of Hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph." (Amos 5:15)
2. President Bush Considering 'All Options' on Auto Bailout - Fox News
Big 3 Idling to Save MoneyPresident Bush, in a wide-ranging interview with FOX News on Wednesday, said he's "looking at all options" for staving off a meltdown in the U.S. auto industry. After a $14 billion bailout bill failed in the Senate last week, the administration is considering several options. Aside from letting the automakers file for bankruptcy, the administration could tap funding from the $700 billion financial bailout bill. The urgency was underscored by word Wednesday from Chrysler, one of the Big Three, that it will shut down production for a month starting Friday. Ford and General Motors also have announced short-term plans to shut down many of their plants to save money.
· There is a tangled web in this scenario: big business, labor, and government -- all struggling to keep the economy afloat and to save the jobs of these American workers. Pray for wisdom for President Bush as he works, along with his advisors, to sort through this tangled web in order to make the correct decsion for the American people and for the auto industry.
· "Give the king knowledge of Your way of judging, O God . . ." (Psalm 72:1 AMP)
3. Catholic Files Suit to Stop Bailout of AIG - CR Daily Online
A Roman Catholic is challenging the government's bailout of American International Group, claiming it's illegal because AIG has financial products that promote Islam and are anti-Christian. The federal lawsuit was filed this week in Detroit on behalf of Kevin Murray, Jr. - an Iraq war veteran - by the Thomas More Law Center, which pursues cases on behalf of Christian causes. It says the government is unconstitutionally supporting religion with billions of dollars of aid for AIG, because the company offers financial services that comply with Islamic (Sharia) law.
· Praise the Lord that He has set a watchman over financial institutions such as AIG, who are pursuing Islamic countries' money for sheer greed. Pray that Murray wins his lawsuit and prevents the disbursement of taxpayers' money to a company that thinks so little of its allegiance to the USA. Pray for the CEO and other high officials of AIG so that they may find salvation in Jesus Christ. Pray for the removal of all Sharia compliant monies in the USA.
· "All the ways of man are clean in his own eyes, but the Lord weigheth the spirit." (Proverbs 16:2) "I will stand at my watch . . ." (Habakkuk 2:1)
4. Muslim Woman Arrested for Allegedly Refusing to Take Off Headscarf at Georgia Courthouse - FOXNews.com
A Muslim woman arrested for refusing to take off her head scarf at a courthouse security checkpoint said Wednesday that she felt her human and civil rights were violated. A judge ordered Lisa Valentine, 40, to serve 10 days in jail for contempt of court, said police in Douglasville, a city of about 20,000 people on Atlanta's west suburban outskirts. Valentine violated a court policy that prohibits people from wearing any headgear in court, police said after they arrested her Tuesday. She said she was unexpectedly released after the Washington-based Council on American- Islamic Relations urged federal authorities to investigate the incident as well as others in Georgia.
· Pray for this woman that she might be saved through Jesus Christ. She is not subject to the laws of Islam in the United States, and her reference to civil rights tends to be a red herring. She is using American freedoms to perpetuate Islam. She is a captive that Jesus came to set free.
· ". . . to preach deliverance to the captives. . . " (Luke 4:18)
5. Accelerant Poured Around Palin's Church - CR Daily Online
An accelerant was poured around the exterior of Gov. Sarah Palin's church before fire heavily damaged the building, Federal Investigators said Monday. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives said the accelerant was poured at several locations around the church, including entrances. The blaze was set last Friday night at the main entrance of the Wasilla Bible Church while a small group, including two children, were inside. No one was injured. Gov. Palin was not at the church at the time but visited Saturday morning. During her visit to the church, Palin told an assistant pastor she was sorry if the fire was connected to the "undeserved negative attention" the church as received since she became the vice presidential candidate for the Republican Party during the election.
· Praise the Lord that angels must have been watching, alerting those inside of the danger. Pray for the congregants so that no fear enters their hearts, especially the children. Pray that the finances are readily available to repair the church. Ask the Lord to reveal the arsonist so that justice may be served; and pray that he would come to repentance, leading to his salvation. Continue to pray for peace for Gov. Palin and her family.
· "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)
6. Bush Honors Hanukkah, Israel's 60th Birthday - CR Daily Online
President George W. Bush has recognized Hanukkah six days early on Dec.16. At the White House ceremony with Jewish leaders, Bush also paid tribute to the state of Israel's 60th anniversary earlier this year. Hanukkah commemorates the ancient Jews' successful rebellion led by the Maccabee family against suppression of their religion under the Syrian- Greek empire. Bush compared the Maccabees' victory with the founding of modern Israel, which he called "another miraculous victory." After the lighting of the menorah, a Jewish choir performed a medley.
· Praise the Lord for President Bush's recognition of the statehood of Israel and of an important celebration of a miracle in Jewish history - God in action. Pray that the president never again mentions dividing Israel. Pray that the Bible becomes the literal Word of God for George W. Bush. Give glory and thanksgiving to the Lord for His miracles.
· "Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed Thy commandments." (Psalm 119:66)
The Middle East in Focus
The Middle East in Focus This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE: "And the government shall rest upon His shoulder." (Isaiah 9:6)
1. Hamas prepares for anticipated Israeli incursion - World Tribune
Builds thousands of missiles, tunnel network Israel's military has warned that the Hamas regime has prepared to withstand a month-long invasion of the Gaza Strip
2. Netanyahu to meet with Sarkozy in Paris on Thursday - Ynet News
Opposition Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu will leave for Paris on Wednesday and is expected to meet with French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Thursday. Netanyahu's office said that due to the friendly relations between the two, the opposition chairman chose to discuss the Iranian threat and the financial crisis with the French leader.
3. Israeli diplomat: No more talks with Syria at this time - Ha'aretz
Israel and Syria have both told Turkey that they are not currently interested in conducting another round of indirect talks with each other, an Israeli diplomat told Haaretz this week.
4. Israel goes all-out to stop S-300 sale to Iran - Press TV
Israel is reportedly set to send a top security official to Moscow to pressure Russia against the sale of an advanced anti-aircraft system to Iran.
5. IAEA to Syria: Cooperate or Be Punished - Jerusalem Post
The chief US delegate to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned Syria on Saturday that it had until March to begin showing signs of cooperation over its nuclear plan or the country would face punishment. Gregory L. Schulte presented Damascus with the ultimatum ahead of an IAEA meeting scheduled to take place in three months. Schulte told the London-based Arab daily Asharq Alawsat that "Syria must choose whether it plans to follow in Iran's footsteps or to cooperate." Schulte said that according to an American investigation, North Korea had not denied involvement in the construction of the alleged Syrian reactor that was reportedly destroyed by Israel in a September 2007 air strike. If Damascus chooses not to cooperate "there will be a negative reaction and serious questions will be raised," the US envoy cautioned.
· Give thanks to the Lord that the nations have finally taken a stand again Syria and her nuclear plans. Syria thinks that it can hoodwink everyone with her behaviors. Pray that any punishments will be applied with the Lord's wisdom. Syria has been a thorn in the side of Israel for 60 years and an ally with Russia and Iran, while trying to look honest to the West. The people of Syria suffer under corruption and careless leaders.
· "The burden of Damascus : Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap." (Isaiah 17:1)
7. World Leaders Clash on Iran Sanctions - Washington Times
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Tuesday briefed a half-dozen key Arab states on U.S.-led efforts to stem Iran's nuclear program but achieved no new consensus on how to prevent Iran from developing the technology for a nuclear weapon . . .
· Perhaps the world leaders are ignoring Secretary Rice because she represents President Bush while they are waiting for policies from Barack Obama. Pray for a final show of great wisdom from President Bush in these closing days of his administration. The race is not over yet, and he needs our prayers for increased strength. Pray for wisdom for the words of Secretary Rice.
· "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." (1 Corinthians 9: 24)
Prayers for the Persecuted Church
"I tell you with certainty, since you did it for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did it for me." (Matthew 25:40)
1. Somalia: Christian in Kenya Refugee Camp Attacked, Shot A Somali Christian put in a refugee camp police cell here for defending his family against Islamic zealots has been released after Christians helped raise the 20,000 Kenya shilling fine (US$266) that a camp "court" demanded for his conversion dishonoring Islam and its prophet, Muhammad.
2. Pakistan Christian Politician Injured In Attack
A Christian politician in Pakistan's Punjab province was recovering of his injuries Thursday, December 11, after he was apparently nearly killed by Muslim activists, amid growing religious tensions in the region.
3. Nigeria Authorities Detain 500 After Violence Kills Pastors
Some 500 suspects remained detained Thursday, December 11, for their alleged involvement in rioting sparked by Muslim attacks on Christians, that left at least six pastors dead and some 500 others killed. [Source for all reports in this section: Worthy News]
The White House in Transition
1. Obama Rounds Out Environmental Team With Vilsack, Salazar - Fox News
Barack Obama rounded out his environmental team Wednesday, naming former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack as his agriculture secretary and Colorado Sen. Ken Salazar as his interior secretary. The president-elect said his nominees would serve as "guardians of the American landscape," and help invigorate the economy by fostering the creation of green jobs. Also on Tuesday, Obama tapped Chicago schools chief Arne Duncan to be his education secretary, calling Duncan a hands-on and unyielding advocate who would help craft a "new vision" for education in America. Duncan has been in charge of the country's third- largest school district for the past seven years, and has focused on improving struggling schools, closing those that fail and getting better teachers.
· As the president-elect continues to appoint his cabinet, lift up a prayer for each man or woman who is named. Pray that they will be forged quickly into an effective team, ready to carry out the plans of this new president after January 20th.
· "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
2. Obama Eyes Schapiro for SEC, LaHood for Transportion - Fox News
President-elect Barack Obama selected Mary Schapiro to head the Securities and Exchange Commission, FOX News confirms. Schapiro is currently the head of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the largest non-governmental regulator for securities firms doing business with the public. Before that, she served as chairman of the Commodities Futures Trading Commission and six years as a member of the SEC.In addition, llinois Rep. Ray LaHood, a moderate Republican who often criticized President Bush and conservative party leaders, will be nominated by Obama for transportation secretary.· Pray, as above.
3. Bush Prepares Crisis Contingency Briefings for Obama - Fox News
President George W. Bush's administration will brief president-elect Barack Obama and his team on more than a dozen contingency plans in case an international crisis breaks in the days after his inauguration, The New York Times reported Wednesday.The memorandums for the Obama administration cover several crisis scenarios including a North Korean nuclear explosion, a cyberattack on American computer systems, a terrorist strike on a U.S. facilities overseas, or an outbreak of instability in the Middle East, people briefed on them told the newspaper.
Each contingency planning goes beyond what other administrations have done and outlines options Obama can consider, they added."This is very unusual," Roger Cressey, a former Clinton White House counterterrorism official told the Times. "We certainly did not do that. When the transition happened from Clinton to Bush, remember it was a totally different world. You had some documents given that gave them a flavor of where things were at. But now you've got two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and a hot war against Al Qaeda."
· Offer up a chorus of praise for this excellent working relationship between the outgoing administration and the one that will soon be in place. Clearly, President Bush still has the safety and the security of the American people foremost in his mind, even in this season of great transtion. Pray that, as his security team attempts to leave "no stone unturned" in helping the new president in his key role, they will be fully effective in doing so. Praise God!
· "Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord." (Psalm 150:6)
4. Illinois High Court Rejects Challenge to Remove Blagojevich - Fox News
Attorney General Lisa Madigan had argued Blagojevich's legal and political troubles are keeping him from performing his duties. She expressed disappointment over the court's decision. "Because of Gov. Blagojevich's refusal to resign, the state of Illinois is in an unsustainable situation," she said in a statement, adding that the charges against Blagojevich "strike directly at the heart of his decision - making process and seriously impede his ability to legitimately exercise the powers of his office." Madigan said she hopes the state General Assembly, which started impeachment proceedings against Blagojevich this week, moves fast.
· Pray that God's Kingdom government would prevail over the current power structure in the State of Illinois. Its citizens need help.
· "Let his days be few; and let another take his office." (Psalm 109:8)
5. Obama's inaugural choice sparks outrage - CNN
Chooses Evangelical pastor Rick Warren to Deliver Inauguration InvocationProminent liberal groups and gay rights proponents criticized President-elect Barack Obama Wednesday for choosing evangelical pastor Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at the presidential inauguration next month. Warren, one of the most influential religious leaders in the nation, has championed issues such as a reduction of global poverty, human rights abuses and the AIDS epidemic.But the founder of the Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, has also adhered to socially conservative stances -- including his opposition to gay marriage and abortion rights that puts him at odds with many in the Democratic Party, especially the party's most liberal wing. (read more)
· The president-elect certainly has been gifted with unusual political insight. Pray for Rick Warren as he prepares his remarks for the Inauguration. May his words be graced with the truth, the love, and the mercy of our Savior.
· " . . .pray without ceasing . . ." (I Thess. 5:18)
More Revealed in Illinois
The Real Story Behind the Rushed Blagojevich Bust
How the Feds Are Frustrated by Losing (Maybe) Half of Their Case
Conventional wisdom holds that U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald ordered the FBI to arrest Rod Blagojevich before sunrise Tuesday in order to stop a crime from being committed. That would have been the sale of the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.
But the opposite is true: Members of Fitzgerald's team are livid the scheme didn't advance, at least for a little longer, according to some people close to Fitzgerald's office. Why? Because had the plot unfolded, they might have had an opportunity most feds can only dream of: A chance to catch the sale of a Senate seat on tape, including the sellers and the buyers.
On December 4, according to the feds, here's what they heard: Blagojevich told an adviser he was giving "greater consideration" to one pick for the Senate seat, named "Senate Candidate 5″ by the feds, because of that politician's willingness to raise money. That man has since been identified as U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., the Chicago Democrat affectionately known in his hometown as Triple J. Jackson has denied any involvement in such schemes and says he never authorized anyone to deal in such a manner on his behalf. He also said Fitzgerald's office informed him that he's not a target in the investigation.
The next morning, on Friday, Dec. 5, it all came crashing down for the FBI agents underneath the headphones. There appear to have been fears in Fitzgerald's office that those caught on tape might now seek to "undo" other "things." Hours were logged over the weekend. Paperwork was pounded out. And before sunrise Tuesday, Blagojevich and his chief of staff were arrested simultaneously. At that same moment, FBI agents also knocked on the doors of witnesses. These were just a few of the people agents wanted to interview before cell phones started ringing across the city and others who had been caught on tape had a chance to get their stories straight. . . (Read more) [Wall Street Journal]
· Pray that the honest details of this situation will be revealed to authorities and to the public. While Illinois politics has had a reputation of corruption for several decades, obviously this is not the only state that is tainted with corruption. Pray that the Lord continues to clean up American society, for many citizens are apathetic about politics and fail to examine each candidate for office. Pray for the souls of those involved, so they will meet Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
· "For I [the Lord] know your manifest transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate at their right." (Amos 5:12)
