In This Issue· The Daily Brief
· The Middle East in Focus
· The First 100 Days
· DeMint's Sweet Revenge
· Pro-Life Victory
· The Daily Jot
· Ahmadinejad Responds
· Good News Corner
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The Daily Brief Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009
"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases." (Proverbs 21:1)
The Daily Brief
1. House Passes $819B Stimulus Package - AP
President Obama's plan to revive the economy cleared its first hurdle when House members passed their version Wednesday on an $819 billion stimulus package. The Senate, meanwhile, plans to significantly alter the package and raise the price tag.
· As this bill now goes to the Senate, lift up those who would exercise greater Financial wisdom as they debate the final package. Ask the Lord to strengthen The opposition as they stand in the Senate, to make the best decision regarding A stimulus package for all the American people.
· "He will be a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate." (Isaiah 28:6)
2. Senator Warns White House Will 'Create Crisis' and 'Panic' to Push Stimulus - Business and Media Institute
Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., criticizes mainstream media for not reporting loads of pork in proposed legislation. DeMint, speaking Jan. 27 at The Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., explained the Obama administration will "create crisis and widespread panic" just like its predecessor in order to get Congress to act expeditiously."I've been around long enough to know whenever someone tells me I have to make a decision right now, my response is no," DeMint said. "That clears it up right away and I think more and more the Bush administration and now this administration knows that they're not going to get a quick reaction out of Congress unless they create crisis and widespread panic. And that's going to be their M.O. to get Congress to act." Read more.
· Pray that, as the members of the U.S. Senate prepare to begin debate on this massive bailout bill, they take heed to the warning being issued by Senator DeMint. When we feel "pushed," it is Satan; when we feel "led," it is the Spirit of the Lord. May our Senate be graced with the ability to discern this difference!· In a time when massive prudence is what is needed, pray that our leaders would use thrifty measures from the top down, that printing more money and hiking taxes would not be our only options. Father we ask for Your great wisdom to show up in the plans being made to revive our economy.
· I wisdom dwell with prudence . . . (Proverbs 8:12a)
3. Obama "Forcing" Christians To Embrace Homosexuality, Conservatives Warn - Worthy News
Conservative groups have warned that Christian business owners and others who oppose the homosexual life style may soon be forced to embrace homosexuality under new plans announced by U.S. President Barack Obama.
· Ask God to provide ample wisdom for business owners and clergy, and a heart change for President Obama concerning this aspect of the health of our nation. Lord, we cry out for your wisdom and your mercy, that our leaders would not get caught up in the confusion and deception that the enemy plans for the righteous. Teach us again, Lord, to use men like Daniel as an example of what to do when forced to embrace what You clearly do not.
· "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime." (Daniel 6:10)
4. Sarah Palin Unveils National 'SarahPAC' Organization - Newsmax
In a major step closer to a future run for national office, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin on Tuesday established SarahPAC, a political action committee expected to play a key role in financing upcoming political endeavors. "SarahPAC believes the Republican Party is at the threshold of a historic renaissance that will build a better future for all," the SarahPAC.com Web site announced Tuesday. "Health care, education, and reform of government are among our key goals." The site, which invites donations, calls energy independence "a cornerstone of the economic security and progress that every American family wants and deserves."
· Offer praise to the Lord for this new development in our political process. True freedom exists when a government provides platforms in which the voices of all the people can be heard. Pray for protection for Sarah Palin and her family, and ask that many will begin to learn of the existence of this new PAC.
· "A man is not established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous cannot be moved." (Proverbs 12:3)
5. Ahmadinejad Demands Apology for U.S. 'Crimes' - AP
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called for "profound changes" in U.S. foreign policy on Wednesday, including giving up support for Israel, during an address to thousands of people in the western city of Kermanshah.
· Pray that the Iranian President would be stifled and that we handle this bizarre request with prudence and discretion, especially concerning support for our sister nation, Israel. Please intercede concerning our foreign policy, that it would remain intact, keeping the US and Israel in a place of freedom and safety.
· "He who earnestly seeks good finds favor, But trouble will come to him who seeks evil." (Proverbs 11:27)
6. Gitmo Prisoners' Plight Unclear Despite Obama's Plans - Worthy News
The future of hundreds of detainees in the United States prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, remained unclear Wednesday, January 28, despite President Barack Obama's promise to close the controversial facility for terrorism suspects.
· A perfect plan for terrorist suspects to be detained seems to now be spinning out of control and for no good reason. Pray that the Lord would intervene with insight that would cause the President to see the need for much more caution and discernment than what is being displayed concerning the prisoners of Guantanomo and their future whereabouts. Pray that they will not be released at all, much less into a Colorado Prison or any other in our United States.
· "Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully." (Proverbs 28:5)
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: "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:12,13)
1. Bomb Explodes Near Gaza, Threatening Ceasefire - Worthy News
A fragile ceasefire between Israel and the militant group Hamas was threatened Tuesday, January 27, when a bomb exploded on the Israeli side of the Gaza border killing an Israel Defense Force (IDF) soldier and injuring three others, the Israeli army said.
2. IAF hits Hamas smuggling tunnels on Rafah border - ICEJ News
Jihadist cell behind roadside bomb but Israel blames HamasIsraeli aircraft targeted three arms smuggling tunnels on the border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip on Wednesday as part of its response to a roadside bomb attack on an IDF patrol near the Kissufim crossing yesterday.
3. Scathing 'insider' report on UNWRA to hit Obama's desk - ICEJ News
Former counselor says UN agency paying 'terrorists and criminals'The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) employs and provides benefits for terrorists and criminals, a former legal advisor who left the organization asserts in a report that is scheduled to be reviewed by US President Barack Obama and his administration.
4. Israel's Chief Rabbinate breaks ties with Vatican - ICEJ News
The Chief Rabbinate of Israel broke official ties with the Vatican on Tuesday, in protest over the Pope's decision to reverse the excommunication of a Bishop known to deny the Holocaust. The Rabbinate also canceled a March meeting with the Vatican's Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews. "Without a public apology and recanting, it will be difficult to continue the dialogue," Chief Rabbinate Director-General Oded Weiner wrote in a letter written to the commission's chairman, Cardinal Walter Casper.
5. Settlement growth in West Bank booms in 2008 - ICEJ News
A new study by Peace Now released Tuesday, on the eve of a first visit by the Obama administration's special Mideast envoy, concludes that the number of new structures in Jewish settlements in the West Bank shot up by 69% in 2008. The left-wing Israeli NGO reports that 285,800 Jewish settlers were living in Judea and Samaria, also known as the West Bank, in 2008. The report was conspicuously scheduled for release on the same day as the arrival of the new US Middle East envoy George Mitchell, who in his 2001 official report identified settlement construction as one of the reasons for the outbreak of the second Palestinian intifada.
The First 100 Days
The First 100 Days: DAY NINE
Often as a new man is sworn into the office of The President of the United States, the world watches how he performs in his first 100 days. As our new president, like all presidents before him, pursues his own first 100 days in office, please agree with this promise from the Word of God for him.
"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases." (Proverbs 21:1 NIV)
1. Obama to Take First Foreign Trip as President to Canada
President Obama will make his first foreign trip since Inauguration Day to Canada, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Wednesday. Gibbs said Obama will travel to Canada Feb. 19 to meet with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. "Canada is a vitally important ally and the president looks forward to the opportunity to speak with Prime Minister Harper, and visit our neighbor to the north," Gibbs said.
2. Holder Wins Approval From Senate Committee
Eric Holder was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday to be the next attorney general, after Republicans eased their resistance over Holder's past positions on pardons and views on torture. The committee voted 17-2 in favor of Holder, recommending approval to the full Senate.
3. Obama Administration, Vatican Clash Over Abortion
After he ended a ban last week on federal funding to international groups that perform or promote abortions, Obama is taking heat from the Roman Catholic Church, that political powerhouse based overseas. Vatican officials said last weekend that they were disappointed by the president's decision to reverse the so-called Mexico City policy.And abortion isn't the only issue on which the new president may rile the Vatican. His positions on stem cell research, gay rights and faith-based initiatives, too, are generally at odds with the church hierarchy.
4. Geithner Vows Big Changes to $700B Bailout Program
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner says the administration is considering a range of options for how to change the program and that those changes will be announced relatively soon.
DeMint's Sweet Revenge
President Obama may have abolished the Mexico City policy, but one Republican refuses to say die. Sen. Jim DeMint (R-Ga.), a staunch pro-life ally, drafted an amendment this week to override Obama's order and reinstate the ban. FRC was informed that Sen. DeMint plans to offer his counter-amendment in the upcoming SCHIP bill, but he needs your help. Contact your senators today and ask them to protect taxpayers' rights by supporting the amendment. Americans should never be forced to pay for abortions--at home or abroad. For the answer to the question "What Exactly Is the Mexico City Policy?" visit this link to read Tom McClusky's take.
(Family Research Council)
Pro-Life Victory
Pro-Life Victory-President Obama Removes Controversial Contraceptive Element from Economic Stimulus Plan
According to a news release by the Christian Defense Coalition, a significant pro-life/pro-family victory has been won, as the extremely controversial contraceptive section of the current economic stimulus plan has been extracted. The plan had earmarked $200 million to fund contraception and the abortion industry, however, the Obama Administration called for its removal on Tuesday.
Rep. John Boehner questioned the line item's original inclusion in the economic stimulus plan, noting that it was unclear how the "family planning" aspect would have stimulated the economy. Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, of the Christian Defense Coalition, commented on the vital role of those who value life. "It is critical that the pro-life and faith community stand vigilant, strong and passionate . . . And when these kind of bills and legislation come forward, we need to aggressively act and speak to prevent their passage," he said.
(Aimee Herd; Breaking Christian News; Jan. 28, 2009)
The Daily Jot
Economic Stimulus Bill Affords Christians Great Opportunity
Since when is sex, sex education, contraception and abortion regarded as economic stimulus? Is it true that the United States is about to embark on the most socialist journey it has ever attempted and one of the pillars to success is preventing babies from being born while encouraging sex and normalization of deviant sexual behavior? One need look no further than the latest so-called economic stimulus legislation concocted by the Congress in conjunction with the White House. And the answer is "YES." From remarks by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the White House, it appears that the new Congress and Administration support reducing the American population as a method of economic salvation.
Pelosi, on ABC's "This Week" program with George Stephanopoulos, justified over 10 percent of the near trillion dollar economic stimulus program going toward "family planning" initiatives. saying, ". . . the contraception, will reduce costs to the states and to the federal government." But after negative public outcry from the interview, ABC Newsman Teddy Davis reported that the man who occupies the Oval Office called California Democratic Congressman Henry Waxman and instructed him to take out the $87 billion, the majority of which would have ended up in Planned Parenthood's abortion coffers. But the President, Davis reports, still favors the increase in family planning, which will show up in another bill.
Meantime, it has been revealed by the Drudge Report that $335 million is in the economic stimulus bill for sexually transmitted disease education through the Center for Disease Control. Drudge reports that "In the past, the CDC has used this STD education funding for programs that many Members of Congress find objectionable and arguably unrelated to a mission of economic stimulus (such as funding events called "Booty Call" and "Great Sex" put on by an organization that received $698,000 in government funds.)" Indiana Republican Congressman Mike Pence said the bill is a "disservice to millions of Americans who want to see this Congress to take immediate action to get this economy moving again."
Already there have been tens of billions of dollars pointed out in the legislation that have nothing to do with stimulating the economy, but lots to do with building a permanent infrastructure for sin issues such as abortion and politically correct sex education- code for the homosexual agenda. To most Christians this is abhorrent. But it was a nation that describes itself as over 80% Christian that voted for this very Congress and Administration, with full disclosure of their agenda. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." When the world around us is getting darker, our light can shine brighter. Let's make the most of this opportunity.
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Ahmadinejad Responds
Yesterday I reported to you that President Barack Obama granted a television interview to the Arab language network Al-Arabiya. In that interview, he apologized to the Muslim world and promised a different foreign policy approach, "because all too often the United States starts by dictating." How was President Obama's conciliatory statement received? Iran's Holocaust-denying president responded by upping the ante.
Sensing weakness from America's new president, Ahmadinejad declared, "Those who speak of change must apologize to the Iranian people and try to repair their past bad acts and crimes they committed against Iran." He went on to demand that we put an end to the U.S. military presence in the world, withdraw our troops and "stop supporting the Zionists." In other words, nothing but America's retreat and selling out Israel will satisfy Iran's little Hitler.
(Gary Bauer; End of Day; Jan. 28, 2009)
Good News Corner
Court says Christian School Can Expel Lesbians
An appeals court in California ruled this week in favor of a Christian school in an anti-discrimination case. In September 2005, California Lutheran High School in Wildomar expelled two girls after they admitted to the school principal that they had told other students they were lesbians, and that they had engaged in lesbian conduct with each other -- in direct violation of the school's code of conduct. The girls' parents then filed a lawsuit, claiming discrimination against their daughters.
Christian Legal Society attorney Tim Tracey is handling the case.
A lower court and now the 4th District Court of Appeal in Riverside have ruled in favor of the school. It remains unclear whether this latest ruling will be appealed to the California Supreme Court, a body that has ruled in favor of special rights for homosexuals the past several years. That concerns Tracey.
"When the question before it is gay rights versus religious freedom, the California Supreme Court said 'we go with gay rights,'" says Tracey. "And this is obviously a case that I can see the California Supreme Court being very eager to take and to rule on."The case is Doe v. California Lutheran High School Association. (One News Now)
· Pray that, if this case IS appealed to a higher court, that this decision will hold.
· "Ask, and it shall be given you . . ." (Luke 11:9a)
