In This Issue· The Daily Brief
· The Middle East in Focus
· The First 100 Days
· Just Say "No!"
· Pot... Meet Kettle
· Super Bowl Update
· The World in Turmoil
· Good News Corner
Greetings!
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The Daily Brief Friday, Jan. 30, 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. Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Becomes First Black RNC Chairman - AP
The Republican Party chose the first black national chairman in its history Friday, just shy of three months after the nation elected a Democrat as the first African- American president. The choice marked no less than "the dawn of a new party," declared the new GOP chairman, former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele.
· Lord, we praise You that there has been the election of a new leader for the Republican party and that any racial barriers that had stood in this nation are falling. We pray for wisdom for all the government and party leaders that they will choose wisely and will look to You for guidance.
· Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. (Exodus 18:21)
2. Senate Republicans May Use Filibuster to Block Stimulus - AP
Republican senators who oppose the $819 billion economic stimulus plan passed in the House Wednesday declined to say whether they personally would lead a filibuster to try to stop the legislation in the Senate. But they said a filibuster is an option and they are developing a strategy to stop the bill.
· We are blessed to live in a land where dissent is allowed and not attacked. We thank You that the people are free to react to government and that all sides are able to register discontent. We pray that the leaders will be sensitive to Your leading and that Congressmen and women are re-considering the future effect of financial spending.
· That the leaders led in Israel, That the people volunteered, Bless the LORD! (Judges 5:2)
3. Feds allege plot to destroy Fannie Mae data - AP
A fired Fannie Mae contract worker pleaded not guilty Friday to a federal charge he planted a virus designed to destroy all the data on the mortgage giant's 4,000 computer servers nationwide. Had the virus been released as planned on Saturday, the Justice Department said the disruption could have cost millions of dollars and shut down operations for a week at Fannie Mae, the largest U.S. mortgage finance company. Rajendrasinh B. Makwana, 35, of Glen Allen, Va., pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court in Baltimore to one count of computer intrusion, the U.S. attorney's office said.
· Lord, You have provided protection from threats that we did not even know were possible. May those who intercepted this plan be blessed and we pray that all in law enforcement will be focused and that You will give them strength for their continued vigilance.
· 'Vengeance is Mine, and retribution, In due time their foot will slip; For the day of their calamity is near, And the impending things are hastening upon them.' (Deuteronomy 32:35)
4. FBI Cuts Ties With Islamic Group - AP
The FBI is severing its once-close ties with the nation's largest Muslim advocacy group, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, amid mounting evidence that it has links to a support network for Hamas. All local chapters of CAIR have been shunned in the wake of a 15-year FBI investigation that culminated with the conviction in December of Hamas fundraisers at a trial where CAIR itself was listed as an unindicted co-conspirator. The U.S. government has designated Hamas as a terrorist organization.
· You have been faithful to bring to light all manners of improper and evil behavior in the last few months and we praise You for Your continued grace in exposing those who are wrong-doers. May the government be sensitive to the true motives of those posing as benefactors and may their access and funds be cut off.
· "Whoever will not observe the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed upon him strictly, whether for death or for banishment or for confiscation of goods or for imprisonment." (Ezra 7:26)
5. Obama, Chief Justice Roberts Prepare to Face Off on Judicial Cases - AP
The ideological differences between the president and Chief Justice Roberts are certain to throw them on opposite sides of the courtroom this year on cases covering national security and affirmative action. (Read more)
· Both the president and the chief justice have been educated and been given many rewards. Lord, we pray that they will prove themselves worthy and will make decisions that are God-honoring and beneficial to all the citizens. May they act out of Godly wisdom and not earthly wisdom.
· From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more. (Luke 12:48)
6. US denies drafting letter to Iran - Ynet News
Obama administration officials responded scornfully Thursday to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's recent demand for a change in the US policy in the Middle East, and dismissed a British report that the administration was drafting a letter to the Iranian authorities. White House Spokesman Robert Gibbs, who was asked during his daily press briefing about a letter allegedly sent to US President Barak Obama by the Iranian leader, said that "neither the president nor the secretary of state has seen such a letter that I think was reported in an overseas newspaper, so I think that sort of closes the book on that."
· We rejoice if the present administration is going to stand strong against the hate coming out of the Iranian leadership. We pray that there is going to be a thoughtful and prayerful consideration in the administration and the State Department before they negotiate with Iran.
· And he spoke to the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of their's, lest you be consumed in all their sins. (Numbers 16:26)
7. Alaskans Brace for Redoubt Volcano Eruption - Fox News
Monitoring earthquakes underneath the 10,200-foot Redoubt Volcano about 100 miles southwest of Anchorage, scientists from the Alaska Volcano Observatory warned that an eruption was imminent, sending experienced Alaskans shopping for protection against a dusty shower of volcanic ash that could descend upon south central Alaska. An August eruption dumped significant ash on Anchorage and a September blow sent ash about 40 miles north of Anchorage to Wasilla.
· The power that You display through the earth is amazing to us and we praise You that there has been warning ahead of any volcanic eruption. We pray that the residents of Alaska will move out of harm's way and those who remain will be careful to protect themselves from any coming danger. We continue to pray to You for mercy even as You show manifestations of the disturbances both physical and spiritual in these Last Days.
· Then the earth shook and quaked, The foundations of heaven were trembling And were shaken, because He was angry. (2 Samuel 22:8)
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. Livni distances herself from offer to divide Jerusalem - ICEJ News
Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni suffered a substantial blow to her chances of becoming Israel's next prime minister in the February 10 national elections after her role in concessions allegedly made to the Palestinians were made public on Thursday. According to a flurry of reports spawned by the Hebrew daily Yedioth Aharonot, outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert recently told US envoy George Mitchell that he and Livni had previously agreed to divide Jerusalem, maintain only large settlement blocs in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), and uproot 60,000 Jews from their homes. "Livni simply gave up Jerusalem," responded Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu, currently the frontrunner in the race for the premiership. "I will not keep Olmert's commitments to withdraw and I won't evacuate settlements, Netanyahu declared
2. Claims that IDF shelled UNRWA school exposed as false - ICEJ News
UN official in Gaza blames Israel for 'confusion'A journalist's investigation has exposed as false one of the most inflammatory reports to come out of the recent Israeli offensive against Hamas terrorism in Gaza - that IDF forces had shelled a UN-run school, killing 43 of the civilians who had sought refuge there.
3. 'Iran and Syria trying to replace PLO' - ICEJ News
The Palestinian Authority on Thursday accused Iran and Syria of encouraging Hamas and other radical groups to establish a new leadership that would challenge the PLO's claim to being the "sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people." The PA fears that the potential new leadership, which would be headed by Hamas chief Khaled Mashaal, would be recognized by several Arab/Islamic governments that are unhappy with Palestinian Authority head Mahmoud Abbas, whose tenure as president has now officially expired.
4. Castro lashes out at Obama for supporting 'Palestinian genocide' - ICEJ News
Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro lambasted US President Barack Obama on Thursday for his support of Israel's defensive actions against Palestinian militants. "It is the way our friend Obama has fallen into sharing Israel's genocide against Palestinians," Castro wrote in an essay titled "Deciphering the thought of the new U.S. president." The American backing of Israel demonstrated "the abusive character of the empire's power," he wrote. Castro's latest tirade came one week after he called Obama "intelligent and noble," praising the new president for the "sincerity of his words" and as a "living symbol of the American dream." The 82-year old former head of state relinquished power to his brother Raul after undergoing abdominal surgery 2 years ago and has not been seen in public since. The timing of the letter's release raises questions as to the role the communist dictator maintains in policy making.
5. Obama White House: All options on table to stop Iran's nukes - ICEJ News
US President Barack Obama's administration signaled on Thursday that Washington reserved all its options, ranging from diplomacy to military action, to pressure Iran over its nuclear program.
"We must use all elements of our national power to protect our interests as it relates to Iran. That includes, as the president talked about in the campaign, diplomacy where possible," Obama's spokesman, Robert Gibbs, said. "We have many issues to work through - an illicit nuclear program, the sponsorship of terrorism, and the threatening of peace in Israel are just a few of the issues that this president believes the Iranian leadership must address," Gibbs said. Asked whether Obama's view was that the military option remained on the table, he said, "The president hasn't changed his viewpoint that he should preserve all his options." The White House also denied a report published this week in a British paper that the new Administration was drafting a conciliatory letter to Iranian leaders to help thaw relations.
The First 100 Days
The First 100 Days: DAY ELEVEN
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 Discusses Trade Imbalances With Chinese President
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs says Obama called Chinese President Hu Jintao to address trade imbalances.
2. Obama May Sign Children's Heatlhcare Bill Next Week
President Obama called the bill "a down payment on my commitment to ensure that every American has access to quality, affordable health care."
3. Obama Reverses Bush Orders on Labor, Touts Middle-Class Task Force
President Obama signed a series of executive orders Friday that he said should "level the playing field" for labor unions in struggles with management. Obama also used the occasion at the White House to formally announce a new White House task force on the problems of middle-class Americans, and installed Vice President Joe Biden as its chairman.
4. Russia Makes Nice With Obama Over Missile Defense
Russia has backed down from its threat to deploy short-range missiles near bordering NATO countries if the United States were to build a missile defense shield in Eastern Europe. That has raised questions about whether Obama has scuttled plans to build the shield and whether his administration has spoken to Russian officials about reversing the Bush policy. (Read more)
5. Obama Administration Approves $20 Million for Gaza Relief
The Obama administration on Friday made an emergency contribution of more than $20 million for urgent relief efforts in the Gaza Strip, a day after the United Nations launched a flash appeal for $613 million to help Palestinians recover from Israel's three- week military operation there.
6. Lawmakers Campaign Against Gitmo Detainees in Their BackyardColorado officials are the latest to protest the possibility of Guantanamo detainees being sent to a maximum-security prison in their state. (Read more) (Source for all articles in this section is Fox News.)
Just Say "No!"
That's the message we're hoping our friends in New Hampshire will give to Senator Judd Gregg. Various media reports indicate that Senator Gregg is being considered by the Obama White House to be Secretary of Commerce. It would be a win-win for President Obama, but a devastating setback for the country. President Obama would get a smart, pro-business individual at Commerce at a time when we need more business-friendly voices in government. He would also get a lot of plaudits from the pundits in Big Media for bi-partisanship, adding another Republican to his Cabinet.
But here's the kicker: The governor of New Hampshire is a Republican. Assuming Al Franken ultimately prevails in Minnesota, then Democrat Gov. John Lynch, in replacing Judd Gregg, would appoint the 60th Democrat senator to the United States Senate. That would give Senate Democrats a filibuster-proof majority to ram through the worst of Obama's radical, socialist agenda. If asked, I hope Senator Gregg will just say, "No." If he did accept the offer, not only would it be a major betrayal of his party just as the GOP is finding its voice, but, far worse, he would be committing America's future to the tender mercies of Senate liberals like Harry Reid, Ted Kennedy and Barbara Boxer.
If you live in New Hampshire, please call Senator Gregg's office today at (202) 224-3324. Encourage him to remain in the Senate, where his voice of reason on fiscal issues is most urgently needed. Tell him to "Just say No" to any White House offers to leave the Senate. (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; Jan. 30, 2009)
Pot . . . Meet Kettle
Wall Street executives are doing an admirable job of proving those who opposed their bailout were right. Yesterday, news surfaced that the same businesses who begged for taxpayer funds are back to their old ways, celebrating the government's $700 billion investment with new corporate jets and office makeovers for their financial fat cats. President Obama, one of many who insisted that Washington right the Wall Street ship, seems to be experiencing buyers' remorse. In a press conference, he lashed out at the banking district. Some of the largest companies approved $18.4 billion in employee bonuses, while Citigroup tried to buy a new $50 million company plane, and one Merrill Lynch executive spent over $100,000 on a new rug and toilet for his office. "That is the height of irresponsibility," Obama said. "It is shameful. And part of what we're going to need is for folks on Wall Street who are asking for help to show some restraint and show some discipline and show some responsibility."
Unfortunately, this is what comes of Washington meddling in a market where government has no place. Now President Obama is asking Wall Street to live up to standards that even Congress does not. Take a look at the latest stimulus plan. Where is the "restraint" and "discipline" there? This morning, Americans awoke to the news that their hard-earned tax dollars--in addition to padding the wallets of Hollywood, porn-abusing science foundations, congressional family members, and voting frauds-- will also include a $198 million payment to Filipino veterans of World War II, two-thirds of whom don't even live in America! Obama's tirade against Wall Street could just as easily been directed at himself. The President and Democratic leadership have a pattern of rewarding America's biggest ethical offenders with federal money. Since 1987, his party has helped Planned Parenthood rake in more than $3.2 billion taxpayer dollars. Now, the President's reversal of the Mexico City policy and his promotion of "family planning" programs will ensure that they get millions more. (Family Research Council; Tony Perkins Update; Jan. 30, 2009; excerpt)
Super Bowl Cries Foul at Pro-Life Ad
The Washington Times is reporting today that NBC, in a disturbing show of censorship, has nixed a powerful pro-life ad slated to air on Super Bowl Sunday. The commercial, called "Imagine Spot 1," was created by a Catholic group called Fidelis to drive home the potential of human life. After its run on Black Entertainment Television (BET), the spot is approaching a million YouTube hits. NBC justified the slight by saying that the ad was too political in nature. In reality, these 41 seconds do more to inspire than the hundreds of other Super Bowl ads that use sex and alcohol to wow viewers. It's ironic that producers pull out the rule book when they want to police traditional values, but when their stars do something really out-of-bounds the networks swallow their whistle. If you'd like to complain about the double standard, contact NBC's comment line directly at 212- 664-2333. (Family Research Council)
The World in Turmoil
The World in Turmoil And Preparing For The Prophetic Days Ahead
No matter what news site you look at, or what paper you read, or what news program you watch or listen to, you are constantly bombarded with bad news about the economy. The World Economic Forum being held in Davos became confrontational as union leaders said they had no confidence in the way corporate management was handling the financial crisis, and they predicted civil unrest to spread throughout the world. The government of Iceland collapsed under financial pressure. In the United States, layoffs by the tens of thousands are running unemployment rates to record numbers at almost five million. People are angry about the situation and fearful about their futures.
It is the perfect storm for the one world order. The world economy, if there is such a thing, is teetering on the fulcrum of a defining moment. On one side is economic freedom, or capitalism, characterized by free markets. On the other side is socialism, a step toward communism, managed economies characterized by government ownership, intervention and bureaucracy. It is the time in history where the world powers believe they can institute a worldwide managed economy that can lead to the socialist utopia dreamed of by such revolutionaries as Georg Hegel, Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin. It is the ultimate opportunity to use mass fear to deprive mankind of liberty with man's active consent.
We may be witnessing the end time structure discussed in the prophetic books of the Bible where an international economic system is being formed. While it has been attempted in past history, the technology, the ability to travel the world in a day, and communicate instantly has never before linked together governments, businesses and people as in this present day. And worldwide, one would be hard pressed to find a time in history since the Roman Empire when Christians and Jews alike have been so vilified as they are in this day and age. Structures of power may soon be put in place that will require compliance with government regulations and policies in order to work, have housing and food.
It is time to be prepared, not fearful, for the events ahead of us. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." And he writes in Romans 13:9, 10, ". . .and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou Shalt Love Thy Neighbor As Thyself." Verses 13 and 14 advise: "Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put you on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof." We need to stick together and be about the Lord's work in the days ahead.
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Good News Corner
In Muskegon, Michigan: Mr. B's Pancake House staff works for free to help boss Posted by Susan Harrison Wolffis The Muskegon Chronicle January 26, 2009
In a world yearning for good news, meet Mary VanDam who decided to help out her boss during tough economic times by working a Sunday shift for free. Then, just to put icing on the cake, she convinced her fellow employees at Mr. B's Pancake House to do the same.
A week ago, 17 restaurant employees -- servers, cooks, busboys, dishwashers, cashiers and hostesses -- worked exclusively for tips, so owner Dave Barham could trim the payroll. "Isn't that something?" he asked.
When the last customer left on what employees dubbed "Donate A Day," they'd saved the boss about $700 in wages. The restaurant employs 31 people. "We wish we could have saved him $5,000," VanDam said. "We wanted to give back to him, lighten the load a little."
Not that Barham is crying poor, but "It's tight for everyone all over," he said. On more than one occasion, VanDam reported, Barham has reached into his own pockets to meet the restaurant's payroll. Barham, 49, works full-time as a sales associate in Muskegon for Aflac (American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus). In 2006, Barham opened Mr. B's at 1437 Whitehall Road. The restaurant is the "successor" to two restaurants -- Mr. B's Pancake House and Mr. B's Too -- owned in the 1980s and 1990s by Barham's parents, Bill and Betty Barham.
The employees didn't go home empty-handed Sunday. Their customers pitched in with a generosity all their own, leaving $800 in tips, which the 17 employees divvied up equally. Each received $51 for working the 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift. A grateful Barham jokingly told VanDam she should add the phrase "Stop in for good news" to the sign out front of the pancake house. "This proves there still are good things that happen, and people need to know about it," Barham said.
[Read more, and enjoy the photos, too, by going here.] We want to thank one of our prayer partners, Babs C. from Muskegon, Michigan, for sending in today's Good News report. We invite all of you to start scouting for "good news" where YOU live, too!
