In This Issue· The Daily Brief
· The Middle East in Focus
· The Real America - On The Hudson!
· President Bush Gives Farewell Address
· Reclaiming our Country through Prayer
· The U.N., Israel, and Terrorism
Greetings!
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The Daily Brief Friday, Jan. 16, 2009
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD: and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance." (Psalm 33:12)
[Please note: CHPP will publish a special Inaugural Edition of the OCAP on Sunday night, January 18th. All the news for prayer related to the planned inauguration of the next President of the United States will be posted at that time. Thank you!]
The Daily Brief
1. Israel officials to vote on Gaza truce - MSNBC.com
Israel said it was approaching the "endgame" of its three-week offensive against Gaza's Hamas rulers and scheduled a Security Cabinet vote Saturday on a truce proposed by Egypt. Under the cease-fire plan, fighting would stop immediately for 10 days, but Israeli forces would initially remain in Gaza and the border crossings into the territory would remain closed until security arrangements are made to ensure Hamas militants do not rearm.
- Lord, we know that You have a plan for Israel and that it will be increasingly attacked in the coming days and years. We pray for wisdom for the leaders of Israel and for them to turn to You when deciding when to attack and when to refrain from attacks.
- Israel was holiness to the LORD, and the first fruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come on them, said the LORD. (Jeremiah 2:3)
2. Bush Says Decisions in Office Kept America Safe From Attack - Fox News
President Bush, looking back on eight tumultuous years, said Thursday that his decisions in office have kept the country safe from another terrorist attack as he urged the incoming administration to never let down its guard. Delivering his farewell address from the White House, Bush called the approaching inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama a "moment of hope and pride" for the country. He said he is "filled with gratitude" for the opportunity to serve.
- After eight years of leading this nation, we pray for safety for President Bush and for his burden to be lifted as he leaves office. We thank You, Lord, that You put into place a president who led this nation to look to You after the attacks of 9-11 and who modeled prayer for this nation.
- The people that sat in darkness Saw a great light, And to them that sat in the region and shadow of death, To them did light spring up. (Matthew 4:16)
3. Three Terms for Barack Obama - AOL News
With President-elect Barack Obama set to take the oath of office to begin his first term, one New York Congressman wants to make it possible for him to one day serve a third. Representative Jose Serrano (D) has introduced a bill in the House to abolish the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which limits presidents to two consecutive terms or ten years in office.
- As there are precipitous movements to hail Obama as a savior, we pray that there will be caution and discernment so that the course of the new administration will be clear before judgments are drawn. While we are waiting to see what will happen, we will pray for safety and wisdom for those who will be starting in the new administration.
- My message and my preaching were not accompanied by clever, wise words, but by a display of the Spirit's power, so that your faith would not be based on human wisdom but on God's power. (1 Corinthians 2:4-5)
4. Holder Appears Headed toward Confirmation - Citizen Link
The president-elect's choice for attorney general appears headed toward confirmation in the U.S. Senate, thanks to passive Republicans who refused to question him on pro-family issues. Eric Holder faced questioning Thursday before the Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., ranking member. Specter said Holder needed to address issues key to the family like obscenity prosecution and human trafficking. Groups like Focus on the Family even sent questions to committee Republicans. But apparently the Republicans on the committee --- Sens. Specter, Hatch, Grassley, Kyl, Sessions, Graham, Cornyn, Brownback and Coburn --- refused to ask questions on these topics. "It is shameful that pro-family Republicans refused to question Holder on his future enforcement of federal adult-obscenity laws," said Ashley Horne, federal policy analyst at Focus on the Family Action. "Especially when the last three attorneys general have done nothing to enforce the law and help protect families."
- As members of Congress inexplicably stay quiet in hearings, we pray for boldness for those who claim Your name in the House and Senate. We pray that members of Congress will challenge anyone outside Your anointing who is seeking to join the incoming administration, especially those who will have power over the justice system of this country.
- A wise man scales the city of the mighty And brings down the stronghold in which they trust. (Proverbs 21:22)
5. 'We can't pay you yet,' California to tell creditors - CNN
The state, facing a $42 billion deficit, will delay some crucial payments to stay liquid, state Controller John Chiang announced Friday. Among those who will be left waiting for checks are thousands of businesses that provide services and products to the state; more than 1 million aged and disabled Californians who need to pay for rent, utilities or food; and individuals and businesses awaiting tax refunds to the tune of $1.91 billion. The check isn't in the mail, and it's not going to be for at least 30 days, California will start telling some of its creditors in February.
- Lord, we pray to You that government at all levels across the world will pay their obligations and will look toward cutting costs so that there is not a downward spiral into debt.
- Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. (Romans 13:7)
6. Downadup virus exposes millions of PCs to hijack - CNN
A new sleeper virus that could allow hackers to steal financial and personal information has now spread to more than eight million computers in what industry analysts say is one of the most serious infections they have ever seen. Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer at anti-virus firm F-Secure, says while the purpose of the worm is unclear, its unique "phone home" design, linking back to its point of origin, means it can receive further orders to wreak havoc. He said his company had reverse-engineered its program, which they suspected of originating in Ukraine, and is using the call-back mechanism to monitor an exponential infection rate, despite Microsoft's issuing of a patch to fix the bug.
- The threat of attacks are often overlooked as we trust in new technology, but we pray that anyone who is planning on exploiting technology for their own evil means will have their plans brought to light and foiled.
- "O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You." (2 Chronicles 20:12)
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: "I will defend my house against marauding forces. Never again will an oppressor overrun my people, for now I am keeping watch." (Zech. 9:8)
1. Hamas Rejects Ceasefire With Israel - Worthy News
The militant group Hamas has rejected a cease fire with Israel and Iran said the country has no "right to exist," after Israeli forces killed a Hamas minister and struck a United Nations compound in the Gaza Strip.
2. Livni, Rice sign 'memorandum' to stem Gaza arms flow - ICEJ News
On what is effectively her last day in office, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni that provides assurances the US will work to stop the smuggling of arms and long- range rockets into Gaza, a key demand of Jerusalem to reach a "durable" ceasefire with Hamas.
3. Olmert Works on Ceasefire with Egypt, U.S.- ICEJ News
With Hamas and Israel still far apart on Egypt's proposed truce terms this evening, caretaker Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert prefers to go "over Hamas's head" and work out a ceasefire with Egypt and the US, according to Israel TV Channel 10. US diplomats said the hope was that the agreement would satisfy Israeli concerns about reopening the Gaza border crossings and thereby help to end three weeks of fighting that has left some 1,100 Palestinians and thirteen Israelis dead.
4. Turkish PM urges Israel ban at UN - ICEJ News
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan continued his recent verbal assault on Israel on Friday, saying its envoys should be barred from the United Nations while it ignores the body's calls to stop fighting in Gaza.
5. Muslim leaders denounce rise of anti-Semitic attacks in UK - ICEJ News
Anti-Semitic attacks in the UK have risen to unprecedented levels as a result of the IDF's Operation Cast Lead in Gaza, prompting over 20 prominent British Muslim leaders to sign a letter calling on Muslims to help prevent assaults on British Jews and their property. Jewish agencies have reported more than 150 attacks on Jews and Jewish- owned property, including an arson attempt on a London synagogue.
. "We are deeply saddened to hear about anti-Semitic assaults on British Jews. We unreservedly condemn attacks on innocent British citizens and the desecration of all places of worship," the Muslim leaders wrote in a letter which is being circulated to more than 1,200 mosques and Islamic centers around the UK. The letter also addressed the fighting in Gaza, saying, "the ongoing killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza by Israeli forces has angered us all. However, this does not, and cannot, justify attacks on our fellow citizens of Jewish faith and background here in Britain."
· We praise the Lord for this GOOD REPORT tonight out of the UK, and we ask that this call, denouncing anti-Semitism, would spread to other nations in the Islamic world. Praise God!
· "I will bless those who bless you (Israel) and I will curse those who curse you." (Gen. 12:3)
The Real America - On The Hudson!
Yesterday's miracle on the Hudson is a timely reminder of what is still right with America. The 155 people who boarded US Air Flight 1549 at LaGuardia Airport had no idea that in the three minutes after takeoff, they would face the very real possibility of dying in a tragic crash. Instead, all 155 - ranging in age from 85 years to six months - are alive today and our country's spirits are higher for the much needed good news.
A disaster was avoided yesterday largely because of the incredible skills demonstrated by the pilot, Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger, III. Sully is a graduate of the Air Force Academy who flew F-4 fighter jets as an Air Force captain. After geese apparently hit his plane, Sully remained "cool under fire," warned his passengers to prepare and guided his Airbus A 320, weighing 169,000 pounds, into a perfect landing on the Hudson River. If a wing had hit first, experts say the plane would likely have broken apart, but eyewitnesses said the landing was flawless.
The emergency doors were opened and, believe it or not, women and children were allowed off first! Immediately, ferry boats and rescue workers hurried to the scene and began plucking passengers off the wings and out of the Hudson. Sully left the plane last and only after he walked the aircraft twice to make sure everyone else was off.
Heroism! Chivalry! Competence! Cooperation! America still has what it takes, my friends, and we are going to need it all in the challenging days ahead. (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; January 16, 2009)
President Bush Gives Farewell Address
President Bush Delivers Farewell Address to the Nation
"God Bless You And Our Wonderful Country" With those words, President George W. Bush closed his farewell address to the nation last night. It was a poignant speech in which the president spoke of matters of good and evil, war and peace. It is easy to criticize and second guess those in government, and I have had my share of disagreements with some of the president's policies. But, polls aside, I happen to believe history will look favorably upon this Last night, President Bush remarked, "This evening, my thoughts return to the first night I addressed you from this house - September 11, 2001. As the years passed, most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before Nine-Eleven. But I never did. Every morning, I received a briefing on the threats to our Nation. And I vowed to do everything in my power to keep us safe." Before bridges, roads and welfare, securing our safety is the first obligation of government and I believe President Bush fulfilled that vow.
As he has many times in the past eight years, President Bush spoke plainly about the danger still confronting us, warning of our Islamofascist enemy, which "demands total obedience to an oppressive ideology, condemns women to subservience, and marks unbelievers for murder." The president exhorted Americans to "resist complacency," adding, "America must maintain our moral clarity. good and evil are present in this world, and between the two there can be no compromise. Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time, everywhere." A true statement not only of the war we are fighting overseas, but also of our cultural war here at home as we approach the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
Thank you for your service, Mr. President, and may God bless you and your family. (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; January 16, 2009)
Reclaiming our Country through Prayer
Thousands of Christians are joining together to reclaim our country through prayer.Last year, the National Day of Prayer Task Force launched the Adopt-a-Leader campaign to address the feelings of loneliness and isolation many leaders face.As Inauguration Day arrives, it's a great time to renew our commitment to pray for those in authority.
"This campaign is designed to maximize your efforts as you encourage and pray for one of our nation's leaders," said Becky Armstrong, marketing and media manager for the National Day of Prayer Task Force. "Visit the Web site to adopt a local, state or national elected official and wrap them in prayer."
TAKE ACTION
Learn more, adopt a leader and submit a prayer request. Find out more by going here (Source: CitizenLink)
The U.N., Israel, and Terrorism
UN Should Be Investigated For Aiding and Abetting Terrorism
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is demanding an explanation from Israel as to why the UN Headquarters in Gaza was shelled by Israeli artillery. Ban told the AP reporter Ibrahim Barzak, "I conveyed my strong protest and outrage to the defense minister and foreign minister and demanded a full explanation." Barzak, known as a Palestinian propagandist rather than as an unbiased journalist, reported that a UN official speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the press said that the U.N. compound in Gaza had only that morning become a makeshift shelter for hundreds of Gaza City residents seeking sanctuary from relentless Israeli shelling."
In reality, Hamas proved the point Israeli forces have been trying to make to the deaf ears of pro-terrorist, anti-Israel media reporting on the war: that the Palestinians are using civilians as human shields. Knowing full well that war refugees were herding into the UN headquarters, terrorists set up artillery positions and fired anti-tank missiles at Israeli Defense Forces reportedly from near the doorsteps of the UN building. Israeli forces returned fire. The only explanation Ban needs is that it is a war zone and the UN building was being used by terrorists as a propaganda prop to attack Israeli positions--which exposes the point that the UN presence in Gaza is emblematic of the problem, not the solution.
The Israeli Embassy reports each day on the progress of the war. During the week, the Embassy reported that Israeli forces continued to attack terrorist targets: "Among those sites were 55 weapons smuggling tunnels in the southern Gaza Strip, twenty rocket launching sites and twenty-two cells of armed gunmen, some of which were targeted in coordination with ground forces. Hamas continued to use mosques as operational centers in order to strike at Israeli forces. . . A tunnel built to allow terrorists to enter Israel and carry out large scale terror attacks was also discovered. The entrance to that tunnel was located in a house 300 meters from the security fence."
How is it that Palestinian terrorists were allowed to dig tunnels, smuggle arms, launch rockets at Israeli civilians and use Gaza as a base of operations to train for and conduct suicide attacks on Israeli citizens under the watchful eye of the United Nations? The US should demand an investigation of whether the UN is complicit in allowing the terrorists to establish such a base with the UN headquarters among them. It would seem that the UN is a promoter of terrorism by its knowledge and subsequent inaction. 2 Timothy 3:13 says, "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." The UN is an evil deceiver and should be disbanded.
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
