In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The First 100 Days
• Happy News from Israel
• Good News Corner
Greetings!
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The Daily Brief - Friday, February 27, 2009
"The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God." (Isaiah 52:10)
The Daily Brief
1. A. Economy Shrank More Than Expected in Fourth Quarter - Fox News
The Commerce Department report released Friday showed the economy sinking much faster than the 3.8 percent annualized drop for the October-December quarter first estimated by the government last month. The U.S. economy contracted at a staggering 6.2 percent pace at the end of 2008, the worst showing in a quarter-century, as consumers and businesses ratcheted back spending, plunging the country deeper into recession.
B. Stocks end at 12-year lows - CNN
Stocks tumbled Friday on worries about the government taking a bigger chunk of Citigroup and a bleak reading on the economy, again touching 12-year lows. The Dow Jones industrial average (INDU) lost 119 points, or 1.7%. It was the lowest close since May 1, 1997.
- As the economy continues to falter, we pray for wisdom for those in authority in the private sector and in government and who are making decisions that will have long-reaching ramifications. We pray that You will give us this day our daily bread and that we will rely on You alone for that sustenance.
- "Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone." (1 Chronicles 29:12)
2. Perry wants more troops on border - Houston Chronicle
Gov. Rick Perry said Tuesday he has asked Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to send resources and "1,000 more troops" to the border in Texas as violence continues to mount in northern Mexico. When asked to clarify if he was referring to law enforcement or military resources, Perry said, "I really don't care. As along as they are boots on the ground that are properly trained to deal with the border region, I don't care whether they are military troops, or National Guard troops or whether they are customs agents." Perry, who has repeatedly said the federal government has not done its part to the secure the border, also said Tuesday he hoped to get widespread support from the Texas Legislature for a $135 million request for state-led security efforts.
- Lord, we pray for peace and comfort for those who are suffering in Mexico from the violence of the drug cartels. We pray that our leaders will work in concert across state and federal lines in order to keep the peace. We pray for those who may be called to protect their fellow citizens and for the families they will leave at home.
- "Then let your ear be open in heaven, and be the judge of your servants, giving punishment to the wrongdoer, so that his sin may come on his head; and, by your decision, keeping from evil him who has done no wrong." (2 Chronicles 7:23)
3. Dr. James Dobson Steps Down as Focus on the Family Chairman - Focus on the Family.org
Focus on the Family's James C. Dobson, Ph.D., has stepped down as board chairman of the ministry he founded 32 years ago, it was announced today. His wife, National Day of Prayer Chairman Shirley Dobson, has also left the Focus on the Family Board of Directors. They have been elected to the positions of Founder and Chairman Emeritus and Director Emerita, respectively, for the nonprofit ministry they started in 1977. The Dobsons' decision represents the next step in a transition plan begun six years ago, when he stepped down as president in order to lessen his administrative burden. Executive leadership was handed to Don Hodel in 2003, and then to Jim Daly in 2005. Dr. Dobson had been board chairman until today.
- We thank You for the hearts of James and Shirley Dobson as they have dedicated themselves to You and to spreading Your word. We pray for a smooth transition within the Focus on the Family organization. We praise You that the Dobsons' example has been a bright light across our culture and that they have stood strong against those who defy Your values.
- "Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." (Matthew 23:12)
4. Official: U.S. to Boycott UN Racism Conference - Fox News
The Obama administration will not participate in the United Nations controversial conference on racism because of concerns it will be used by Arab nations and others to criticize Israel, a senior U.S. official told FOX News on Friday.
- Glory to You that this nation is standing strong for Israel. Thank You that this administration is recognizing the deceit that accompanies conferences like this one that are only gatherings to attack Israel.
- "We must obey therefore, not only in order to escape punishment, but also for conscience' sake." (Romans 13:5)
5. U.S. Prepared to Shoot Down N. Korean Missile - Fox News
The U.S. military is prepared to shoot down a North Korean missile or rocket if President Obama should give the order, the head of the U.S. Pacific Command said Thursday. "If a missile leaves the launch pad we'll be prepared to respond upon direction of the president," Adm. Timothy Keating told ABC News.
- Lord, we pray for protection for this country and for all others that may be threatened by those who defy common decency and seek to unleash weapons of war on innocents. We lift up those who are charged with being alert and pray for focus and attention for them.
- "For the wrongdoer will have punishment for the wrong he has done, without respect for any man's position." (Colossians 3:25)
6. 'Enemy Combatant' Ali al- Marri Charged for Alleged Role in Terrorist Activities - Fox News
The Justice Department charged "enemy combatant" Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri for his alleged role in terrorist activities, according to a source familiar with the case. A federal grand jury unsealed the indictment Friday, after handing it up a day earlier in a federal court in Illinois.
- We give You praise that You have put into positions of authority members of the judicial system who will stand strong against terrorists. We pray that this indictment will bring some measure of peace to those who have lost loved ones to acts of terror.
- "Hate evil, you who love the LORD, Who preserves the souls of His godly ones; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked." (Psalm 97:10)
7. Police: Man Sets Himself on Fire Outside British Parliament - Fox News
A man apparently set himself on fire outside Britain's Parliament on Friday and he was taken to a hospital with superficial burns, authorities said. There was no immediate word on who the man was or why he would set himself on fire. But it follows two attempts at self-immolation by men who have been reported to be ethnic Tamils based in Britain.
- We are unsure of the reasoning behind this man's actions, but Lord we know that only belief in You will bring a hope in the promise of tomorrow. We pray that Your word will spread throughout the world and people will value the life You have bestowed on this earth.
- "For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies," declares the Lord GOD. "Therefore, repent and live." (Ezekiel 18:32)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"LORD has prepared His throne in the heaven; His kingdom rules over all." (Psalms 103:19)
1. Lieberman: I back creation of Palestinian state - Ynet News
Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman issued a calming message to the US administration this week, ahead of his potential appointment as Israel's next foreign minister in a Likud-led government.
2. Livni set to rebuff Netanyahu's final unity peace plea - Ynet News
Barring a surprise turnaround, Kadima leader Tzipi Livni will put an end to any remaining hopes in the Likud that a national-unity government with Kadima could be formed when she meets with Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu at Tel Aviv's Crowne Plaza Hotel on Friday morning.
3. Report: Money for PA salaries used to rebuild Gaza - Ynet News
Israel recently approved the transfer of NIS 175 million ($41.8 million) in order to pay the salaries of Fatah government workers in Gaza, but Ynet learned Thursday night that about half of the funds were used to compensate residents whose houses were damaged by Israel Defense Forces fire during Operation Cast Lead.
4. Hamas made rockets using RDX explosives, washing machine timers - World Tribune
Hamas has been using a powerful explosive for the production of its Kassam-class, short-range missile.
5. Obama envoy Mitchell meets with Netanyahu - Washington Times
President Obama's Mideast envoy, George Mitchell, met with Israel's Prime Minister-designate, Benjamin Netanyahu, on Thursday as a dozen Palestinian groups began a long-awaited dialogue in the Egyptian capital and laid out a plan to tackle key issues that could reunite Palestinians after 18 months of schism between Gaza and the West Bank.
The First 100 Days
The First 100 Days: DAY 39
"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases." (Proverbs 21:1)
1. Obama Announces Plan to End Iraq Combat Missions by August 2010
President Obama, declaring there is "renewed cause for hope in Iraq," on Friday announced his plan to end combat operations in Iraq by August of next year.
"Let me say this as plainly as I can. By August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end," Obama told Marines at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
2. Canadian Jets Met Russian Bomber Approaching Airspace Ahead of Obama Visit
Canada's defense minister said fighter jets were scrambled to intercept a Russian bomber in the Arctic on the eve of President Obama's visit to Ottawa last week.
Peter MacKay said Friday that the bomber never made it into Canadian airspace. But he said two Canadian CF-18 jets met the bomber in international airspace and sent a "strong signal that they should back off."
3. Report: Gregg Steered Federal Aid to Project Containing Personal Investment
Sen. Judd Gregg has collected at least $240,017 to $651,801 from his investment at a former Air Force base while helping arrange at least $66 million in federal aid for it.
President Obama's former nominee to become commerce secretary, Republican Sen. Judd Gregg, steered taxpayer money to his home state's redevelopment of a former Air Force base even as he and his brother engaged in real estate deals there, an Associated Press investigation found.
4. Chicago Man Arrested for Allegedly Targeting Obama With HIV-Infected Blood
A man from President Obama's hometown of Chicago has been arrested for allegedly sending Obama and his staff envelopes containing HIV-infected blood, in the hopes of killing or harming them. (All articles from Fox News)
Happy News from Israel
ISRAEL ALLOWS EXPORT OF 25,000 CARNATIONS FROM GAZA
For the first time in over a year, Israel, at the request of the Dutch government, will allow the export of 25,000 carnations from Gaza destined for the European market through the Kerem Shalom border crossing. Last year, Holland allocated more than US $90 million for the development of the flower industry in Gaza, Radio Netherlands reported. The flowers will reach the European markets in time for Valentine's Day.
Before the Hamas takeover of Gaza in June 2007, Israel regularly allowed goods produced in the coastal enclave to be exported through the border crossing. However, after the takeover Israel closed all the border crossings in order to put pressure on Hamas's leadership. When Israel left Gaza in 2005, there were hopes in the international community that the greenhouses left behind in the former Israeli settlements would continue to function and produce food and flowers at the hands of its new owners: internal strife and mismanagement caused by the thugs of Hamas soon put a halt to these plans. (Bridges for Peace)
• Praise God for this response by Israel. Pray that the people of Gaza will see it as a positive and thoughtful gesture. Before the greenhouses were destroyed by Hamas and the Israelis "disengaged" from Gaza, European countries, recognizing the superb quality, imported much produce and flowers from Israel. The Israelis, having employed 5,000 Palestinians in the industry, left the greenhouses intact. Pray for work and for salvation of the Palestinians.
• "The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose." (Isaiah 35:1)
Good News Corner
WORTHY IS THE LAMB
"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." (Luke 21:28 KJV)
