In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The First 100 Days
• Another Obama Appointment is Questioned
• Culture Of Corruption
• Senate Confirms David Ogden
• A New Revolution, If You Will
• US, Israel Disagree on Iranian Nuclear Program
• Good News Corner
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The Daily Brief - Friday, March 13, 2009
"For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills." (Psalm 50:10)
The Daily Brief
1. Bulls make it 4 for 4 - CNN
Wall Street now on its best run since November after a seesaw session. Wall Street rallied at the end of a choppy session Friday as investors pushed the stock market's gains to four days in a row - its best stretch since late November.
- Lord, thank You that there has been a gain this week in the stock market. Let us remember to praise You for all good things and to loosen our grip on our earthly treasures so we can reach for heavenly ones.
- "Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name; Bring an offering and come into His courts." (Psalm 96:8)
2. NAACP says bank giants steered blacks to bad loans - Fox News
The NAACP is accusing Wells Fargo and HSBC of forcing blacks into subprime mortgages while whites with identical qualifications got lower rates. Class-action lawsuits were to be filed against the banks Friday in federal court in Los Angeles, Austin Tighe, co-lead counsel for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, told The Associated Press.
- There are people who may try to exploit people hurt in the mortgage crisis and we pray that You will stop them. May everyone accept his own responsibility for events and may those who exploited the weak be brought to justice.
- "And in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep." (2 Peter 2:3)
3. What's In a Number? That Depends on How You Define 'Homeless' - Fox News
A well publicized report this week that an estimated 1.5 million American children experienced homelessness in 2005-06 did not use the federal definition of homelessness. Instead, it used a different definition that grossly inflated the actual number. The report - released Tuesday by the National Center on Family Homelessness and reported by numerous news organizations, including FOXNews.com - estimated that one out of every 50 children in America experienced "homelessness" during that two-year span. But rather than using the definition of homelessness established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Massachusetts-based organization used a standard adopted by the Department of Education that includes children who are "doubled up," or children who share housing with other persons due to economic hardship or similar reason. The difference? About 1,170,000 children.
- Lord, we cannot understand why groups will change numbers in order to make the economic situation look worse than it is. Please help us to recognize those who need help and may our churches and individual Christians step up to support those in need.
- "Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute." (Psalm 82:3)
4. ACLU Urges California District to Let Kids Leave School for Medical Treatment Without Parental Consent - Fox News
The ACLU is threatening to sue a California school district after it changed a policy to require teenagers get parental consent to leave campus for confidential medical services. The Vista Unified School District board voted unanimously Thursday to change its existing policy that allowed students to be excused for confidential appointments - including abortions - without notifying parents, according to the North County Times.
- Thank You Lord for this school district that is protection its children and we pray that any forces that come up against it will be defeated in the courts. We pray support for judges who will hear cases like this and who will stand strong for life.
- "For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness." (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12)
5. Steele faces more fallout over abortion comments - CNN
A chorus of leading conservatives continued to criticize GOP chairman Michael Steele Thursday over the Republican leader's comments on abortion in an interview with GQ magazine. Meanwhile Lou Engle, founder of TheCall and a leading pro-life, pro-family voice, called Steele's comments "extremely disappointing." "It can never be a 'choice' for an individual to take a life," said Engle. "Life is the first right granted in our nation's Declaration of Independence. The Chairman would do well to study that and other documents and recommit himself to the pro-life principles espoused by his party." Other high-profile conservatives who have expressed criticism over the comments include Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, anti-abortion activist Jill Stanek, and Americans United for Life and Action CEO Charmaine Yoest.
- Lord, we pray that all politicians will be awakened to the need for the protection of innocents. We praise You for those who are standing strong for life and who confront any softening in pro-life positions so that the tragedy of abortion can be ended.
- "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised." (Hebrews 10:36)
6. Japan Warns It May Shoot Down N. Korean Rocket - AP
Japan strongly protested North Korea's planned rocket launch, warning Friday it could shoot it down after the North said it would fly over Japan and designated a "danger" zone off the country's coast.
- We pray for covering for any nations that may be threatened by North Korea or other nations under dictatorships. We pray that these aggressors' technologies will fail and will embarrass them instead of strengthening them.
- "He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark." (Psalm 91:4)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Thus says the Lord GOD; I am not doing this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for My holy name's sake, which you profaned among the gentiles, where you went. And I will sanctify My great name . . . and the gentiles shall know that I am LORD, says the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you [Israel] before their eyes." (Ezekiel 36:22-33)
1. IDF chief to Washington for talks on Iranian threat - ICEJ News
IDF Chief-of-Staff Gabi Ashkenazi flew to Washington on Thursday for an official visit in which he is expected to consult with US military leaders primarily on Iran's efforts to develop nuclear weapons.
2. Palestinian 'unity' talks in Cairo near collapse - ICEJ News
Negotiations between rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas in Cairo over the formation of a "national unity" government are on the verge of failure as both sides announced Thursday evening that they are having trouble coming to agreement on key points, and neither side is ready to give ground. A senior Fatah official told reporters that although there are several problems, including disagreements over the timing of elections and the reorganization of the Palestinian security forces, the main point of contention concerned the makeup and political program of the proposed Palestinian Authority cabinet.
3. JNF looking to revive plan to import water from Turkey - ICEJ News
- The Jewish National Fund informed the national emergency committee investigating Israel's acute water crisis on Thursday that they planned to invest $100 million in water projects over the next several years, including the possibility of importing water from Turkey. JNF head Russell Robinson told the committee that his organization was in talks with both the Israeli and Turkish governments, and with private Israeli entrepreneurs about reviving the idea, which had been all but discarded in recent years.
The First 100 Days
DAY 53
"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases." (Proverbs 21:1)
1. Barbara Bush Released From Hospital After Heart Surgery
Former first lady Barbara Bush has been released from a Houston hospital nine days after heart surgery.
Doctors at The Methodist Hospital discharged the 83-year-old former first lady Friday after her aortic valve was replaced on March 4. A hospital statement said she left with her husband, former President George H.W. Bush.
• Offer praise to the Lord for this good report!
2. South Carolina Governor's Rejection of Stimulus Cash Stirs Criticism
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford has been the leading voice among Republican governors who have criticized President Obama's $787 billion economic stimulus plan as a pork-laden boondoggle that will plunge the country further into debt. It's won him praise from many conservatives and boosted his national profile, fueling speculation he will run for president in 2012.
But the governor's announcement this week that he may reject nearly a quarter of the money headed to South Carolina has stirred criticism in the state and elsewhere that he has placed his own political future ahead of the needs of the state's most vulnerable citizens.
3. Everyman Obama Courts Socialites
While publicly identifying with the nation's have-nots, the Obama administration has been cultivating the Beltway social elite behind the scenes.
Earlier this year, the Obama administration invited top editors of three of Washington's local luxury lifestyle magazines Capitol File, DC magazine and Washington Life to a meeting where they discussed, among other things, how President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama can embrace Washington's glittery social sceen
4. Report Finds Gaps in Passport Security
The Government Accountability Office finds fake documents still pass as the real thing, despite efforts to boost security.
5. Rep. Waters Fires Back at News Reports on Bailout Controversy
Rep. Maxine Waters fired back at a New York Times report that revealed she helped steer millions of dollars in bailout funds to a minority-owned bank on whose board her husband served.
(All articles from Fox News)
Another Obama Appointment is Questioned
President Obama has appointed Tony West to be director of the Justice Department's Civil Division. This office handles sensitive issues such as immigration and national security. While he's got some experience on national security issues, I suspect it is not what you are hoping for.
West served in the Clinton Justice Department under Janet Reno and Jamie Gorelick. For those who may not recall, Gorelick was responsible for a number of decisions during the Clinton era that made it much more difficult for our government to investigate terrorism. Many believe her actions prevented U.S. agents from stopping 9/11. It's not immediately clear from press reports what role, if any, West had in those decisions, but his actions post-9/11 are revealing.
He represented an AT&T employee who had exposed the Bush Administration's terrorist surveillance program and also represented "American Taliban" John Walker Lindh. After converting to Islam, Lindh traveled to Afghanistan to wage jihad against the pro- American Northern Alliance forces in the summer of 2001. After 9/11, Lindh remained in Afghanistan and continued to fight with the Taliban and Al Qaeda.
Perhaps West was merely doing his job as an attorney representing his client, no matter how despicable. Perhaps. The fact that his wife is a former director of the ACLU of Northern California probably tells us a lot about his views on a host of issues.
And the fact that Barack Obama would nominate individuals with these backgrounds for sensitive positions in the Justice Department tells us a lot about his values and the radical agenda he expects our government to enforce. (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; 3/13/09)
Culture Of Corruption
Two more Obama appointees may be in trouble according to various news reports. Obama's "Urban Czar," Adolfo Carrion, is under investigation for work performed at his home by a developer who had received government contracts that Carrion had approved as the Bronx borough president two years ago. If I'm not mistaken, former Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) was just convicted for something similar.
Late yesterday news broke of an FBI raid on government offices in the District of Columbia. Two officials were arrested on bribery and money laundering charges. Just last week, President Obama named Vivek Kundra, the former director of the D.C. bureaucracy raided by the FBI, as the new Federal Chief Technology Office. While reportedly not a target of the investigation, Kundra has taken a leave of absence from the White House after just a few days on the job.
There were also reports yesterday that California Rep. Maxine Waters, a leftist Democrat and senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, "steered millions of dollars in bailout funds to a bank on whose board her husband served." Her husband also owned at least $250,000 in bank stock. The bank got TARP funds in December, despite being "sanctioned" by the FDIC in October for "unsafe or unsound banking practices." (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; 3/13/09)
Senate Confirms David Ogden
Despite what Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Penn.) called "an unprecedented" number of calls and emails, the Senate moved to confirm the porn industry's good friend and ally David Ogden to the number two post at the Justice Department by a 65-28 vote. Only one Democrat, Sen. Bob Casey (Penn.), opposed the nomination. Almost a dozen Republicans defied constituents and backed Ogden, including senators like John McCain who voted for Ogden despite the fact that the Arizona leader is the chief sponsor of the Children's Internet Protect Act, which Ogden fought. Though some in the GOP argued that attorneys don't always agree with their clients, these clients (like Playboy and Penthouse) were ones Ogden personally chose. (Family Research Council)
• Presidents have been known to also RELEASE or DISMISS certain cabinet members in days past, as they have learned more about each one's character. Pray that the LORD would move upon the heart of our "king" to DISMISS Mr. Ogden now, even though he has been confirmed by the Senate. This man can only bring wicked counsel to the "king" -- counsel he does not need as a President who is still on a learning curve.
• ". . . remove the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness." (Proverbs 25:5)
A New Revolution, If You Will
Many Christians are asking me what to do in this time of political, moral and economic confusion. I think for one, we have to divorce somewhat (not entirely) the political from the spiritual. We, as conservative Christians, have had our identities tied for so long to the political that we are having a difficult time making sense of seeing all that is political that we have worked so hard for over the past 30 years going down the drain. So I think we must individually and as a group refocus. The concept that we must be political should be shifted a bit. We are trying to influence the "political" system, and well we should, but perhaps that is not the central strategy for changing the current environment.
Certainly, in the times of Jesus, there were similar political issues--in fact, one of the 12 laws of Rome was that children who were "deformed" were to be put to death--this resulted in many newborn babies being "exposed" to their death because they were in reality unwanted. How evil is that? But historians write that it was the Christian movement that led to the end of this brutal practice-they didn't have political power, but rather spiritual power through their example. We have been trying to force change politically through might. We are seeing, however, that even those we thought were strong voices for righteousness on Capitol Hill are unable to withstand this spiritual principality that has engulfed them.
The central strategy of the gospel is to go out to the world and one by one change hearts, through the true gospel, not the fads of the gospel or the latest "thing" man is doing with the gospel, but touch people through the true gospel. Let's get back to the basics of the Bible and where Jesus focused his disciples. They were not focused inwardly on doctrines about being slain in the spirit, or personal prophecy or naming and claiming wealth. He taught them to be focused outward by loving one another and preaching the gospel to every creature-a true gospel, not the doctrines of man. Jesus said in Matthew 15:9, "But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
You see, if we as Christians know the answer, yet we are seeking answers, how much more is the world seeking answers? And those without Christ do not know the answers. But if the church is busy worrying about attendance numbers or specific doctrines that tend to feed our personal egos, are we going to be the salt and light others will emulate? Am I saying that we need to abandon all things, but one? No, but we need to have balance, and that balance should be weighted toward the things Jesus taught as important. And I think that is where the new revolution to take back our nation, but more importantly, souls for the Kingdom begins and takes root.
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
US, Israel Disagree on Iranian Nuclear Program
Does Iran possess highly-enriched uranium? That is the question being posed by intelligence agencies around the world. The answer is yes, according to Israel's military head of intelligence Amos Yadlin. He made his opinion known during the weekly cabinet session of the Israeli government held on March 8.
However, 48 hours later, United States Director of Intelligence Dennis Blair offered the opposite view. He was answering questions at the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Highly-enriched uranium is oftentimes referred to as weapons-grade uranium. Many countries in the Middle East are concerned that Iran is close to the point at which it could build nuclear weapons.
(By Staff, The Media Line, March 11, 2009)
• Pray that the international community will join with Israel in putting an end to this dire threat to the region and the world.
• "Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; defend me from those who rise up against me. Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloodthirsty men." (Psalm 59:1-2)
[Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
Good News Corner
Quotes from Ronald Reagan (Part Three)
Remember this guy . . . We may never see another like him.
Every phrase below is a gem!
9. "It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first."
10. "Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it."
11. "Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed, there are many rewards; if you disgrace yourself, you can always write a book."
12. "No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women."
13. "If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under."
In closing, we offer a word of praise to the Lord for the wonderful wit, and the wisdom, that He bestowed upon the 40th President of the United States: Ronald Reagan!
