In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The First 100 Days
• The Good News Corner
Greetings!
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The Daily Brief - Friday, April 24, 2009
"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil . . ." (Isaiah 5:20a)
" . . . and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)
The Daily Brief
1. Kansas: Governor Vetoes Abortion Bill - AP
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius vetoed a bill that would have rewritten Kansas' restrictions on late-term abortions, questioning whether it was constitutional and suggesting it would cause "intimidation" of doctors. Anti-abortion groups were watching Ms. Sebelius's action closely as she awaits Senate confirmation as federal health and human services secretary. The bill would have required doctors to report additional information to the state about late-term abortions and would have allowed more prosecutors to pursue criminal charges over late-term procedures. The Republican National Committee chairman, Michael Steele, said in a statement that Ms. Sebelius should not be confirmed until more questions were answered about her views on late-term abortion and about campaign contributions she received from a doctor who performed abortions.
- As the vote for this nomination may come as early as Tuesday, we pray that the warriors who are burdened by the sin of abortion will be raised into action. We cry to You for any nominees who advance abortion will be stopped and that all their support of abortionists will be exposed.
- "Burning indignation has seized me because of the wicked, Who forsake Your law." (Psalm 119:53)
2. Gore, Gingrich face off on global warming bill - MSNBC
Former Vice President Al Gore and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich faced off Friday before lawmakers, each on opposite sides of major climate and energy legislation. The Democrat compared the bill's significance to civil rights laws, while the Republican dismissed it as "micromanagement" that invites corruption.
- Lord, we pray the truth about this debate will be shown and that the lawmakers who are considering this will take into account any effects that may burden their constituents.
- "For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10)
3. A. Pentagon to Release Photos of Detainee Abuse Next Month - Washington Post
The Pentagon, in response to a lawsuit, will end a Bush administration legal battle and release "hundreds" of photos showing abuse or alleged abuse of detainees in Iraq and Afghanistan by U.S. personnel, according to defense officials and civil liberties advocates.
B. Cheney Requests Release of 2 CIA Reports on Interrogations - Washington Post
Former vice president Richard B. Cheney is asking for the release of two CIA reports in his bid to marshal evidence that coercive interrogation tactics such as waterboarding helped thwart terrorist plots, according to documents released yesterday by the National Archives and Records Administration. Cheney's request was submitted March 31, more than two weeks before President Obama decided to release four "top secret" memos in which Bush administration lawyers sanctioned harsh tactics for questioning prisoners.
- We praise You for the people in the security services who worked to keep this nation protected and who still try to do so. Lord, we pray that the full picture will emerge so that any abuses can be exposed and any victories can be raised up.
- "But before all these things take place, people will arrest you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. It will give you an opportunity to testify. So purpose in your hearts not to prepare your defense ahead of time, because I will give you the ability to speak, along with wisdom, that none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute." (Luke 21:12-15)
4. House Committee Approves Hate Crimes Act - CBN
In a vote of 15 to 12, the House Judiciary Committee Thursday advanced hate crimes legislation. But critics warn it could also criminalize preachers, who preach against homosexuality.
- We know that legislation like this has been used to attack pastors in other countries. Lord, we pray for protection for those who will speak Your word with truth and for a change in the minds of the legislators who will attack Your people and Your law.
- "There is nothing reliable in what they say; Their inward part is destruction itself. Their throat is an open grave; They flatter with their tongue." (Psalm 5:9)
5. States in need not first in line for stimulus - Washington Times
President Obama's stimulus bill was supposed to spend money to create jobs, but four of the top 10 recipients of per capita grant aid to date have the lowest unemployment rates in the country and nearly all are below the national average. And some of the places receiving the most money per capita are U.S. territories whose residents don't pay federal income taxes: American Samoas $759 per resident is more than any other U.S. state or territory. The U.S. Virgin Islands is third on the list and Puerto Rico is fifth at $529, or 30 percent more than the $407 per capita received by Michigan, the state with the highest unemployment in the nation.
- Please touch the hearts of those in Congress who are in control of the taxpayers' money. Lord, we pray they will use wisdom and fairness when they begin to apportion these funds.
- "A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, But a just weight is His delight." (Proverbs 11:1)
6. Report: Post-Katrina levees not strong enough - AP
New Orleans should increase the strength of new levees being built to protect against catastrophic hurricanes, elevate more houses and abandon neighborhoods that rest below sea level, an independent research panel said Friday.
- This report is confirmation of the danger many have believed still exists for New Orleans. Lord, we pray for the leaders of this city and state to work to protect their people from future storms that again strike so that the tragedy of Katrina will not be revisited.
- "Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him." (Psalm 32:6)
7. Mexico swine flu deaths spur global epidemic fears - AP
A unique strain of swine flu is the suspected killer of dozens of people in Mexico, where authorities closed schools, museums, libraries and theaters in the capital on Friday to try to contain an outbreak that has spurred concerns of a global flu epidemic. The worrisome new virus - which combines genetic material from pigs, birds and humans in a way researchers have not seen before - also sickened at least eight people in Texas and California, though there have been no deaths in the U.S.
- With the crossing of borders being so easy, we pray that You will put supernatural borders up around this epidemic so that it will be isolated and not spread in Mexico or the United States. We ask for health to be given back to those who are afflicted and for strength for those who will comfort the sick.
- "Though He scoffs at the scoffers, Yet He gives grace to the afflicted." (Proverbs 3:34)
8. Iraq Officials Say Suspected Al-Qaeda-Linked Chief Nabbed - Fox News
Iraqi security officials said they captured one of the most wanted leaders of the Al Qaeda-linked Sunni insurgency Thursday, an arrest that could deliver a significant blow to an intensified campaign of attacks. Two separate homicide bombings killed at least 78 people.
- Lord, we praise You when those who plot violence are captured. Continue to protect the innocents in Iraq, both Iraqis and Americans and bring peace to this land.
- "Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; Fight against those who fight against me." (Psalm 35:1)
9. UN Kicks Jews, Iranians Out of Racism Meeting - NewsMax
The United Nations expelled three groups from its conference on global racism Thursday for unacceptable behavior related to the opening speech that Iran's president gave denouncing Israel. The groups whose passes were withdrawn are the French Union of Jewish Students; Coexist, a related French-based organization that fights racism and anti- Semitism; and the Tehran-based Neda Institute for Political and Scientific Research, said Rupert Colville, a spokesman for U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights.
- Lord, this conference is an abomination to You and is using this platform to attack Israel and the United States. Thank You for allowing this deception to be broadcast and for these abuses to be shown.
- "Let my soul not enter into their council; Let not my glory be united with their assembly; Because in their anger they slew men, And in their self-will they lamed oxen." (Genesis 49:6)
10. Myanmar Arrests Opposition Politicians for Praying - ABC News
Two members of detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's political party were arrested and charged with insulting religion after they prayed for the release of political prisoners, a party spokesman said Friday. National League for Democracy spokesman Nyan Win said authorities arrested Chit Pe, the party's deputy chairman, and party member Aung Saw Wei in Twante on Tuesday. Both took part in a prayer service for the release of political prisoners which was held at a pagoda in the township, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of Yangon.
- Thank You for these prayer warriors who are placing themselves in danger to shed light on the imprisoned. We ask You for comfort for those in prison and for continued boldness for those politicians who are standing up to the corrupt government of Myanmar.
- "For behold what earnestness this very thing, this godly sorrow, has produced in you: what vindication of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what avenging of wrong! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be innocent in the matter." (2 Corinthians 7:11)
11. Vladimir Putin sacks military spy chief - London Telegraph
Russia's military spy chief was removed from his post on Friday, prompting speculation that the Kremlin was starting to rein in conservatives opposed to Vladimir Putin's ambitious military modernisation programme.
- May any secret machinations Putin may use to seize more control of the Russian government be brought to the surface and may his hold on power be broken.
- "For no one does anything in secret when he himself seeks to be known publicly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world." (John 7:4)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered. Let them also that hate Him flee before Him." (Psalm 68:1)
1. Clinton: Palestinian gov't must recognize Israel - Ynet News
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Thursday expressed doubt that rival Palestinian factions will clinch a deal on a unity government, but wanted to keep options open if they do.
2. Is Netanyahu really on a collision course with Obama? - Ha'aretz
His meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington next month will be a formative event in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political career. Its outcome will determine whether Netanyahu's impressive comeback a decade after he left the prime ministership will lead him once again into disputes and confrontations with the U.S. administration, as happened in his first term, or whether the old-new Netanyahu will become a desired and welcome guest in the White House.
3. 'PM wants moderate Arabs involved' - Jerusalem Post
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu wants to see moderate Arab states more involved in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, a senior government official said on Thursday.
4. Israel risks losing Arab support against Iran: Clinton - AFP
Israel risks losing support from Arab nations against Iran if it does not make progress in Mideast peace talks with the Palestinians, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said.
The First 100 Days
DAY 95
"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 Touts Plan to Change College Loan System
President Obama said the surest test for success in the challenging economy is a college degree or other training, yet access to higher education continues to shrink as costs rise.
2. RAW DATA: Obama Statement on Armenian Remembrance Day
Ninety four years ago, one of the great atrocities of the 20th century began. Each year, we pause to remember the 1.5 million Armenians who were subsequently massacred or marched to their death in the final days of the Ottoman Empire. The Meds Yeghern must live on in our memories, just as it lives on in the hearts of the Armenian people.
3. FOX News Poll: Americans Mixed On Obama's Foreign Policy Performance
Though Americans believe the Obama administration has performed its "best" in foreign policy in its first 100 days, they are actually at odds with many of the president's specific positions, according to the latest FOX News poll.
4. Citgo Petroleum of Venezuela Donates Island to New Jersey
Venezuela's U.S.-based oil company is donating an island to the state of New Jersey to be turned into a wildlife sanctuary.
5. White House Locked Down, Capitol Briefly Evacuated Following Airspace Violation
The episode was over within minutes, as two F-16 fighter jets and two Coast Guard helicopters were dispatched to intercept the plane and escort it to an airport in Maryland.
6. Treasury Lends $2B More to General Motors
The Treasury said that the payment was made to GM on Wednesday and provides working capital to the company. (All articles from Fox News)
The Good News Corner
YouTube - "God's Building a Church"
By Gold City
OK, friends, we have come to the end of another long week . . . may you each be blessed and refreshed by this wonderful group! Click on YouTube link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87rbegDpHxk
"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)
