In This IssueThe Daily Brief
The Middle East in Focus
The First 100 Days
"Scare Force One"
Do You Want Socialized Health Care?
THE FIRST 100 DAYS
The Good News Corner
Greetings!
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The Daily Brief - Wednesday, April 29, 2009
" You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday." (Psalm 91:5,6)
The Daily Brief
1. WHO Raises Swine Flu Pandemic Alert To Level 4 - VOA News
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its swine flu pandemic alert up one level to Phase 4 - two levels below the highest phase. The move comes after new cases of the virus that was first reported in Mexico were reported in several more countries.
The WHO says swine flu is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease found in pigs and is caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses. Symptoms are similar to seasonal flu, but cases have ranged from mild infections to severe pneumonia, resulting in death.
· Those who turn to Me shall be saved...We pray Lord, that America, Israel, Mexico and the whole world that You created will turn to You for help with this swine flu plague. Please, may those affected, know that You are their only hope and salvation; and may they receive Your salvation. We ask for wisdom for the doctors and medical community and strength for them to work even harder while trying to save those afflicted. And Lord, may we remember that this is a form of the flu and not a "bubonic plague." May mass hysteria not happen and may orderly cures and prevention be brought forth by You in ways that only You will get the credit for them. In Jesus' matchless Name we pray. Amen.
· Therefore, say to them, 'Thus says the Lord, of hosts, "Return to Me," says the Lord of hosts, "and I will return to you," says the Lord of hosts.'" (Zechariah 1: 3 NKJV)
2. White House Official Apologizes For Air Force One Photo Op In New York City - Wall Street Journal
White House Military Office Director Louis Caldera apologized for any panic caused by a flight mission and photo op that looked like Air Force One and fighter jets heading toward the New York City skyline Monday morning. "It's clear that the mission created confusion and disruption. I apologize and take responsibility for any distress that flight caused," Caldera said in a White House issued paper statement.
· It has been said that one who does not learn from the past, is doomed to repeat their failures. We humbly ask gracious Lord, that America will receive the Godly and Learned leaders that she so desperately needs. We know that America is founded upon the blood of Huguenot martyrs, and that their leader, Jean Ribault, said as he was to be executed for his faith, that he wanted this land to be a dwelling place of honor for You. We ask that his poignant request made 444 years ago, be honored by You, Lord, for all time. We pray that America and Israel will return to You and honor You for all time. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
· "Lord, remember David and all his afflictions; how he swore to the Lord, and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob: 'Surely, I will not go into the chamber of my house, or go up to the comfort of my bed; I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.'" (Psalm 132: 1-5 NKJV)
3. 100 Days In Office, Coronated Messiah - World Net Daily
On his 100th day in office, President Obama will be "crowned" in messianic imagery at New York City's Union Square. Artist Michael D'Antuono's painting "The Truth" - featuring Obama with his arms outstretched and wearing a crown of thorns upon his head - will be unveiled today at the Square's South Plaza.
According to a statement released about the portrait, "The 30" x 54" acrylic painting on canvas depicts President Obama appearing much like Jesus Christ on the Cross: atop his head, a crown of thorns; behind him, the dark veil being lifted (or lowered) on the Presidential Seal. Even the title of the piece, "The Truth," suggests a play on biblical themes, as Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me
· Any human being likened to Jesus is an abomination. God will not tolerate any of this for long. He is the only One and True God; and to be lowered to a man's level, that is too much mockery of His Son for Him to tolerate. We pray Heavenly Father that You will forgive America and this artist, for as Your Son said on the cross, "they know not what they do." In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.
· "An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked." (Proverbs 29: 27 NKJV)
4. Iowa's Same-Sex Marriage Law In Effect - UPI
A few hundred homosexual couples applied for marriage licenses in Iowa Monday, the day same-sex marriages became legal in the state. At least 360 same-sex couples, including 26 from other states, had applied for marriage licenses in Iowa, The Des Moines Register reported. The heaviest concentrations in Linn, Polk, Scott and Johnson counties, the newspaper said.
Because Iowa's law lacks a residency requirement, out-of-state gay and lesbian couples may join Iowans in seeking marriage licenses, the Register reported. However, gay rights advocacy groups warn most states won't recognize same-sex marriages that take place in Iowa.
· Father, we can hardly believe that our country is being led down this crooked path of same-sex marriage, that You say in Your Word, leads to death. Please dry up the resources of those activists and officials who are funding this activity throughout America at all levels of government and the judiciary. May marriage remain throughout the world as You intended, for all time, as a sacred covenant made between one man and one woman. In Your Name we pray. Amen.
· "Woe to the rebellious children, says the Lord, 'Who take counsel, but not of Me, and who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, that they may add to sin.'" (Isaiah 30: 1 NKJV)
5. Maine, New Hampshire New Homosexual Marriage Front - Washington Times
New Hampshire and Maine are now at the top of the list in the fight for same-sex marriage, with New Hampshire's House narrowly approving a homosexual marriage bill last month and a Maine Legislature committee holding a hearing last week on the issue that drew a crowd of more than 4,000 people, mostly same-sex marriage supporters.
A New Hampshire Senate committee did reject a homosexual-marriage bill 3-2 in April, with one Democrat, Sen. Deborah Reynolds, joining two Republicans against the legislation after a strong show of opposition from pro-family conservative groups. In the Granite State, however, bills rejected in committee still go to the floor. A Senate vote on the legislation is slated for today, and homosexual-marriage advocates say they're hopeful that they can cobble together enough votes to send the bill to the governor.
This Monday, Iowa's Supreme Court's same sex marriage ruling became state law. This decision was followed by the District of Columbia's City Council voting to recognize same-sex marriages from other states and the Vermont General Assembly voting to legalize gay marriages.
· We pray to You, Father, that Your institution of marriage not be attacked anymore, and that it's true definition; a union of one man and one woman, will stand unblemished forever. We pray that they will see Your Son, Jesus as the bridegroom and Your church as the bride. We pray that those who oppose You and attack Your precepts will supernaturally be drawn to Your Word and in it, they will find the truth they have been searching for, that will show them how wrong they have been and that they can still receive Your Salvation if they ask for it. And we humbly ask that Your Kingdom will be established on earth as it is in Heaven, when You will receive the most glory! In Jesus Christ's Name we pray. Amen.
· "And the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22: 17 NKJV)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, and gathered out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south." (Psalm 107:1-3)
1. Peres to meet Obama in US Monday - Jerusalem Post
President Shimon Peres will meet with US President Barack Obama on Monday while in Washington to attend the American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference, the Israeli Embassy announced Tuesday.
2. Netanyahu: Threat of terror is greater than ever - Ha'aretz
As Israel commemorated Memorial Day for its fallen soldiers and victims of terror on Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the global threat of terror was greater than ever and vowed that Israel would never cease to defend itself.
3. Palestinian rivals deadlocked on power-sharing - Ynet News
Rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah ended a fourth round of power-sharing talks without a dealTuesday, but are to meet again on May 16, negotiators said.
4. Is Israel heading for clash with US? - BBC
It is Israel's Independence Day - traditionally time for leading Israeli politicians to give big interviews about their country's past and future.
The First 100 Days
DAY 100
"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases." (Proverbs 21:1)
1. First 100 Days: Obama Nudges Economy, But Policies Stir Fierce Debate
Economists say President Obama and his team may be pushing the economy in the right direction. But whether his initiatives significantly speed up the natural recovery of the economy, and whether those gains will justify the massive deficits for years to come, is a debate for the ages.
2. Federal Reserve: Recession Easing, But Economy Likely to Remain Weak
The Federal Reserve said Wednesday it sees signs the recession may be easing but warns the U.S. economy is likely to remain weak..
3. GOP to Obama: Show Us a Plan for Releasing Guantanamo Prisoners
Sen. Kit Bond calls the Obama administration's plan for closing Guantanamo Bay a "ready, fire, aim" approach, because costs in dollars and security have not yet been identified.
4. White House Calls New York City Flyover 'Stupid'
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Wednesday a photo-op featuring the presidential jet flying over the Manhattan skyline was as "stupid a thing to do as one could dream up." During an interview on Air Force One, Gibbs said if President Obama had had "any knowledge of the stupid idea to go take pictures of the plane in New York, I can assure you that wouldn't have happened."
5. House Passes $3.4 Trillion Budget, Boosting Obama's Agenda
President Obama's Democratic allies in the House have passed a $3.4 trillion budget outline that will help him pass health care reform later in the year.
6. Labor Department: Jobless Rates Rise in Nation's Metro Areas
Unemployment rates rose in all of the nation's largest metropolitan areas for the third straight month in March, the Labor Department announced on Wednesday.
(All articles from Fox News)
"Scare Force One"
Around 10:00 AM Monday morning, panic hit New York City as a low-flying jumbo jet was seen circling lower Manhattan as it was trailed by Air Force fighter jets. Buildings were ordered to evacuate and thousands poured into the streets as the nightmares of 9/11 were made real once again.
But as it turns out, it was all just a photo-op for the Obama White House, which did a terribly poor job of informing local authorities of the event. One New York politician said, "In New York of all places, not to warn the public that one of the largest jets in the country tailed by a fighter jet is going to fly low over their community defies logic and really borders on being either cruel or very, very stupid."
It's not very often that I agree with Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY), but he nailed it. Not only was the fly over "very, very stupid," but it once again demonstrates the degree to which this administration is operating in a pre-9/11 mindset. Why should jumbo jets circling lower Manhattan bother anybody? This White House is clueless.
The White House Military Office director issued an apology for "any distress the flight caused." Evidently, the Defense Department wanted to update its photo file of Air Force One against scenic backdrops of America's most famous landscapes. This event was meant to capture Air Force One with the Statue of Liberty in the background.
I want to give the good folks at the Pentagon the benefit of the doubt here. My best guess is that previous photos included the Twin Towers in the background. But why couldn't someone use computers to "photo shop" the desired image? That would have made far more sense in this case, and spared the people of New York City a great deal of anxiety. Not to mention the waste of taxpayer money and - gasp! - the carbon emissions for this photo op. If the Bush White House had done something this stupid, we would have heard about it forever. But look for this "gaffe" to fade away quickly. (Gary Bauer; End- of-Day; Tuesday, April 28, 2009)
Do You Want Socialized Health Care?
Democrats in Congress, with the full support of the Obama White House, are set to ram through "reconciliation" rules this week that will set the stage for nationalized health care. I don't want to bore you with the details of congressional rules, but here's the bottom line: Democrats are using parliamentary tricks to fast-track the president's socialized health care scheme in the budget.
This maneuver denies the rights of the minority party to filibuster bad legislation, thereby allowing socialized health care to pass the Senate with limited debate and just 51 votes, instead of 60. The result will be yet another government takeover of a major sector of our economy, higher taxes and rationing of health care. In response to these heavy-handed tactics, Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) said, "I can understand shaking Hugo Chavez's hand, but I cannot understand embracing his politics."
A new Rasmussen poll finds that only 29% of Americans believe that government-run health care can provide better service and they are right to be skeptical. Writing in The Hill yesterday, Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK), a doctor, noted how people in socialized health systems are treated in order to control costs: "Consider Canadian patients, who may wait a year or longer to get radiation therapy. Or ask one of the nearly 1.8 million Britons who are waiting to get into a hospital or have an outpatient procedure. Or talk to the German breast cancer patients who are 52 percent more likely to die from the disease than Americans." (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; April 28, 2009)
THE FIRST 100 DAYS
First 100 Days: Social Policy Takes a Left Turn Under Obama
During his first 100 days as president, Barack Obama's reversal of contentious social regulations has garnered little attention -- leaving many to wonder how much social issues matter to Americans amid two wars and an economic crisis.
From the conscience clause to stem cell research, President Obama has shifted social policy to the left in his first 100 days in the White House. But the reversal of several of his predecessor's regulations has garnered hardly a whimper -- leaving many to wonder how much social issues matter to Americans amid two wars and an economic crisis.
"It's cultural aggression," former Bush adviser Karl Rove told FOXNews.com, adding that policy changes that "inject government" into moral matters -- like the conscience clause -- will have "enormous consequences."
But conservatives like Rove acknowledge that little attention has been given to Obama's agenda shift since he took office -- largely because lawmakers are more concerned with the economic downturn and national security.
"They're not getting attention because the defenders of these policies haven't grabbed the stage," Rove said. (Fox News) Read more.
· We praise God for the millions of "watchmen on the wall" who ARE paying attention to the stewardship of the foundational values of our nation; and who are standing in the gap, in repentance, when man's policies go against the Word of God. May our Lord grace each one of us now, in the days ahead, with a renewed vigor to STAND WATCH FOR AMERICA and to say "NOT ON MY WATCH" when our leaders fall short of their calling.
· "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
The Good News Corner
Prayer in Congress
(Editor's Note: As we prepare for the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 7th, let's rejoice at the wonderful foundation of prayer that has been in place since the beginning of our Congress . . . many, many years ago. May we NEVER lose sight of our freedom!)
Beginning APRIL 25, 1789, every session of the U.S. Senate has opened with prayer.
This was a continuation of the Continental Congress' practice during the Revolution, as Franklin remarked in 1787:
"In the beginning of the Contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayer in this room for Divine protection."
The first Senate Chaplain was Bishop Samuel Provoost, who conducted George Washington's Inaugural Service at St. Paul's Chapel.
All 62 Senate Chaplains have been Christian, though leaders of other faiths have periodically been invited to offer prayer.
The U.S. Senate Chaplain after World War II was Peter Marshall, who prayed:
"Our liberty is under God and can be found nowhere else. May our faith be not merely stamped upon our coins, but expressed in our lives."
On February 7, 1984, President Reagan addressed the National Association of Secondary School Principals:
"God . . . should never have been expelled from America's schools."
As we struggle to teach our children . . . we dare not forget that our civilization was built by men and women who placed their faith in a loving God.
If Congress can begin each day with a moment of prayer . . . so then can our sons and daughters."
[Posted by: American Minute with Bill Federer; Saturday, April 25th, 2009]
