In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The First 100 Days
• Taliban Threatens to Attack Washington
• Barack Bows To Saudi King
• Israel's 32nd Government Sworn In
• FM Lieberman: Israel to Adhere to Road Map
• Congress Goes into Recess on Monday
• Good News Corner
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The Daily Brief - Friday, April 3, 2009
". . . I know that my Redeemer lives, And at the last He will take His stand on the earth." (Job 19:25)
The Daily Brief
1. Gunman Kills 13, Himself at Upstate New York Immigrant Center - Fox News
A gunman blocked the rear door of an upstate New York immigration center, then walked through the front door and opened fire Friday, killing 14 people, likely including himself, police said at a news conference in the massacre's aftermath.
- Lord, stories like this grieve our hearts and we lean on You for understanding. We pray for the families of the victims and the gunman so You will bring healing. May Christians in this community rise up to show Your love to those affected.
- "But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come." (2 Timothy 3:1)
2. A. Senate, House Pass $3.5 Trillion Budget - Fox News
Acting in quick succession, the House and Senate approved budgets Thursday night drawn to President Obama's specifications and pointing the way toward major legislation later this year on health care, energy and education.
B. Senate keeps charitable deductions - Washington Times
The Senate on Thursday voted unanimously to preserve the full charitable-giving deduction in the tax code, rejecting yet another key part of President Obama's strategy for paying for the ambitious spending programs in his 2010 budget.
C. Right of conscience denied - World Magazine
A majority of senators late Thursday night showed no objections to approving President Barack Obama's $3.5 trillion budget blueprint. But many of those same senators objected to an amendment that would have protected the rights of medical professionals. The Senate voted 56 to 41, largely along party lines, against Oklahoma Republican Sen. Tom Coburn's budget bill amendment preserving the right of conscience for health care workers.
- May the members of Congress be cognizant of their responsibilities and act responsibly with the citizens' money in this country. We pray for continued opposition to the programs that will focus control in Washington and take away the rights of individuals and the states.
- "They covet fields, and seize them; and houses, and take them away: and they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage." (Micah 2:2)
3. Unemployment soars to 8.5 pct.; 13 million jobless - AP
Unemployment zoomed to 8.5 percent last month, the highest in a quarter-century, as employers axed 663,000 more workers and pushed the nation's jobless ranks past 13 million. The hard times were only expected to get harder-a painful 10 percent jobless rate before long.
- Lord, we pray for all those who are suffering from job losses. In this season of apprehension, Lord reassure us of Your closeness and of Your promise for our daily bread.
- "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
4. Iowa Supreme Court: Same-Sex Marriage Ban Is Unconstitutional - Fox News
The Iowa Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling Friday finding that the state's same-sex marriage ban violates the constitutional rights of gay and lesbian couples, making Iowa the third state where marriage will be legal.
- Once again the courts are overturning the will of the people and breaking Your laws. We pray for continued strength for those who are fighting for marriage and that they will not be discouraged by actions such as this.
- "They have dealt corruptly with him, they are not his children, it is their blemish; They are a perverse and crooked generation." (Deuteronomy 32:5)
5. Oklahoma Could Allow Pregnant Women to Kill to Save Unborn Children - Fox News
State lawmakers passed the Use of Force for the Protection of the Unborn Act this week and if the Senate approves it in a final vote, as expected, it will be sent to the governor's desk. The bill was crafted after a Michigan woman who was carrying quadruplets stabbed and killed her boyfriend after he struck her in the stomach. The woman lost the babies and was convicted of manslaughter.
- We praise You that some courts are protecting our children and allowing for women to act as mothers even before their babies are born. We pray for protection for women who are victims of abuse and for someone to reach out to them to rescue them from harmful situations.
- "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (1 Timothy 5:8)
6. Court blocks release of sex offenders due out of jail - CNN
The Supreme Court has blocked the imminent release of dozens of sex offenders who have served their federal sentences after the Obama administration claimed many of them remain "sexually dangerous." Chief Justice John Roberts on Friday ordered that the men be kept in custody while the case works its way through a federal appeals court, which had ruled as many as 77 North Carolina inmates should be released, some as early as next week.
- Thank You Lord that the Supreme Court has acted to protect citizens from habitual offenders who might otherwise be released. We praise You that members of the justice department have found a way to keep unrepentant criminals from being released.
- "O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear To vindicate the orphan and the oppressed, So that man who is of the earth will no longer cause terror." (Psalm 10:17-18)
7. A. Obama yields to 'collective action' - Washington Times
President Obama proclaimed Thursday that the era of the United States attempting to dominate world affairs is over, saying he is committed to "collective action" by the 20 biggest economies to end the worst financial crisis in 80 years. Giving substance to his rhetoric, the president signed on to a radical revamping of the world's major financial institutions that surrenders the traditional right of the United States and Europe to lead them.
B. Obama asks allies for help in Afghan war - AP
On the eve of the NATO summit, President Barack Obama didn't get what he wanted most from U.S. allies: significant new commitments of combat troops for Afghanistan. Obama opened his Strasbourg appearance with a 25-minute prepared speech in which he set a dramatic, long-term goal of "a world without nuclear weapons." He said he would outline details of his nonproliferation proposal in a speech in Prague on Sunday, near the end of a European trip that is spanning five countries in eight days.
C. G20 summit: Gordon Brown announces 'new world order' - London Telegraph
The Prime Minister claimed to have struck a "historic" deal to end the global recession as he unveiled plans to plough more than $1 trillion into the world economy. "This is the day that the world came together to fight back against the global recession," he said. "Not with words but with a plan for global recovery and reform." Barack Obama, the US President, hailed the deal as a "turning point" for the global economy which would put it on the path to recovery. However, critics pointed out Mr Brown had been unable to secure agreement on a new co-ordinated fiscal stimulus package that he and Mr Obama had been urging. The Prime Minister has staked his political future on securing a deal at the summit. Under the $1.1 trillion (£750 billion) agreement, which followed several days of intense negotiation, struggling economies will be offered money provided to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by wealthier nations. The G20 leaders also agreed restrictions on bankers' pay, rules to target tax havens and hedge funds and a new financial early warning system to prevent a future economic meltdown.
- The headlines out of this G20 summit have been troubling to many of Your people. We pray there will be continued investigation so that any actions that have been agreed to in secret will be brought into the light.
- "Arise, O LORD, do not let man prevail; Let the nations be judged before You. Put them in fear, O LORD; Let the nations know that they are but men. Selah." (Psalm 9:19-20)
8. Ex-sailor sentenced to 10 years in terror case - AP
A former Navy sailor convicted of leaking details about ship movements and the best ways to attack them was sentenced Friday to the maximum 10 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Mark Kravitz said Hassan Abu- Jihaad, of Phoenix, betrayed his country and endangered his fellow sailors. "I cannot really overstate the seriousness of this crime," Kravitz said. The leak "does constitute a fundamental betrayal of your country and of your oath. You endangered your colleagues, you endangered your vessel and other vessels and other sailors, and you endangered your country." Abu-Jihaad was convicted last year of disclosing classified national defense information. Prosecutors labeled him a traitor who was trying to help foreign terrorists replicate the bombing of the USS Cole, which killed 17 American sailors.
- We praise You that this man has been caught and that sailors have been saved. We thank You for all the intelligence officers who are working to apprehend those who plot in secret and work to pursue evil means.
- "Though they intended evil against You And devised a plot, They will not succeed." (Psalm 21:11)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident. One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple." (Psalms 27)
1. Israel FM: 'If You Want Peace, Prepare for War' - ABC News
Israel's new foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman wasted no time in grabbing the headlines. The controversial and ultra nationalist politician has a reputation as a hardliner and a tough talker. He didn't disappoint on either front.
2. Assad: 'Through war or peace we'll free Golan' - Jerusalem Post
Syrian President Bashar Assad said his country would regain the Golan Heights by "peace or war" and affirmed Syria's ties to Iran, in an interview with a Qatari newspaper that was published on Thursday.
3. US: We'll continue to pursue the 2-state solution even if it's not easy - Jerusalem Post
A US official on Thursday stressed that while it may not be easy, his country will push hard for the continuation of the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians and for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
4. Obama reiterates support for Saudi plan - Ynet News
US President Barack Obama and Saudi King Abdullah discussed cooperation on the global economic crisis and joint efforts against terrorism, in their first face-to-face talks on Thursday on the sidelines of a G20 summit, the White House said.
5. Mashaal: Talks deadlocked over Israel - Ynet News
The reconciliation talks between the Palestinian factions, which were launched this week in Egypt, were abruptly halted on Thursday due to the ongoing differences of opinion between the parties.
The First 100 Days
DAY 74
"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases." (Proverbs 21:1)
1. Senator Delays Duckworth Nomination for Veterans Affairs Post
Tammy Duckworth, an injured Iraq war helicopter pilot, is the nominee for assistant secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
2. Bernanke: Fed 'Extremely Uncomfortable' About Bailouts
In remarks to a Fed conference in North Carolina, Ben Bernanke says the Fed was forced to take action because the collapse of those companies would have dealt a serious blow to the financial system and the broader economy.
3. Obama, Merkel Pledge Cooperation on Economic Crisis, Foreign Affairs
German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with President Obama on Friday to discuss the economic crisis and foreign affairs, including the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan.
4. Gates to Submit Defense Budget Review
Lawmakers and manufacturers across the country are eager to learn which major weapons systems will be trimmed from next year's budget. (All articles from Fox news)
Taliban Threatens to Attack Washington
"Soon we will launch an attack in Washington that will amaze everyone in the world." (Baitullah Mehsud)
Baitullah Mehsud, the leader of the Pakistani Taliban, threatened to launch an attack on Washington, as he claimed responsibility for a raid on a police academy in Lahore, Pakistan on Monday. "Soon we will launch an attack in Washington that will amaze everyone in the world . . . We will exact our revenge on them from inside America," he said Tuesday. Mehsud's power appears to have been enhanced after the Pakistani government reached a peace deal with the Taliban in the northwestern Swat Valley. (Times-UK 4/1/09)
(Reported by: Intercessors for America)
• Father, we ask that You, in Your mercy, would visit Your people in this city. Like Lot in days of old, may we know when to stay, and when to flee, and may we act with instant obedience to Your call in our lives. Amen.
• Jesus said, "My sheep know my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
(John 10:27)
Barack Hussein Bows To Saudi King
Every day there is a new embarrassment. Today, when Obama met King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, our president did a full bow from the waist. This is never done! A U.S. president is never, never supposed to bow before foreign royalty.
Is this another example of sheer ignorance? Is it another signal to the Muslim world? Whether intentional or not, it will be seen by many Muslims as the President of the United States engaging in "submission" to a Muslim leader.
President Bush was pilloried by the Left and the media when he was caught on film holding hands with King Abdullah. But in the Middle East, this is not an unusual custom as it would be here . . . Obama's bow is much worse. (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; April 2, 2009)
Israel's 32nd Government Sworn In
PM Netanyahu Addresses the Knesset
On 31 March 2009, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke after presenting his government to the Knesset. He began his remarks stating, "On this day I would like to express my full confidence that the people of Israel will be able to successfully deal with the challenges we face."
Netanyahu spoke of the unity government: "I am pleased that the Labor Party, a movement with deep roots and of great contributions to the history of Zionism and settlement, eventually made the responsible decision for the good of the country to join hands with the Likud Movement and our other partners."
He went on to address the main concerns being faced by Israel, the Jewish People and the world. "The greatest threat to humanity, and to the State of Israel, stems from the possibility that a radical regime will be armed with nuclear weapons or that nuclear weapons will find a home in a radical regime.
"We cannot afford to take lightly megalomaniac tyrants who threaten to annihilate us. Contrary to the terrible trauma we experienced during the last century when we stood helpless and stateless, today we are not defenseless. We have a state, and we know how to defend it. We are determined to curb terrorism from all directions and fight against it with all our might. Those who want peace must fight terror.
"Combining the economic, security and political tracks is the right way to achieve peace. All previous attempts to make shortcuts have achieved the opposite outcome and resulted in increased terror and greater bloodshed."
In reference to the return of Gilad Shalit, he stated that "We are on the eve of the Passover holiday and the Seder. At our national table, there is an empty chair: that of Gilad Shalit. I will do everything in my power to quickly return him healthy to the bosom of his family, and will act to return all our missing soldiers." (Source: Embassy of Israel; Washington, D.C., April 3, 209)
FM Lieberman: Israel to Adhere to Road Map
Statement by FM Lieberman:
Israel will adhere to the Road Map
On April 2, 2009, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman sat down for an in-depth interview with Haaretz Newspaper to discuss his platform. The article reads:
. . . Speaking to Haaretz Thursday, Lieberman stated, "I am committed to the road map of 2003 as approved by the Israeli cabinet," referring to the outline for achieving Israeli-Palestinian peace proposed by then-president Bush. "I voted against it, but it is a cabinet resolution and I am bound by it."
He added that the new U.S. administration itself no longer talks about the Annapolis process. "I propose following the road map, phase by phase," he said. "I recently went quite far with my remarks, even saying that I was willing to leave my home at the Nokdim settlement if there was a cabinet resolution on the issue, but we can't give all this up for nothing, and there must be reciprocity."
Lieberman stressed that he would endeavor to meet all Israeli obligations regarding the road map. "Unlike others, we will carry out everything that is in writing, and there will be no contradiction between what we say and what we mean, but we will stick to the phased nature of the road map. We will conduct talks with the PA, but we want to make sure their 'checks' don't bounce. The Palestinians must first of all confront terror, take control of Gaza and demilitarize Hamas. Without these, it will be difficult to move forward."
Lieberman also addressed the Foreign Ministry on April 1, 2009. To read the full text of his statement, please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Source: Embassy of Israel, Washington, D.C., April 3, 2009)
Congress Goes into Recess on Monday
Will take two weeks for its "Spring District Work Period"
Congress leaves town this weekend to spend two weeks, working in their home districts. "Coincidentally," this recess period coincides with Holy Week, and more.
• Pray that, as each member spends time with their family and friends at home, he or she will be drawn to worship on Resurrection Sunday (Easter Sunday) at the church of their own choosing.
May the message of the Cross resound victoriously in each soul; and may many be drawn to the saving knowledge of our Lord in this quiet time of prayer and reflection.
• I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (I Timothy 2:1-4)
CHPP PUBLISHING NOTICE
"On Capitol Hill This Week" will not be published this Monday, April 6; but will return on the following Monday, April 13.
"The Daily Brief" will continue to be published on our normal schedule, Tuesday through Friday, throughout the upcoming holiday season.
Good News Corner
HE LOVES US
We have come to the end of another very long week . . . and He still loves us . . .
Enjoy!
Have a great weekend, y'all!
