In This IssueThe Daily Brief
The Middle East in Focus
Setback for Voters in D.C.
Health Care: Left Standing
Supreme Court Won't Hear Bible-Club Case
The Good News Corner
The Middle East in Focus
Setback for Voters in D.C.
Health Care: Left Standing
Supreme Court Won't Hear Bible-Club Case
The Good News Corner
The Daily Brief - Wednesday, July 1, 2009
"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." (John 4:23)
The Daily Brief
1. Outed Pilot Headed to White House For Stonewall Riots Reception -- Stripes Central
President Obama hosted a White House East Room reception for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender groups late Sunday afternoon to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the New York Stonewall Riots. At least a handful of those in attendance were to be the same folks who protested outside the White House on Saturday, asking the president to overturn the military's "don't ask, don't tell" law and let homosexuals serve openly in the ranks.
· Gracious Father, Commander of the Heavenly Host. You know first-hand the trauma of war and the toll it takes upon troops and officers involved in the fight. You also know that soldiers need true, unblemished camaraderie to maintain a "will to fight." They do not need distractions that homosexual or heterosexual relationships amongst their peers would bring. We pray that our military will have Godly leadership manifested in the office holder of Commander-In-Chief, at the Pentagon and in all branches of service. We pray that our nation's White House and Congress will not pander or honor perverse, alternative lifestyles in our Nation's Capitol. We pray that our military will have chaplains who will be able to pray in Jesus' Name and will freely be able to give counsel based upon Biblical truth. Thank You Lord for listening and for granting our request that America will have a strong and ready fighting force led by those who serve You and not false gods. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
· "For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places. He teaches my hands to make war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze." (2 Samuel 22: 33 - 35 NKJV)
2. Obama hopes to persuade all Americans to accept homosexuality - AP
President Barack Obama says that while he's dedicated to expanding homosexual rights, many Americans still cling to what he calls "worn arguments and old attitudes."
At a White House celebration of Gay Pride Month, Obama said he hopes to persuade all Americans to accept homosexuality. ""There are good and decent people in this country who don't yet fully embrace their gay brothers and sisters -- not yet," said the president. "That's why I've spoken about these issues -- not just in front of you -- but in front of unlikely audiences, in front of African-American church members." Obama acknowledged that many Americans still disapprove of homosexuality. "There are still fellow citizens, perhaps neighbors or even family members and loved ones, who still hold fast to worn arguments and old attitudes," he stated.
· Father, by holding fast to Your truth, one is in line with the precepts therein. Although most know that "God hates sin but loves the sinner", please pray and ask that this truth be planted in the heart of Mr. Obama. Intercede for a right understanding of God's spirit to enter the minds and hearts of this administration, that it would not spend time and money to endorse fringe lifestyles, but would simply govern our country in godliness and truth. Lift up the hearts on Capitol Hill, that the "waters" would not be muddied concerning this issue.
· Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours? (I Kings 3:9)
3. Puerto Rican Group Sends Sotomayor Documents to Senate - Fox News
A Latino Justice group, PRLDEF, sent the Judiciary Committee more than 350 pages of documents from the 12 years Sotomayor spent on its board, opening what could be an ugly new chapter in the debate over confirming the federal appeals court judge as the first Hispanic justice. A GOP Judiciary aide said the material details PRLDEF's opposition to failed conservative high court nominee Robert Bork, and its ties to the community-activist group ACORN. Republicans and Democrats teamed to request the documents, and GOP senators have suggested the delay in uncovering them is grounds for delaying hearings on the nomination, now set to begin on July 13.
· Thank God that full disclosure will be part of the process in this debate. Pray for the time needed to obtain all information necessary for these hearings and that those combing through the many pages of these documents will have clarity and energy for this work. As Supreme Court Judge of the United States of America is such a high honor and great responsibility, ask that only one fully persuaded on our Constitution be found worthy. Intercede for our country to rest in the hands of God through this entire process.
· I will restore your judges as at the first, And your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city. (Isaiah 1:26)
4. Coleman Concedes; Franken Gives Dems Filibuster-Proof Majority in Senate - Worthy News
AP - Republican Norm Coleman conceded to Democrat Al Franken in Minnesota's contested Senate race Tuesday, hours after a unanimous state Supreme Court ruled the former "Saturday Night Live" comedian should be certified the winner.
Coleman announced his decision at a news conference in St. Paul, bringing an end to a nearly eight-month recount and court fight over an election decided by only a few hundred votes. "The Supreme Court has made its decision and I will abide by the results," Coleman told reporters outside his St. Paul home.
· Please pray now for the well deserved reprieve of Sen. Coleman and for the office of the Senate in Minnesota. Ask that Mr. Franken keep his word to "not be part of the 60, but the '2", and do his job in a non-partisan fashion. Intercede that Senator-Elect Franken's recent race to this seat will have prepared him to exercise fair and balanced judgment over all legislation coming forth. Ask that our legislative branch of government come up higher in dealing with our Constitution and our laws.
· All men shall fear, And shall declare the work of God; For they shall wisely consider His doing. (Psalm 64:9)
5. ADP Estimates U.S. Companies Cut Payrolls by 473,000 - Cross Action News
Companies in the U.S. cut more jobs than forecast in June, according to a private report today, showing the labor market will be slow to improve even as other parts of the economy indicate the recession is abating.
The 473,000 drop in the ADP Employer Services gauge followed a revised reduction of 485,000 workers in May that was smaller than previously estimated.
Job losses may mount as the bankruptcies of General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC ripple through manufacturing. Increased firings threaten to further restrain consumer spending at a time when the world's largest economy is showing signs of stabilizing.
· Given that "economic gains look to be modest in coming quarters and unemployment is forecast to declining for several more months", ask that all circumstances leading to this plight of the American people be manifest and exposed. Please pray that the deep roots of recession-based strategy be lifted out of government policy, that job-stricken families would recover fully and get back on their feet.
· For look, they lie in wait for my life; The mighty gather against me, Not for my transgression nor for my sin, O Lord. They run and prepare themselves through no fault of mine. (Psalm 59:3-4)
6. Police: Duke University official offered adopted son for sex - Cross Action News
A Duke University official is accused of offering his 5-year-old adopted son for sex on the Internet, according to the FBI and court documents in the case. Frank M. Lombard is the associate director of Duke University's Center for Health Policy. Frank M. Lombard, 42, was arrested last week at his home in Durham, North Carolina. During an Internet chat, Lombard allegedly offered the child to the person he was chatting with, who was a task force officer from Washington's Metropolitan Police, the FBI said in a statement. The chat was initiated after a confidential source facing child pornography charges told authorities they had witnessed a man, allegedly Lombard, performing sex acts on a child over the Internet.
During the chat, according to the complaint filed against Lombard, he told the officer that he had performed multiple sex acts on the boy and that the officer could do the same if he came to Durham. According to a transcript of the chat, reprinted in the complaint, Lombard allegedly told the officer that he had to hide the abuse from his partner and that he drugged the child with allergy medication. Lombard was arrested June 24, and two children at the home, including the 5-year-old, were removed from the home by the North Carolina Department of Social Services, the FBI said.
· Ambush these rackets of wickedness in high places with prayer, petitions, and intercession. Pray for the whereabouts and capture of every abductor and abuser. Intercede for the hearts and healing of children abused, not only by unknown criminals, but also by those who say they love them, that they would recover fully. Ask God to shake up and turn this scheme on His arch enemy to expose it fully. Pray for the FBI and other agency's efforts, and that the full measure of the law be handed out to evil doers without delay.
· You therefore, O Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel, Awake to punish all the nations; Do not be merciful to any wicked transgressors. (Psalm 59:5)
7. Did Michael Jackson repent, accept Christ? - World Net Daily
Gospel superstar Andrae Crouch and his twin sister, Sandra, confirm meeting with Michael Jackson and praying and singing with him weeks before his death.
Jackson, raised as a member of the Jehovah's Witness sect and reportedly a convert to Islam last year, sought out the Crouches for inspiration for his upcoming tour, for which he was unprepared, according to a report in Assist News Service. But while some blogs have reported that meeting led to a spiritual conversion by Jackson, the Crouches say they are not certain. "Not sure where that came from," said Sandra Crouch on her Facebook page. "We loved and respected Michael and will continue to pray for his family. All the extra is not from us."
A spokesman for the Crouches had this to add: "Andrae and Sandra did in fact visit with Michael Jackson two times, once at the recording studio, and once at his home in the last two months, as recently as three weeks ago, asking for prayer concerning the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and how he could make his music more 'spiritual.' So Andrae and Sandra explained to him about the anointing and about Jesus. He wanted to know what makes your hands go up, and makes you 'come out of yourself,' and what gives a 'spirituality' to the music? He then requested to hear his favorite song that he loves and wanted the(m) to sing to him, so they ... joined hands and sang together, and he said, 'It was beautiful.' He first heard it in New York, and loved it and wanted it on tape. He had the engineer tape the song sang to him by Andrae and Sandra. He definitely had an encounter with them."
· Pray as Americans and the world at large were so taken by the pop star, that God will use this latest truth to open up conversion of the lost on a grand scale. Ask the Holy Spirit to use His "sent ones" to go and accomplish that which the media, and sometimes the church, cannot. Intercede as "each one reaches one", that the gospel will make it's way to the inaccessible, and that all Christians will be prepared to obey the call, reaching out as this lovely brother and sister did, with a heart for God that says, "Here am I, send me."
· Then said I, Here am I; send me. And he said, Go, and tell this people, you hear indeed, but do understand; and you see indeed, but do not recognize. (Isaiah 6:8)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong" (Psalm 30:7a)
1. Barak tells Mitchell Israel ready to help peace efforts - Ynet News
Defense Minister Ehud Barak met with US special envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell in Washington Tuesday. Barak told Mitchell that Israel was willing to consider "any positive contribution to the peace efforts."
2. Defense minister tries to move US focus off settlements - Jerusalem Post
Defense Minister Ehud Barak emerged from a four-hour meeting with US Mideast envoy George Mitchell in New York on Tuesday without any agreement on settlement construction, but optimistic the two sides could "zoom out" of the settlement issue and focus on the wider regional diplomatic initiative.
3. Are Hamas and Islamic Jihad planning a merger? - Ha'aretz
"Only the aid from Iran continues to come in, and that too is only for bereaved families and for charities," Islamic Jihad Deputy Secretary-General Ziad al-Nahla, who is based in Damascus, recently told the Saudi-based newspaper Asharq Al Awsat. The problem is that a large part of the donor funds intended for Jihad is deposited in banks in the West Bank, where the funds are confiscated. "We can still guarantee the minimum necessary and the money reaches the Strip via the tunnels, just like the weapons," explained Nahla.
Setback for Voters in D.C.
Court refuses to allow D.C. vote on gay marriage
June 30, 2009
A D.C. Superior Court judge has dismissed a motion filed by gay marriage opponents to stall he implementation of a new District law recognizing same sex unions performed elsewhere.
The decision from Judge Judith Retchin to deny a preliminary injunction and grant the city's motion to dismiss means there will be no referendum on the recognition statute, which will likely become law July 6 after a congressional review of the law is completed. Congress is not expected to undue the legislation.
Retchin determined that the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics ruled properly that the proposed referendum, sought by a coalition of area clergy, was an improper subject for a ballot question because it would violate the city's Human Rights Act. The act, she said, makes it "unlawful for the government to deny services or benefits based on membership in a protected category," and there are some 200 rights and responsibilities conferred to married couples that are not given to legally recognized same sex couples.
Retchin also concluded that Dean vs. D.C., a key 1995 Court of Appeals rule that supported a court clerk's decision not to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple, did not apply in this case. Dean, she wrote, "involved a different factual scenario and presented a different legal question than is before the Court."
The Stand 4 Marriage D.C. coalition, led by Bishop Harry Jackson of Beltsville's Hope Christian Church, filed its proposed referendum application on May 27, 16 days after the bill was transmitted to Congress. That delay, Retchin wrote in her decision, was "inexcusable."
"At bottom, the harm about which Petitioners complain is not based on a denial of the right to referendum," Retchin wrote. "Rather, they simply disagree with legislation enacted by our duly-elected Council. A citizen's disagreement with constitutionally sound legislation, whether based on political, religious or moral views, does not rise to the level of an actionable harm." (Washington Examiner)
· Father, we continue to cry out for mercy, in the midst of judgment. Please forgive us for having strayed so far from Your Truth, and please forgive our pastors in this city for not teaching the Word without compromise. Help us, Lord, help us we pray. Amen.
· "Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray." (Psalm 5:1,2)
Health Care: Left Standing
Congress fled town to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday without coming to any sort of consensus about what form the President's health overhaul should take. While Republicans wait their turn in the debate, the fault lines are starting to show in the majority party. Democrats are feuding over the most fundamental details of "reform," and the slow boil over abortion coverage is peeling off even more support for the plan.
In a strong challenge to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), 19 pro-life Democrats warned the leadership that they would oppose any bill that did not specifically exclude abortion funding. Led by Rep. Dan Boren (Okla.), these congressmen rallied to the defense of the unborn, writing, "Recent comments from the administration have led us to believe that abortion will be considered a part of health care reform legislation even if it is not specifically mentioned. Plans to mandate coverage for abortions--either directly or indirectly--[are] unacceptable." The current House proposal would mandate abortion coverage at our expense, something this coalition views as a violation of taxpayer trust. "...[W]e cannot support any health care proposal unless it explicitly excludes abortion from the scope of any government-defined or subsidized health insurance plan. . ."
FRC has been instrumental in encouraging members to sign on to this letter, which was endorsed by the offices of: Dan Boren (Okla.), Bobby Bright (Ala.), Travis Childers (Miss.), Jerry Costello (Ill.), Kathy Dahlkemper (Penn.), Lincoln Davis (Tenn.), Steve Driehaus (Ohio), Tim Holden (Penn.), Paul Kanjorski (Penn.), Marcy Kaptur (Ohio), Mike McIntyre (N.C.), Charlie Melancon (La.), John Murtha (Penn.), Jim Oberstar (Minn.), Solomon Ortiz (Texas), Collin Peterson (Minn.), Heath Shuler (N.C.), Bart Stupak (Mich.), and Gene Taylor (Miss).
If you see your representative listed, send them a note of thanks for standing up to their party in defense of life. With Democrats attacking this issue from within, it greatly increases our chances of stripping abortion coverage from the final bill. If you haven't already, add your voice to the thousands who have signed FRC's petition urging Congress to reject any plan that violates the conscience of taxpayers and the nation's health care workers. (Family Research Council)
Supreme Court Won't Hear Bible-Club Case
High Court Won't Hear Bible-Club Case
The U.S. Supreme Court refused Monday to take the case between Kentridge High School near Seattle and two former students who wanted to form a Bible study group.
Kentridge High School officials denied a charter to the proposed club -- to be called Truth -- which would have required voting members to acknowledge Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
Nate Kellum of the Alliance Defense Fund said the restrictions did not prevent anyone from participating.
"They certainly wanted others to attend to hear the good news of Jesus Christ," he said.
Kellum explained that other clubs in the school are able to put restrictions on membership.
"There was a group on campus called the Gay Straight Alliance," he noted, "and they limit their membership to only those who agree with particular views on homosexual behavior."
Even though the high court refused to take the case, Kellum said the plaintiffs are considering whether to start over at the U.S. District Court level. (CitizenLink)
· Pray for wisdom for these plaintiffs, as they weigh whether to pursue further legal action in this case. (James 1:5)
The Good News Corner
QUOTEWORTHY -- Dr. James Dobson
"Isn't it good to be on the side of the truth? If we stay the course, our positions will never contradict themselves. We may not win every battle, but we will win every war."
--- Dr. James Dobson, as quoted in Gadzooks! by Paul J. Batura
The Daily Brief
1. Outed Pilot Headed to White House For Stonewall Riots Reception -- Stripes Central
President Obama hosted a White House East Room reception for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender groups late Sunday afternoon to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the New York Stonewall Riots. At least a handful of those in attendance were to be the same folks who protested outside the White House on Saturday, asking the president to overturn the military's "don't ask, don't tell" law and let homosexuals serve openly in the ranks.
· Gracious Father, Commander of the Heavenly Host. You know first-hand the trauma of war and the toll it takes upon troops and officers involved in the fight. You also know that soldiers need true, unblemished camaraderie to maintain a "will to fight." They do not need distractions that homosexual or heterosexual relationships amongst their peers would bring. We pray that our military will have Godly leadership manifested in the office holder of Commander-In-Chief, at the Pentagon and in all branches of service. We pray that our nation's White House and Congress will not pander or honor perverse, alternative lifestyles in our Nation's Capitol. We pray that our military will have chaplains who will be able to pray in Jesus' Name and will freely be able to give counsel based upon Biblical truth. Thank You Lord for listening and for granting our request that America will have a strong and ready fighting force led by those who serve You and not false gods. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
· "For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places. He teaches my hands to make war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze." (2 Samuel 22: 33 - 35 NKJV)
2. Obama hopes to persuade all Americans to accept homosexuality - AP
President Barack Obama says that while he's dedicated to expanding homosexual rights, many Americans still cling to what he calls "worn arguments and old attitudes."
At a White House celebration of Gay Pride Month, Obama said he hopes to persuade all Americans to accept homosexuality. ""There are good and decent people in this country who don't yet fully embrace their gay brothers and sisters -- not yet," said the president. "That's why I've spoken about these issues -- not just in front of you -- but in front of unlikely audiences, in front of African-American church members." Obama acknowledged that many Americans still disapprove of homosexuality. "There are still fellow citizens, perhaps neighbors or even family members and loved ones, who still hold fast to worn arguments and old attitudes," he stated.
· Father, by holding fast to Your truth, one is in line with the precepts therein. Although most know that "God hates sin but loves the sinner", please pray and ask that this truth be planted in the heart of Mr. Obama. Intercede for a right understanding of God's spirit to enter the minds and hearts of this administration, that it would not spend time and money to endorse fringe lifestyles, but would simply govern our country in godliness and truth. Lift up the hearts on Capitol Hill, that the "waters" would not be muddied concerning this issue.
· Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours? (I Kings 3:9)
3. Puerto Rican Group Sends Sotomayor Documents to Senate - Fox News
A Latino Justice group, PRLDEF, sent the Judiciary Committee more than 350 pages of documents from the 12 years Sotomayor spent on its board, opening what could be an ugly new chapter in the debate over confirming the federal appeals court judge as the first Hispanic justice. A GOP Judiciary aide said the material details PRLDEF's opposition to failed conservative high court nominee Robert Bork, and its ties to the community-activist group ACORN. Republicans and Democrats teamed to request the documents, and GOP senators have suggested the delay in uncovering them is grounds for delaying hearings on the nomination, now set to begin on July 13.
· Thank God that full disclosure will be part of the process in this debate. Pray for the time needed to obtain all information necessary for these hearings and that those combing through the many pages of these documents will have clarity and energy for this work. As Supreme Court Judge of the United States of America is such a high honor and great responsibility, ask that only one fully persuaded on our Constitution be found worthy. Intercede for our country to rest in the hands of God through this entire process.
· I will restore your judges as at the first, And your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city. (Isaiah 1:26)
4. Coleman Concedes; Franken Gives Dems Filibuster-Proof Majority in Senate - Worthy News
AP - Republican Norm Coleman conceded to Democrat Al Franken in Minnesota's contested Senate race Tuesday, hours after a unanimous state Supreme Court ruled the former "Saturday Night Live" comedian should be certified the winner.
Coleman announced his decision at a news conference in St. Paul, bringing an end to a nearly eight-month recount and court fight over an election decided by only a few hundred votes. "The Supreme Court has made its decision and I will abide by the results," Coleman told reporters outside his St. Paul home.
· Please pray now for the well deserved reprieve of Sen. Coleman and for the office of the Senate in Minnesota. Ask that Mr. Franken keep his word to "not be part of the 60, but the '2", and do his job in a non-partisan fashion. Intercede that Senator-Elect Franken's recent race to this seat will have prepared him to exercise fair and balanced judgment over all legislation coming forth. Ask that our legislative branch of government come up higher in dealing with our Constitution and our laws.
· All men shall fear, And shall declare the work of God; For they shall wisely consider His doing. (Psalm 64:9)
5. ADP Estimates U.S. Companies Cut Payrolls by 473,000 - Cross Action News
Companies in the U.S. cut more jobs than forecast in June, according to a private report today, showing the labor market will be slow to improve even as other parts of the economy indicate the recession is abating.
The 473,000 drop in the ADP Employer Services gauge followed a revised reduction of 485,000 workers in May that was smaller than previously estimated.
Job losses may mount as the bankruptcies of General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC ripple through manufacturing. Increased firings threaten to further restrain consumer spending at a time when the world's largest economy is showing signs of stabilizing.
· Given that "economic gains look to be modest in coming quarters and unemployment is forecast to declining for several more months", ask that all circumstances leading to this plight of the American people be manifest and exposed. Please pray that the deep roots of recession-based strategy be lifted out of government policy, that job-stricken families would recover fully and get back on their feet.
· For look, they lie in wait for my life; The mighty gather against me, Not for my transgression nor for my sin, O Lord. They run and prepare themselves through no fault of mine. (Psalm 59:3-4)
6. Police: Duke University official offered adopted son for sex - Cross Action News
A Duke University official is accused of offering his 5-year-old adopted son for sex on the Internet, according to the FBI and court documents in the case. Frank M. Lombard is the associate director of Duke University's Center for Health Policy. Frank M. Lombard, 42, was arrested last week at his home in Durham, North Carolina. During an Internet chat, Lombard allegedly offered the child to the person he was chatting with, who was a task force officer from Washington's Metropolitan Police, the FBI said in a statement. The chat was initiated after a confidential source facing child pornography charges told authorities they had witnessed a man, allegedly Lombard, performing sex acts on a child over the Internet.
During the chat, according to the complaint filed against Lombard, he told the officer that he had performed multiple sex acts on the boy and that the officer could do the same if he came to Durham. According to a transcript of the chat, reprinted in the complaint, Lombard allegedly told the officer that he had to hide the abuse from his partner and that he drugged the child with allergy medication. Lombard was arrested June 24, and two children at the home, including the 5-year-old, were removed from the home by the North Carolina Department of Social Services, the FBI said.
· Ambush these rackets of wickedness in high places with prayer, petitions, and intercession. Pray for the whereabouts and capture of every abductor and abuser. Intercede for the hearts and healing of children abused, not only by unknown criminals, but also by those who say they love them, that they would recover fully. Ask God to shake up and turn this scheme on His arch enemy to expose it fully. Pray for the FBI and other agency's efforts, and that the full measure of the law be handed out to evil doers without delay.
· You therefore, O Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel, Awake to punish all the nations; Do not be merciful to any wicked transgressors. (Psalm 59:5)
7. Did Michael Jackson repent, accept Christ? - World Net Daily
Gospel superstar Andrae Crouch and his twin sister, Sandra, confirm meeting with Michael Jackson and praying and singing with him weeks before his death.
Jackson, raised as a member of the Jehovah's Witness sect and reportedly a convert to Islam last year, sought out the Crouches for inspiration for his upcoming tour, for which he was unprepared, according to a report in Assist News Service. But while some blogs have reported that meeting led to a spiritual conversion by Jackson, the Crouches say they are not certain. "Not sure where that came from," said Sandra Crouch on her Facebook page. "We loved and respected Michael and will continue to pray for his family. All the extra is not from us."
A spokesman for the Crouches had this to add: "Andrae and Sandra did in fact visit with Michael Jackson two times, once at the recording studio, and once at his home in the last two months, as recently as three weeks ago, asking for prayer concerning the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and how he could make his music more 'spiritual.' So Andrae and Sandra explained to him about the anointing and about Jesus. He wanted to know what makes your hands go up, and makes you 'come out of yourself,' and what gives a 'spirituality' to the music? He then requested to hear his favorite song that he loves and wanted the(m) to sing to him, so they ... joined hands and sang together, and he said, 'It was beautiful.' He first heard it in New York, and loved it and wanted it on tape. He had the engineer tape the song sang to him by Andrae and Sandra. He definitely had an encounter with them."
· Pray as Americans and the world at large were so taken by the pop star, that God will use this latest truth to open up conversion of the lost on a grand scale. Ask the Holy Spirit to use His "sent ones" to go and accomplish that which the media, and sometimes the church, cannot. Intercede as "each one reaches one", that the gospel will make it's way to the inaccessible, and that all Christians will be prepared to obey the call, reaching out as this lovely brother and sister did, with a heart for God that says, "Here am I, send me."
· Then said I, Here am I; send me. And he said, Go, and tell this people, you hear indeed, but do understand; and you see indeed, but do not recognize. (Isaiah 6:8)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong" (Psalm 30:7a)
1. Barak tells Mitchell Israel ready to help peace efforts - Ynet News
Defense Minister Ehud Barak met with US special envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell in Washington Tuesday. Barak told Mitchell that Israel was willing to consider "any positive contribution to the peace efforts."
2. Defense minister tries to move US focus off settlements - Jerusalem Post
Defense Minister Ehud Barak emerged from a four-hour meeting with US Mideast envoy George Mitchell in New York on Tuesday without any agreement on settlement construction, but optimistic the two sides could "zoom out" of the settlement issue and focus on the wider regional diplomatic initiative.
3. Are Hamas and Islamic Jihad planning a merger? - Ha'aretz
"Only the aid from Iran continues to come in, and that too is only for bereaved families and for charities," Islamic Jihad Deputy Secretary-General Ziad al-Nahla, who is based in Damascus, recently told the Saudi-based newspaper Asharq Al Awsat. The problem is that a large part of the donor funds intended for Jihad is deposited in banks in the West Bank, where the funds are confiscated. "We can still guarantee the minimum necessary and the money reaches the Strip via the tunnels, just like the weapons," explained Nahla.
Setback for Voters in D.C.
Court refuses to allow D.C. vote on gay marriage
June 30, 2009
A D.C. Superior Court judge has dismissed a motion filed by gay marriage opponents to stall he implementation of a new District law recognizing same sex unions performed elsewhere.
The decision from Judge Judith Retchin to deny a preliminary injunction and grant the city's motion to dismiss means there will be no referendum on the recognition statute, which will likely become law July 6 after a congressional review of the law is completed. Congress is not expected to undue the legislation.
Retchin determined that the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics ruled properly that the proposed referendum, sought by a coalition of area clergy, was an improper subject for a ballot question because it would violate the city's Human Rights Act. The act, she said, makes it "unlawful for the government to deny services or benefits based on membership in a protected category," and there are some 200 rights and responsibilities conferred to married couples that are not given to legally recognized same sex couples.
Retchin also concluded that Dean vs. D.C., a key 1995 Court of Appeals rule that supported a court clerk's decision not to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple, did not apply in this case. Dean, she wrote, "involved a different factual scenario and presented a different legal question than is before the Court."
The Stand 4 Marriage D.C. coalition, led by Bishop Harry Jackson of Beltsville's Hope Christian Church, filed its proposed referendum application on May 27, 16 days after the bill was transmitted to Congress. That delay, Retchin wrote in her decision, was "inexcusable."
"At bottom, the harm about which Petitioners complain is not based on a denial of the right to referendum," Retchin wrote. "Rather, they simply disagree with legislation enacted by our duly-elected Council. A citizen's disagreement with constitutionally sound legislation, whether based on political, religious or moral views, does not rise to the level of an actionable harm." (Washington Examiner)
· Father, we continue to cry out for mercy, in the midst of judgment. Please forgive us for having strayed so far from Your Truth, and please forgive our pastors in this city for not teaching the Word without compromise. Help us, Lord, help us we pray. Amen.
· "Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray." (Psalm 5:1,2)
Health Care: Left Standing
Congress fled town to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday without coming to any sort of consensus about what form the President's health overhaul should take. While Republicans wait their turn in the debate, the fault lines are starting to show in the majority party. Democrats are feuding over the most fundamental details of "reform," and the slow boil over abortion coverage is peeling off even more support for the plan.
In a strong challenge to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), 19 pro-life Democrats warned the leadership that they would oppose any bill that did not specifically exclude abortion funding. Led by Rep. Dan Boren (Okla.), these congressmen rallied to the defense of the unborn, writing, "Recent comments from the administration have led us to believe that abortion will be considered a part of health care reform legislation even if it is not specifically mentioned. Plans to mandate coverage for abortions--either directly or indirectly--[are] unacceptable." The current House proposal would mandate abortion coverage at our expense, something this coalition views as a violation of taxpayer trust. "...[W]e cannot support any health care proposal unless it explicitly excludes abortion from the scope of any government-defined or subsidized health insurance plan. . ."
FRC has been instrumental in encouraging members to sign on to this letter, which was endorsed by the offices of: Dan Boren (Okla.), Bobby Bright (Ala.), Travis Childers (Miss.), Jerry Costello (Ill.), Kathy Dahlkemper (Penn.), Lincoln Davis (Tenn.), Steve Driehaus (Ohio), Tim Holden (Penn.), Paul Kanjorski (Penn.), Marcy Kaptur (Ohio), Mike McIntyre (N.C.), Charlie Melancon (La.), John Murtha (Penn.), Jim Oberstar (Minn.), Solomon Ortiz (Texas), Collin Peterson (Minn.), Heath Shuler (N.C.), Bart Stupak (Mich.), and Gene Taylor (Miss).
If you see your representative listed, send them a note of thanks for standing up to their party in defense of life. With Democrats attacking this issue from within, it greatly increases our chances of stripping abortion coverage from the final bill. If you haven't already, add your voice to the thousands who have signed FRC's petition urging Congress to reject any plan that violates the conscience of taxpayers and the nation's health care workers. (Family Research Council)
Supreme Court Won't Hear Bible-Club Case
High Court Won't Hear Bible-Club Case
The U.S. Supreme Court refused Monday to take the case between Kentridge High School near Seattle and two former students who wanted to form a Bible study group.
Kentridge High School officials denied a charter to the proposed club -- to be called Truth -- which would have required voting members to acknowledge Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
Nate Kellum of the Alliance Defense Fund said the restrictions did not prevent anyone from participating.
"They certainly wanted others to attend to hear the good news of Jesus Christ," he said.
Kellum explained that other clubs in the school are able to put restrictions on membership.
"There was a group on campus called the Gay Straight Alliance," he noted, "and they limit their membership to only those who agree with particular views on homosexual behavior."
Even though the high court refused to take the case, Kellum said the plaintiffs are considering whether to start over at the U.S. District Court level. (CitizenLink)
· Pray for wisdom for these plaintiffs, as they weigh whether to pursue further legal action in this case. (James 1:5)
The Good News Corner
QUOTEWORTHY -- Dr. James Dobson
"Isn't it good to be on the side of the truth? If we stay the course, our positions will never contradict themselves. We may not win every battle, but we will win every war."
--- Dr. James Dobson, as quoted in Gadzooks! by Paul J. Batura
