In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• Sotomayor Hearings To Begin Monday
• Abortion in Health Care: Senate Liberals' True Agenda
• The Daily Jot
• Arabs Burn Jewish Holy Books
• Repentance: Step Four
• The Good News Corner
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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The Daily Brief - Friday, July 10, 2009
"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way." (2 Thess. 3:16)
The Daily Brief
1. The Pope Gives Obama Booklet on Bioethics in First Meeting - Fox News
President Obama sat down with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican on Friday for frank but constructive talks between two men who agree on helping the poor but disagree on abortion and stem cell research. After the meeting, the Vatican said the two leaders discussed immigration, the Middle East peace process and aid to developing nations. But the Vatican's statement also underscored the pair's deep disagreements on abortion. "In the course of their cordial exchanges, the conversation turned first of all to questions which are in the interest of all and which constitute a great challenge ... such as the defense and promotion of life and the right to abide by one's conscience," the statement said. Even in his gift to the U.S. leader, the pope sought to communicate his beliefs. Benedict gave Obama with a copy of a Vatican document on bioethics that hardened the church's opposition to using embryos for stem cell research, cloning and in-vitro fertilization. In the interview with Catholic journalists, Obama said he would tell the pope of his concern that the world financial crisis is not "borne disproportionally by the most poor and vulnerable countries." Just this week, Benedict issued a major document calling for a new world financial order guided by ethics and the search for the common good, denouncing the profit-at-all-cost mentality blamed for bringing about the global financial meltdown. As Obama has pledged to step-up efforts for Middle East peace through a two-state solution, Benedict made a similar appeal during a trip in May to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories. He issued the Vatican's strongest call yet for a Palestinian state.
- Lord, we thank You that the Pope stood for life. We pray that all agreements that are reached will be within Your will and that those agreements will advance Your kingdom.
- "Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; State a proposal, but it will not stand, For God is with us." (Isaiah 8:10)
2. Who's More Catholic: President Obama or Pope Benedict XVI? - Fox News
Newsweek guest columnist Kathleen Kennedy Townsend is suggesting President Obama is more Catholic than the pope. In a column on Newsweek's Web site, the former Maryland lieutenant governor and member of the Kennedy clan says Obama's agenda reflects the views of American Catholics "much more closely than those vocal bishops and pro-life activists." Townsend continues that Catholics in the U.S. aren't bothered by disagreements between the White House and the Vatican over reproductive rights and homosexuality because "they know Obama's on their side... [his] agenda is closer to their views than even the pope's."
- May people be alert to the truth and we pray that those who are faithful to You will be honored, and those who are against You will be toppled.
- "Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments." (Deuteronomy 7:9)
3. A. Conservative Democrats Want Health Care Bill Delayed, as Pelosi Vows to Push Forward - Fox News
The drive to remake the nation's health care system suffered yet another setback in Congress on Thursday when a pivotal group of House Democrats demanded numerous changes in legislation the leadership was drafting on a fast track. The emerging bill "lacks a number of elements essential to preserving what works and fixing what is broken," 40 members of the Blue Dog Coalition of moderate to conservative Democrats wrote in a letter to party leaders. The letter addressed to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer also called for greater protections for small businesses and rural health care providers. It did not specify how much additional time the group wanted, but Rep. Mike Ross, D-Ark., said he believes no vote should take place until September. The group issued its letter as Democrats on the House Ways and Means Committee were laboring to put the final pieces in place on a bill that the White House has praised. The party's leadership had hoped to unveil it Friday and push it through committee next week, a timetable that fell apart later in the day. Making the bill public was put off until Monday.
B. Senate Democrats Show Flexibility on Public Insurance Option - Fox News
Senate Democratic leaders are showing flexibility over a public insurance option that Republicans fiercely oppose to being included in any plan to overhaul the health care system. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid told reporters Thursday that a system of nonprofit cooperatives could pass as a "public option," or government-run health care, depending on how they are set up. "We're going to have some type of public option, call it 'co-op', call it what you want," the Nevada Democrat said, adding that Democrats are working on "some version of a co-op that may satisfy everyone." This is not likely to please the legions of liberal Democrats clamoring for a plan fully-setup and managed by the federal government.
- We pray that Congress will be thoughtful in dealing with any reforms of health care and that they will honor private enterprise as well as working to be sure that people are protected. We pray that the government will take advantage of the faith groups which are currently working to meet the needs of the poor. Help all of us to rely on God for our provisions of health and for our sustenance.
- "And He said to His disciples, "For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on." (Luke 12:22)
4. Mysterious Tremors Detected Along San Andreas Fault - AP
Scientists have detected a spike in underground rumblings on a section of California's San Andreas Fault that produced a magnitude-7.8 earthquake in 1857. What these mysterious vibrations say about future earthquakes is far from certain. But some think the deep tremors suggest underground stress may be building up faster than expected and may indicate an increased risk of a major temblor.
- We pray that we recognize any manifestations of Your will that You choose to show through Your creation.
- "Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!" (Psalm 2:12)
5. Gay Marriage Foes Reach Signature Goal in Maine - NewsMax
Gay marriage foes in Maine say they've collected enough signatures to stop a new law from going into effect and to force a statewide vote. Mark Mutty from the Stand for Marriage Maine coalition said Wednesday it took four weeks to gather the more than 55,000 signatures necessary to put gay marriage to a vote. The law allowing gay marriage was scheduled to take effect Sept. 12 but will be put on hold after the signatures are submitted and certified.
- Thank You Lord for the workers who are standing strong for Your institutions. We pray that Your people across this nation will be alert to any dangers to marriage by government officials, and may they stand strong against any scheming to change the laws.
- "The sound of joyful shouting and salvation is in the tents of the righteous; The right hand of the LORD does valiantly." (Psalm 118:15)
6. Iran Won't Back Down 'One Step' in Nuke Dispute - NewsMax
Iran will not back down "even one step" over its nuclear work, a senior adviser to the country's top authority said in remarks published on Thursday, making clear Tehran's continued defiance in a row with the West. French President Nicolas Sarkozy said on Wednesday Group of Eight major powers would give Iran until September to accept negotiations over its nuclear ambitions or else face tougher sanctions. Ali Akbar Velayati, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's top adviser on international affairs, said Western countries did not want the Islamic state to have peaceful nuclear activities, state broadcaster IRIB said on its website.
- Lord, we continue to pray for those in Iran who are standing against the authoritarian regime and that You will comfort those who are attacked and the families of those who are murdered. May there be a world-wide understanding of the threat that Iran faces and may the nations choose to stand behind Israel as it defends itself.
- "You who know, O LORD, Remember me, take notice of me, And take vengeance for me on my persecutors. Do not, in view of Your patience, take me away; Know that for Your sake I endure reproach." (Jeremiah 15:15)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;
they will never be silent day or night.
You who call on the LORD,
give yourselves no rest,
and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem
they will never be silent day or night.
You who call on the LORD,
give yourselves no rest,
and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem
and makes her the praise of the earth." (Is. 62:6,7)
1. Israeli strike on Iran would be 'catastrophe': Sarkozy - AFP
A unilateral attack by Israel against Iran to thwart the Islamic republic's nuclear ambitions would be an "absolute catastrophe", French President Nicolas Sarkozy warned on Thursday. Sarkozy was speaking after a summit of G8 and other leaders in Italy at which they agreed on the need to pursue a negotiated deal with Tehran to halt a programme which Western powers fear hides a plan to acquire nuclear weapons. "Israel should know that it is not alone and look at all this calm. If I have fought so hard in the name of France to get people talking about Iran it's also a message to the Israelis that they are not alone," he said.
2. Israel may allow PA counter-terror force - Jerusalem Post
The IDF is considering allowing the Palestinians to establish a specially trained counterterror squad qualified to carry out pinpoint operations against Hamas terrorist cells in the West Bank, The Jerusalem Post has learned.
3. Israel orders 1st stealth F-35 squadron - Jerusalem Post
Israel moved a step closer to receiving its first stealth fighter jets this week after the Israel Air Force submitted an official Letter of Request (LOR) to the Pentagon to purchase its first squadron of 25 F-35 stealth fighter jets.
4. EU retracts criticism of Israeli settlements - Ha'aretz
The European Commission on Thursday backtracked on its unusually harsh criticism of Israeli settlements, declaring that a statement released earlier this week did not reflect the commission's position.
5. Palestinians reject Netanyahu's 'economic peace' plan - Ha'aretz
Prior to the elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented his program for "economic peace," which he said would improved the quality of life for Palestinians in the West Bank. However, 100 days after having formed his coalition government, there is no practical progress on economic projects.
Sotomayor Hearings To Begin Monday
The US Senate Judiciary Committee will begin hearings Monday, July 13, for the confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor as President Barack Obama's appointee to the United States Supreme Court.
• We encourage all of our Prayer Partners to join in intercession with those who will be praying quietly, on-site, during these hearings, to be held in the Hart Senate Office Building beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Monday. Live coverage of these hearings will be shown on CSPAN. Pray that the LORD would grant unusual wisdom to each member of this Committee, so that all the pertinent facts about Judge Sotomayor's qualifications to hold this seat would come to light.
• "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
Abortion in Health Care: Senate Liberals' True Agenda
'It Would Include, uh, Planned, uh, Parenthood Clinics"
Hearings to Reconvene on Monday
FRC's work in the trenches on taxpayer-funded abortion is starting to have a major impact on the direction of the health care debate. After Senate meetings with several prominent players, FRC was able to take a non-issue and turn into a national focal point. Yesterday, the HELP Committee showed just how much influence our campaign against abortion coverage is having on Republicans and Democrats, as Senators like Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), and Mike Enzi (R-Wy.) used Thursday's HELP meeting to force the leadership's hand on its real agenda.
After weeks of insisting that their plan doesn't include abortion, liberals like Sen. Barbara Mikulski were smoked out of hiding by pro-lifers from both parties. Before our coalition started hammering away at the definition of "reproductive health care," groups like Planned Parenthood and NARAL were silent, believing their billions in federal funding were safe. Now their Senate allies are on the defensive, trying to justify abortion as a part of taxpayer-funded "health care."
During yesterday's HELP meeting, the leadership moved one step closer to making that goal a reality. Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) stammered her way through an explanation of an amendment to the health care bill that would cover abortion. When pressed, she admitted that her language would force health insurance companies to contract with abortion groups like Planned Parenthood.
Unfortunately, Mikulski's amendment to include abortion coverage in the bill passed by a razor-thin margin (11-12). Sen. Bob Casey (D-Penn.) was the only Democrat to stand his ground and vote for life. If you'd like to help FRC in this battle to ban taxpayer-funded abortion, log on to our new site, www.clearconsciencehealthcare.org, dedicated to promoting the rights to life and conscience. But before you do, click over to www.frc.org to watch the latest "Perkins on Point" video. (Family Research Council)
Note: The Senate HELP Committee (Health, Education, Labor and Pensions) will continue consideration of Affordable Health Choices Act. You can monitor the progress of these hearings by watching live coverage on CSPAN on Monday.
The Daily Jot
Prophecy Clock Ticks Forward as G8 Leaders Set To Control Global Temperatures
Those of us who have a Biblical world view have no excuse. Those of us who believe the Bible is the inerrant and infallible word of God have no excuse. There is not an argument. And we may choose to stay silent or we may choose to speak up. If we speak up, we will be ridiculed, taunted, considered ignorant and, perhaps, anti-American by some. But that never stopped me before. So here we go. The idea that man can control the temperatures of the earth or its climate is a covert attempt to control man's personal life through taxation, regulation and personal invasion. It is an attempt to establish a tyrannical global government of wealth redistribution and oppression.
After destroying the earth by the great flood, the Lord God says in Genesis 8:21, 22, "And the Lord smelled a sweet savour; and the Lord said in His heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living as I have done. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." Yes, mankind is to be the steward of the earth and it just makes sense that we conserve the environment, but God has made a promise here and global warming is a man-made scare tactic rather than a man made phenomenon.
The leaders of the eight most industrialized nations, called the G8, are meeting in Italy to find common ground on international trade and, of course, global warming. AP reports, "For the first time, America and the other seven richest economies agreed to the goal of keeping the world's average temperature from rising more than 2C (3.6F)." To underscore this ruse, scientists say that the global temperature has risen only .7 Celsius since the industrial revolution which ended in 1830. So these demagogues believe they can play god by keeping the world temperature from rising 300% more than it has over the past 200 years. What a con game!
The quest to rule over the earth has been shared by many civilizations throughout history since the tower of Babel. None have been successful. Empires have risen and fallen in trying to rule the world. But these men and women of the G8 believe they can rule the world by convincing the world's population that they will die because of the climate, and then controlling every aspect of their lives from how they grill their food to how they live to what kind of job they have to what they pay for energy all the way down to their very personal "carbon footprint." This is a ruse to make government and the people who run it the god of this world. The one world order is coming.
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Arabs Burn Jewish Holy Books
Arabs raided the yeshiva of Homesh in Samaria on Wednesday and torched dozens of books of the Talmud and of the Five Books of Moses. The arsonists ignored personal equipment, including beds, tables and chairs, and concentrated all their energies on Jewish texts.
"It was a horrible sight to see dozen of holy books of the Talmud and Bible burned almost completely," said Rabbi Elishama Cohen, head of the yeshiva that has been the stronghold of the community the past two years. Homesh was one of four towns in northern Samaria that the government destroyed after expelling the residents during the "Disengagement" program four years ago.
"The Arabs did this very thoroughly and carefully," Rabbi Cohen added. "We succeeded in saving the remains of some of the burned books and several pages where the letters still are recognizable, the same pages we learned the past several days."
Return to Homesh leader Yossi Dagan said that the yeshiva students gathered the remains of the books to bury them according to Jewish law. "We demand that the Prime Minister establish a community larger than the original Homesh. This needs to be the answer of the government to this desecration and national humiliation."
Yuli Edelstein, Minister of Information and Diaspora Affairs, said. "To my sorrow, this grave incident is a result of classic anti-Semitism and a reminder of the dark days of the past. It is sad to think that if there were permanent homes and official security, we would not be witness to this grave incident." (Israel National News)
• If history is correctly remembered, a few years ago the Moslems rampaged and created international mayhem because of a cartoon published by the Dutch (or Danes) about Mohammed. Obviously the same respect for their religion does not extend to other religions. Pray that our Jewish brothers will soon replace the lost holy books and that the state of Israel will find the perpetrators of this blasphemy. One wonders about the civilizing effect of Islam on its followers. Pray also that this spirit of anti-semitism will be subdued in the Arab world. May God grant peace to the residents of Homesh.
• "Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, And do not be still, O God! For behold Your enemies make a tumult, And those who hate You have lifted up their head." (Psalm 83: 1,2)
Repentance: Step Four
"PREPARING OUR HEARTS TO ENTER IN"
Ten steps of Repentance, Redirection and Renewal in Christ
Step Four: CONSENT TO SURRENDER
Christ is Lord, not you. This is the crucial step. If you slur this over, then nothing will come out right. And the step is simple. Everyone goes into the shrine of the heart and bends the knee to something; something has the place of supreme allegiance. Some bow the knee to what others will say. they look around before they act. They don't act; they only react. Their god is public opinion. Others bend the knee to themselves. Self-interest is supreme. Their first reaction is: How will that affect me? Their god is self. We could name others: money, sex, ambition, fear -- any one of these may be the center of allegiance.
Everybody bends the knee to something. If so, I choose -- I choose Christ. I am not God; He is! I whisper the inner consent, the consent of abdication. He commands; I obey. From this moment I do not belong to myself. I let go the one thing I own -- myself. I am free from self-domination; I choose Christ- domination. I let go at the center.
A rich woman said, "I was afraid to surrender to God, for I was afraid He would drive my last cow out of the pasture." But when she surrendered, she found God's will was not only perfect love but perfect reasonableness. The cows were all there, only she and God were partners in raising them, and partners in their disposal. Life was a partnership, with God as senior Partner. She was released and free and effective. She was relieved that she was no longer God.
"O God, I lay down the burden of trying to be God. For I am not God. Thou art. So I yield to Thee the throne. I abdicate, now and forever. And am I relieved and released? I am. I'm grateful that I am now no longer centered in myself -- I'm centered in Thee. Amen."
Our source book for this teaching is The Way, by E. Stanley Jones, published in 1956 by Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, New York.
The Good News Corner
"SOON AND VERY SOON"
Praise the Lord!!
"Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King!"
To enjoy this Youtube video by Andrae Crouch, go here.
Enjoy, and may you all have a blessed weekend in the Lord. Amen!
