In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• Jones Gone; Other Radicals Remain
• Health Care Update
• "Gay" Bills in Congress
• Bin Laden's "Gift"
• 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World
• The Good News Corner
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The Daily Brief - Tuesday, September 8, 2009
"When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him." (Isaiah 59:19)
The Daily Brief
1. Thousands of Christians to Gather at Courthouses on 9/11 to Pray for New 'Great Awakening' - CNS News
America is in need of a new "Great Awakening" - an awakening that some Christian leaders say can only come about if Christians get on their knees.
• Thank You, Lord, for stirring hearts up to be involved in our government and to take a stand for you. We pray that people will remain committed to rebuilding America.
• And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations. (Isaiah 61:4)
2. Defying Critics, Obama Names Another Czar After Resignation of Environmental Adviser - Fox News
As one White House "czar" departs amid a cloud of controversy, an undeterred President Obama is naming a new one to advise him on manufacturing, defying conservative critics who have raised concerns about these advisory positions that do not require congressional oversight.
• Father God, we thank you for opening people's eyes to see there is an effort to circumvent the principles of our government by usurping the authority that needs to be under Congressional review. We pray that more scrutiny will be done to the other czars that are in this administration and this process of using czars will be stopped immediately.
• For this is what the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: "Don't let your prophets who are among you and your diviners deceive you, and don't listen to the dreams you elicit from them, (Jeremiah 29:8)
3. Poll Shows Surge of Support for Israel in US - Jerusalem Post
In stark contrast to the cable leaked last month by Israel's consul-general in Boston saying support for Israel in the US has declined, a recent poll for The Israel Project shows support has bounced back significantly after slipping in the aftermath of Barack Hussein Obama's Cairo speech.
• We thank You, Lord, that support for Israel has bounced back. Let us never waver in our faithfulness to support Israel.
• I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:3)
4. U.S. Sources: Many Arab States 'Pledging' Normal Israel Ties - Ha'aretz
U.S. special Mideast envoy George Mitchell has managed to obtain "pledges" from many Arab states for various steps toward normalization with Israel, some more significant and some less so, senior U.S. government officials told Haaretz on Sunday.
However, Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa told a press conference on Sunday that given Israel's "stubbornness" over the settlements, there is no place for any moves toward normalization.
• Heavenly Father, we pray that only Your will be done concerning these peace talks. Block wicked plans against Israel. Let nothing be agreed to or proposed that would be harmful to Israel.
• "The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways." (Deuteronomy 28:7)
5. Job Losses Weigh on Recovery - Wall Street Journal
Employers cut jobs in August at the slowest pace in a year, but a jump in the unemployment rate to a 26-year high of 9.7% reinforced worries that a weak labor market could weigh on consumer spending and the vigor of the economic recovery.
• Heavenly Father, we pray for those who are unemployed. We pray that you will give them witty inventions and creative ideas, in order to provide for their families. Stretch their finances.
• As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor--this is the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 5:19)
6. Congress Weighs Landmark Change in Web Ad Privacy - AP
Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Va., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet, is drafting a bill that would impose broad new rules on Web sites and advertisers. His goal: to ensure that consumers know what information is being collected about them on the Web and how it is being used, and to give them control over that information.
• Lord, we pray that these laws that are being considered will be reasonable laws that are not too restrictive to businesses, yet are protective of citizens of their privacy rights.
• They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; they say, "Who will see them?" (Psalms 64:5)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Violence shall no more be heard in your land, wasting nor destruction within your borders; but you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise" (Isaiah 60:18)
1. Netanyahu, Mubarak to meet in Egypt next week - Ha'aretz
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Egypt for talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak before the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah next week.
2. New neighborhood launched in disputed E1 area - Ynet News
"This is our answer to the international community's demand that Israel halt construction in the West Bank," Deputy Education Minister Meir Porush (United Torah Judaism) said Monday during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new residential neighborhood in E1, a sprawl of land connecting Jerusalem to Maaleh Adumim.
3. IDF preparing for US missile systems - Jerusalem Post
The Defense Ministry is preparing for the possibility that the United States will decide to leave missile defense systems in Israel following a joint missile defense exercise the two countries will hold next month, senior officials said Sunday.
Jones Gone; Other Radicals Remain
I hope you had a good holiday weekend. One man who did not was Obama "Green Jobs Czar" Van Jones. In Friday's message, we included two shocking video clips from Glenn Beck's Thursday show exposing Jones' radical, anti-American views. That same day, Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), a member of the House GOP leadership, demanded Jones' resignation. In his statement, Rep. Pence also questioned Obama's growing czar regime, adding, "In the wake of these recent revelations, the president should suspend any further appointments of so-called 'czars' until Congress has an opportunity to examine the background and responsibilities of these individuals and to determine the constitutionality of such appointments. . ." Sunday, Jones resigned.
Like many, I was stunned by Jones' extremist views and it was inconceivable to me that any individual this radical could obtain a key White House appointment. Yesterday, Fox News reported that Jones was not required to fill out the White House's extensive seven- page, 63-question survey that was required of Cabinet secretaries and deputy-secretaries. As it turns out, none of Obama's many czars have been asked to fill out the survey.
But that omission does not excuse the White House. Moreover, it is clear from various press reports that the White House was aware of Jones' divisive background. According to one report, "An administration official said Jones never hid his controversial associations or remarks from the White House. 'It wouldn't be fair to characterize him [Jones] as being dishonest or hiding his comments or positions.'" And Politico reported yesterday, "Jones' selection also was propelled by powerful patrons, who included the first lady and the vice president."
Once again, Old Media completely missed the story. In fact, if you get your news from the "main stream" media, you probably have no idea who Van Jones is. On the day Jones issued his first of two apologies for outrageous statements, ABC, CBS, NBC, the New York Times and the Washington Post did not mention Jones. A Washington Post blog picked it up Thursday, the day Jones issued a second apology for signing a petition suggesting the Bush Administration attacked America on 9/11. CBS reported that story, but ABC and NBC ignored it.
The extent to which the liberal media fail to cover significant issues, like radicals working in this administration, is very disturbing and a gross disservice to the American public. Jones' resignation demonstrates New Media's ability to drive the debate and score an occasional win. But for how long? It's no secret that liberals want to shut down conservative talk radio, and they are already trying to intimidate advertisers on Fox News. (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; 9/8/09)
Health Care Update
An Exchange You Can't Believe In
I am sure a topic most legislators in Congress are trying to avoid as they come back is "what they did on their summer vacation."Most senators and representatives deservedly got heat at town halls across the nation for their support of health care overhaul bills in Congress.The big question from constituents should be did these Members of Congress listen? An initial look at Senator Max Baucus' (D-Mont.) "compromise" legislation suggests they did not. The Montana Senator is pushing "co-ops" as an alternative to the unpopular "public option," despite Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's (D-Nev.) insistence that co-ops are the same thing as a public option.
As Congress debates the merits and facts of co-ops vs. public option one fact remains true-unless it is specifically excluded, taxpayers will be forced to pay for abortions. This is true of Senator Baucus' bill as it relies on an "Exchange," a government entity that would decide on what gets covered in any insurance program and is similar to what is in the House bill. Even if one were to stretch the imagination to believe that this very pro-abortion Administration would prohibit anything to do with the ghastly procedure, the courts have already made clear that abortion would by law need to be covered unless specifically excluded. The bottom line on the Baucus "compromise" is that you can change the words but it doesn't matter when the results are the same. (Family Research Council)
"Gay" Bills in Congress
Congress Faces Flurry of Gay-Friendly Bills
SUMMARY: 'The Gill Foundation and other homosexual-activist groups...are beginning to demand payment for support during the campaigns.'
As members of Congress return from recess, gay activists are working to keep their agenda front and center.
First on the list is the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) introduced by Rep. Barney Frank, D- Mass. The newest provides special protection based on gender identity.
Gay activists also have been pushing for a repeal of the federal Defense of Marriage Act. The law protects the definition of marriage in the U.S. as the union of one man and one woman.
Jordan Lorence, senior counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund, said gay activists are turning up the heat on the White House and Congress. "The Gill Foundation and some of these other homosexual-activist groups are beginning to demand payment for support during the campaigns," he said.
Ashley Horne, federal policy analyst for Focus on the Family Action, said President Barack Obama has already begun the payback. "He declared June to be 'Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month'," she said, "and then proceeded to extend federal employee benefits to homosexual couples. It's no wonder that anti-family lawmakers and activists are chomping at the bit to get their so-called gay-rights bills---like ENDA--to the president's desk." (CitizenLink)
Bin Laden's "Gift"
WEBSITE SAYS TO CARRY BIN LADEN "PRESENT" TO MOSLEMS
A website often used by al Qaeda supporters said on Thursday it would soon carry a "present" to Moslems from Osama bin Laden on the occasion of Islam's month of Ramadan. The Islamist website gave no further details, but messages by the al Qaeda leader have usually appeared within about 48 hours of being announced on the Internet.
In his latest message in June, bin Laden said U.S. President Barack Obama had planted the seeds of "revenge and hatred" toward the United States in the Moslem world. Bin Laden's remarks were issued just before a major speech by Obama who said he sought a "new beginning" between the United States and the Moslem world. Bin Laden's message in June and another recording issued by his deputy Ayman al- Zawahri appeared to be a drive by al Qaeda to pre-empt Obama's speech to the Moslem world.
Later in June, CIA Director Leon Panetta said the U.S. intelligence agency believed bin Laden was hiding in Pakistan and hoped joint operations with Pakistani forces would find him. (Reuters)
- While the details of bin Laden's "present" are still not known, usually bin Laden's remarks encourage the Moslem world to commit acts of terrorism against the United States. Certainly the president's words did not engender "hatred and revenge" but rather showed a softness towards Islam. In spite of the attacks on the CIA by the White House, we can pray that the agency is still working diligently to protect our nation, joined in its efforts by intelligence agencies in Israel and other western nations. Pray for the Lord to cover this nation with a blanket of protection.
- "But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You." (Psalm 5:11)
30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World
Covering RAMADAN in prayer - August 22 - September 20
During these 30 days when the people of Islam observe Ramadan, we encourage you to visit this site in order to view daily prayers. May we raise up the people of the Muslim world in prayer that they will come to salvation in Christ Jesus.
Prayer For Tuesday, 8 September, Ramadan 2009
"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"
How Islam Split - Ali, Hassan and Hussein
Ali: Born in about AD 600 - died January AD 661
Ali was the cousin, adopted son and son-in-law of Mohammed. Disagreement over succession eventually split Islam into the Sunni and Shi'a branches. Ali encountered opposition and civil war during his reign. At about age 60 Ali suffered an assassination attempt while praying in the mosque of Kufa in Iraq - he died soon afterwards.
Hassan: Born in March AD 625 died March AD 670
Hassan (Hasan) was the grandson of Mohammed and the son of Ali and Mohammed's daughter Fatima. Hassan's succession to the Caliphate was contested. He retired to a quiet life in Medina till he died, poisoned by his wife, many years later. He is regarded by all Muslims as a martyr.
Hussein: Born January AD 626 at Medina in Saudi Arabia, died October AD 680 at Karbala in Iraq Hussein, son of Ali, is revered as a martyr, having died in a struggle for the Caliphate. Hussein's death was significant because it launched the Shi'a movement which is so prominent today in Iraq and Iran; they believe that Hussein should have been Caliph.
Prayer Starters:
- There are literally millions of Muslim men around the world who are named Ali, Hassan and Hussein. Pray for them to encounter the living Messiah. (Acts 7:56 and 9:1-5)
- Millions of Iranians and Iraqis commemorate the memory of Hussein's death each year. Sometimes as many as 7-8 million pilgrims visit Karbala during that time. Many Shi'a men will cut and flail themselves, shedding blood in the memory of Hussein. A popular Shi'a saying tells us, "a single tear shed for Hussein washes away a hundred sins." Pray that Shi'as of Iraq and Iran could see the value of the blood of Jesus (1 Peter 1:18-19).
(To read this entire article, go here.)
http://www.30-days.net/islam/ali-hassan-hussein/
The Good News Corner
Massive Tea Party Planned for Sept. 12 in Washington, D.C.
Citizens will gather in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 12 to protest big government, the bailouts and soaring deficits. Thousands have registered for the "912 Taxpayer March" that will begin Thursday with training sessions and culminate with the march on the Capitol on Saturday.
Brendan Steinhauser, director of federal and state campaigns for Freedom Works, said the event is a demonstration to lawmakers.
"There will be a huge crowd on the steps of the Capitol," he told The Washington Times, "to show that a lot of people are unified at one time, in one place, with one voice saying, 'Enough is enough'."
- Pray for the safety and protection of all who will join this crowd on the mall on Saturday in Washington. May their voices be heard in the halls of Congress, too!
- Psalm 91: all
