In This Issue• Today's Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• CRITICAL HEALTHCARE VOTE TOMORROW
• A Prayer Strategy for Tomorrow's Vote
• Senate Committee Investigates Ft. Hood Massacre
• Major Hasan's Email
• Major Powers Meet over Iran
• Defending Faith, Family And Freedom
• The Good News Corner
• Publishing Notice
Greetings!
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The Daily Brief - Friday, November 20, 2009
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)
Today's Daily Brief
1. Christian Leaders Release Declaration of Conscience - CBN News
More than 150 Christian leaders are issuing a "call of conscience" to America-- urging them reaffirm their opposition to abortion, stem cell research and same- sex marriage. "The Manhattan Declaration" stresses the need to protect religious freedom in in the U.S. It's signed by seminary leaders, pastors, professors and the heads of ministries. The Christian leaders have come together across denominational lines to call on believers everywhere to radically commit to fight for the sanctity of life, marriage and religious liberty. "And in all three of these areas we see threats in the culture and in our politics." Robert George, one of the document's authors said. It proclaims if society's laws force believers to sin, then believers must fight and disobey those laws. One sentence in the declaration says, "through the centuries, Christianity has taught that civil disobedience is not only permitted, but sometimes required." "So sure, we have an obligation, and we're making it very clear in here that we will not bend to Caesar," co- author Chuck Colson said. "I think it is drawing a line in the sand," he added. "And we're saying as Christians 'beyond this we will not go. We will not compromise our faith.'" made available to the public at manhattandeclaration.org on Friday and so far more than 3,000 people have added their signatures.
- Lord, Your name is being proclaimed by this group. We call out for all Your people to again find their citizenship in heaven and their identity in You. When needed, we trust that You will give us strength to stand up and proclaim Your plan for the unborn and for marriage. May this spread so that Christians are encouraged to have holy boldness in challenging laws that are contrary to Your law.
- "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;" (Acts 3:19)
This has been made available to the public at manhatta ndeclaration.org on Friday and so far more than 3,000 people have added their signatures.
2. A. Pro-life Senator Challenges Dems on Abortion - Fox News
Sen Mike Johanns, R-NE, laid a challenge at the feet of the small handful of pro-life Democrats in the Senate, saying just one needs to come forward and vote against proceeding to the Senate Democratic leader's healthcare reform bill, one Johanns declared inadequate in ensuring that no federal funds can be spent on abortion. "We don't need 40 Democrats to stand up for what's right. We need just one. if just one pro-life Democrat would say i will not vote to move this bill until it's fixed, until it's truly pro-life, that would happen. So those who say they are pro-life but refuse to take that stand, I worry are not standing up for life. " Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV, attempted to fence off federal money from covering abortion in his bill, but pro-life critics say the effort fails. The HHS Secretary is to ensure that each state has one private plan that covers abortion in the state-based healthcare exchanges. The public option is not permitted to cover the procedure. Johanns issued a challenge that surely had his senior colleague from his home state, Dem Sen Ben Nelson, in mind, saying that merely voting to proceed just to try to change the bill was unacceptable. Nelson said as much in a statement Wednesday night, that merely voting to proceed was not a vote of support for the bill, rather it was a vote in favor of moving forward and trying to make changes. Johanns said he believes there are not the necessary 60 votes to strip out what he sees as offensive abortion language. "I ask for a pro-life senator to come down here and stand up on this bill. Pro-life Americans are waiting, and they aren't fooled."
B. Health Bill Contains Millions to Sway Sen. Landrieu - Newsmax
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's health care bill has millions of dollars to help Louisiana finance Medicaid at a time when he is hoping that state's wavering Democratic senator will support overhaul legislation. The bill provides at least $100 million for Louisiana in extra funds for Medicaid, the state-federal health program for the poor. Louisiana's Democratic senator, Mary Landrieu, has said she is undecided about the Democratic health care package. Reid needs the votes of all 60 Democratic senators for the Senate debate to begin.
- Thank You Lord for the voices that are speaking up for the innocents who are endangered by this bill. You are gracious to bring earmarks to light that are acting as bribes. We call on You to speak to those who have softened hearts to hear Your will.
- "Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God." (1 Corinthians 4:5)
3. Leader of Sears Tower plot sentenced to 13 years - AFP
A US federal judge sentenced the leader of a plot to blow up the Sears Tower in Chicago to 13 years in prison Friday, far less than the 70 years sought by prosecutors. Narcile Batiste, 35, was the fifth member of a group to be sentenced in the 2006 conspiracy to blow up the skyscraper, the tallest building in the United States. None of the five were sentenced to anywhere near the heavy terms that the prosecution had called for. Batiste, who is alleged to have planned the attack with an FBI undercover agent who posed as an Al-Qaeda member, claimed he planned to take 50,000 dollars in financing and not carry out the plot.
- We pray that judges will be awake to the dangers of terrorists and will consider the effects of their rulings. As threats remain, we pray for wisdom for those in the judicial system who are charged with finding plots and prosecuting the offenders.
- "Your heart will meditate on terror: 'Where is he who counts? Where is he who weighs? Where is he who counts the towers?'" (Isaiah 33:18)
4. A. Ex-Army chief: Fort Hood suspect not properly vetted - Washington Times
The Army has guidelines on how to deal with racist views and actions within the ranks, but none on how to deal with Islamist jihadist views, which fostered a "politically correct" reluctance to investigate the man accused in the Fort Hood shootings, a former Army vice chief of staff told Congress on Thursday. A military pamphlet created after the 1995 racially motivated shootings at Fort Bragg is the intended guidebook on how to deal with internal extremist views and actions, but is mostly focused on racist behavior.
B. Taliban warns U.S. of more Fort Hood-like attacks - AFP
The Taliban has warned the United States of more attacks like the Fort Hood shooting rampage unless Washington ends it policies in Afghanistan and Iraq, the SITE Intelligence Group said Tuesday. The Afghan militants also described the American army psychiatrist suspected of carrying out the shooting in Texas as a "hero," the monitoring group said, quoting a message posted on the Internet.
C. Russian priest who criticised Islam assassinated in his church - UK Telegraph
A Russian Orthodox priest known for his outspoken criticism of Islam and his attempts to convert Muslims to Christianity was assassinated in his Moscow church by a masked gunman.
- Lord, the threat of militant Islam is still strong throughout the world. We pray for focus and discernment for all those in intelligence who are working to secure innocents from attacks. We also pray for an outpouring of Your Spirit that will bring Muslims to a saving knowledge of Jesus and give them eternal life from the One True God.
- "For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God." (1 Thessalonians 1:9)
5. Climate Skeptics See 'Smoking Gun' in Researchers' Leaked E- Mails - Fox News
Hackers broke into the servers at a prominent British climate research center and leaked years worth of e- mail messages onto the Web, including one with a mysterious reference to a plan to "hide the decline," apparently in temperatures. Climate change skeptics describe the leaked data as a "smoking gun," evidence of collusion among climatologists and manipulation of data to support the widely held view that climate change is caused by the actions of mankind.
- Lord, we know that You are the one who created seasons and temperature changes. Thank You that these plans to manipulate the truth have been brought to light.
- "While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, And cold and heat, And summer and winter, And day and night Shall not cease." (Genesis 8:22)
6. Secret CIA prison revealed in Lithuania - EU Observer
A Lithuanian riding school has been named as the site of a secret location used by the US Central Intelligence Agency to interrogate individuals during the War on Terror. An American television channel, ABC, reported on Thursday that a previously unidentified CIA prison was situated at a riding academy and cafe not far from the capital, Vilnius, where up to eight al Qaeda suspects were held for over a year until late 2005. The report cites unnamed Lithuanian officials and an ex-intelligence agent from the US who were either involved with the "black site" or had been briefed on its existence. The officials said that the prison was one of eight such facilities around the world used to house al Qaeda suspects.
- May those in the media be alerted to the danger they are placing security officials in when they print stories that give classified information. We pray for a peaceful mind for those in the intelligence community who may be afraid because of some people who are continually working to undermine the efforts of good agents. May You give cover to any agents who are risking their lives in undercover missions throughout the world and comfort to their families.
- "He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter." (Proverbs 11:13)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven." (Psalm 119:89)
1. Abbas: Mideast peace deal won't happen with me - Ha'aretz
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas this week countered Israeli and American claims that a Middle East peace deal could be reached before the end of his term.
2. IDF to join NATO Mediterranean force - Jerusalem Post
The Navy will dispatch a missile ship in the coming months to participate in a NATO mission to patrol the Mediterranean Sea and prevent weapons smuggling, Chief of General
3. Netanyahu: I want a final accord with PA, not an interim agreement - Jerusalem Post
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is interested in aiming for a final-status agreement, and not an interim one as some of
4. Report: Huge progress in Schalit deal - Jerusalem Post
Israel has agreed to release 380 out of the 450 prisoners requested by Hamas in exchange for the release of captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit, Fox News reported Thursday evening.
5. Nasrallah re-elected as head of Hezbollah - AFP
Hassan Nasrallah was re-elected head of Hezbollah on Thursday following a congress that also adopted a new manifesto, which is to be revealed in coming days, the militant Shiite party announced.
CRITICAL HEALTHCARE VOTE TOMORROW
Senator Reid's Weekend Warriors
For Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and his party, Saturday night is a date with destiny. He and his fellow Senators will take to the floor tomorrow evening at 8 p.m. (ET) for what's certain to be a primetime drama over the fate of the President's health care overhaul. What happens to the Senate's version for reform rests almost entirely on the motion to proceed, a procedural vote that requires 60 Senators' approval to pass. When asked about the Democrats' chances yesterday, Sen. Reid told reporters, "We will find out when the votes are taken." Even this morning, Sen. Reid has been coy about his chances for success--and rightly so.
Tomorrow night, the Senate leadership has absolutely no margin for error. The bill may only have the support of 35% of voters, but Sen. Reid will need 100% approval from his party--and then some--to jump the bill's first real hurdle. Without every Democrat and Independent on board, the motion to proceed will fail, closing the door on debate in next week's session. At least a dozen Democrats are feeling the heat from their home states on this issue, and each will be particularly vulnerable if they vote with Sen. Reid to proceed. They need to hear from you today! (Family Research Council)
* * * A note from the Governors' Prayer Team * * *
His Great Grace and Abundant Blessings on you and those you love,
It takes everyone of us to make our voice heard in this kind of situation.
Here are links to assist you in finding your representatives phone numbers if you don't already have them. Please forward to those in your sphere of influence.
Find Who Represents You In Congress
Find your members of Congress or let us find them for you.
A Prayer Strategy for Tomorrow's Vote
- At least one senator will speak the Word of God on the Senate floor during this debate tonight or tomorrow. Pray that this word will penetrate the hearts of those who are listening, producing the fruits of righteousness. This word is: "This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live." (Deuteronomy 30:19)
ADDITIONAL VERSES FOR PRAYERS OF AGREEMENT:
a. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the WORD WAS GOD." (John 1:1)
b. "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)
c. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
Senate Committee Investigates Ft. Hood Massacre
Did Feds Miss Hasan Because They Were Looking For Right-Wingers?
One of the most ridiculous claims by the government in the wake of the Fort Hood massacre was that law enforcement authorities did not act on Nidal Hasan's emails to a known Islamic extremist because he was conducting a research project. Now we are learning more about the content of those emails. For example, in one message, Hasan told the radical cleric that he could not wait to have conversations with him in paradise. Another email reportedly asked "when jihad is considered 'appropriate,' and if it is acceptable for innocent people to die in suicide attacks."
In the Senate, Joseph Lieberman is holding hearings to find out how this happened. Here's the most disturbing thing we have learned so far. The FBI and the Pentagon have a joint counterterrorism program to identify likely terrorists, but there's one problem: According to the Wall Street Journal, Senator Lieberman is demanding to know why it is "focused only on white supremacists or other right-wing extremists." The same backwards thinking that led the Department of Homeland Security to classify certain conservatives as potential domestic terrorists is evidently alive and well in the Hasan case.
Let me remind our elites, in case they have forgotten. It wasn't evangelical Christians who flew planes into the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon on 9/11. It wasn't Catholics who blew up the USS Cole. It wasn't Buddhists who blew up our embassies in Tanzania and Kenya. It wasn't Lutherans who tried to massacre our troops at Fort Dix. It wasn't an Orthodox Jew who attacked an Army recruiting office in Little Rock, Arkansas, or drove his SUV into a crowd of college students at a North Carolina university. Sadly, thirteen American soldiers are dead because political correctness has blinded our leaders to the obvious: Radical Islam has declared war on us. (Gary Bauer, End-of-Day, Nov. 20, 2009)
Major Hasan's Email
Major Hasan's E-Mail: 'I Can't Wait to Join You' in Afterlife
United States Army Major Nidal Hasan told a radical cleric considered by authorities to be an al- Qaeda recruiter, "I can't wait to join you" in the afterlife, according to an American official with top secret access to 18 e-mails exchanged between Hasan and the cleric, Anwar al Awlaki, over a six month period between Dec. 2008 and June 2009. "It sounds like code words," said Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer, a military analyst at the Center for Advanced Defense Studies. "That he's actually either offering himself up or that he's already crossed that line in his own mind." Other messages include questions, the official with access to the e-mails said, that include when is jihad appropriate, and whether it is permissible if there are innocents killed in a suicide attack. "Hasan told Awlaki he couldn't wait to join him in the discussions they would having over non-alcoholic wine in the afterlife," the official said. (ABC News)
Major Powers Meet over Iran
Major powers to meet after Iran snubs nuclear deal
Major world powers are to meet in Brussels on Friday to discuss Iran's rejection of a nuclear fuel deal, a top EU official said, after US President Barack Obama warned of "consequences" for Tehran. Iran, meanwhile, hit out at the United States amid mixed signals from world powers and an apparent new deadlock in efforts to allay Western concerns over Tehran's nuclear programme. "Tomorrow (Friday) in Brussels there will be a meeting of the three plus three at the level of political directors, hosted by the European Union," said EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana's spokeswoman. UN Security Council permanent members Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, plus Germany are leading talks aimed at persuading Iran to curb its nuclear ambitions. On Wednesday, Iran rejected a proposal for it to send more than 70 percent of its stocks of low-enriched uranium abroad under a deal brokered by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog. (AFP)
Defending Faith, Family And Freedom
Today, dozens of religious and pro-family leaders are gathering in Washington, D.C., to announce the release of the Manhattan Declaration. Led by my good friend Chuck Colson and Princeton's Robbie George, these leaders are calling on Christians to stand up and defend the "inviolable and non-negotiable" values of life, traditional marriage and religious liberty. In addition, the Declaration serves notice to public authorities that "We will fully and ungrudgingly render to Caesar what is Caesar's. But under no circumstances will we render to Caesar what is God's."
My friends, I feel strongly that "rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar's" means more than just paying your taxes. Like Joseph and Mary reporting to Bethlehem for the census, we are obligated to be active participants in our democratic republic, and that means voting according to our values. I am honored to be a signer of the Manhattan Declaration - an urgent call to action for men and women of faith for such a time as this. (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; Nov. 20, 2009)
The Good News Corner
Christmas With a Capital "C"
As we prepare to enter the holiday season, beginning next week with Thanksgiving, let's all set our hearts on proclaiming the Reason for the Season: the birth of Jesus Christ of Nazareth . . . our Savior . . . our Lord.
We trust that this song will help all of us get into the holiday mood . . . in the embrace of our Savior. Amen.
Publishing Notice
Next week, in honor of Thanksgiving week, we will move to a revised publishing schedule.
On Monday, we will not publish On Capitol Hill This Week, as Congress will be in recess. Instead, we will again publish the Daily Brief.
The Daily Brief will also be released on Tuesday and Wednesday to close out the week.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
