In This Issue• Today's Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Nightmare before Christmas
• Health Care: Fighting Back
• The Daily Jot: Health Care
• What Should We Do?
• DC Same-Sex Marriage Battle Continues
• Good News!
• More Good News!
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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The Daily Brief - Tuesday, December 22, 2009
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulder. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end." (Isaiah 9:6,7a)
Today's Daily Brief
1. A) Ahmadinejad on Nuke Deadline: "We Don't Care" - AP
Iran's president on Tuesday dismissed a year-end deadline set by the Obama administration and the West for Tehran to accept a U.N.-drafted deal to swap enriched uranium for nuclear fuel, and claimed his government is now "10 times stronger" than a year ago.
B). On Iran - A Bipartisan Message - Act Now - DC Examiner
Is there anything that could bring our deeply divided Congress together in an act of overwhelming bipartisanship? Is there any issue that could unite more than 400 members of the House of Representatives, Democrats and Republicans, in common cause? Is it even possible to have broad bipartisan agreement on a major problem facing the country today?
The answer is yes. You might not have noticed - it didn't get much coverage - but on Dec. 15 the House voted, by the unheard-of margin of 412 to 12, to pass a bill called the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act. With one loud, united voice, lawmakers told President Obama to stop messing around and impose real sanctions in response to the Iranian nuclear weapons program.
- Lord, as Iran drags its feet in order to finish building their nuclear weapons, we pray that You will reveal all secrets in their nuclear program. We ask that our leadership receive Your wisdom in dealing with Iran, and that decisive, wise actions will be the only course for them.
- "They encourage themselves in an evil matter; they talk of laying snares secretly . . . But God shall shoot at them with an arrow. . ." (Psalm 64: 5,7a)
2. Nelson Says More Senators Seeking Special Treatment in Light of Nebraska Deal - Fox News
Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson, who has faced a heap of criticism for appearing to trade his vote on health care for millions in federal Medicaid money, said he's considering asking that the Nebraska deal be stripped from the bill. But he said other senators are looking for special treatment in light of his success.
- Father we ask forgiveness for our leaders who have created a system of corruption rather than statesmanship in the voting process. We ask that You move on the hearts of these Senators, to include Senator Nelson, to repent and change their ways.
- "Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have dealt with you for My name's sake, not according to your wicked ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, O house of Israel," says the Lord." (Ezekiel 20:44)
3. Abortion Battle May Spoil Democrats' Healthcare 'Victory' - Newsmax
Twice now, abortion was almost a dealbreaker. This time, it was a dealmaker. But of hundreds of deals cut so healthcare legislation can stay alive, the hardest to keep may be the Senate's abortion compromise - achieved after 13 hours of negotiation. The volatile issue remains the biggest threat to getting a history-making bill to President Barack Obama.
- As the blood of the innocent children cries out across the land, we ask for Your intervention to stop the healthcare bill from subsidizing death.
- "And He said, "What have you done" The voice of your brother's blood cries out to Me from the ground." (Genesis 4:10)
4. FBI Probes Hacks at Citibank and Gov't Agency - The Wall Street Journal
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is probing a computer-security breach targeting Citigroup Inc. that resulted in a theft of tens of millions of dollars by computer hackers who appear linked to a Russian cyber gang, according to government officials.
- Father we pray that You will reveal the perpetrators of this hacking to the authorities so that they may be brought to justice. We also pray that You will bring knowledge to the programmers of American businesses and government agencies that will prevent such large scale attacks.
"The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth." (Psalm 34:16)
5. White House Picks New Cyber Coordinator - AP
Senior official says Obama has tapped Howard A. Schmidt, longtime computer security executive who worked in the Bush administration and has extensive ties to the corporate world.
- Lord may this man be a better choice for a government position than most have been thus far. We ask that You visit Mr. Schmidt with the knowledge of You and grant him wisdom.
- "Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people. . ." (2 Chronicles 1:10)
6. Economic Growth Not as Strong as Thought in Third Quarter - AP
The economy grew at a 2.2 percent pace in the third quarter, as the recovery got off to a weaker start than previously thought. However, all signs suggest the economy will end the year on stronger footing. The Commerce Department's new reading on gross domestic product for the July-to-September quarter was slower than the 2.8 percent growth rate estimated just a month ago. Economists were predicting that figure wouldn't be revised in the government's final estimate on third-quarter GDP.
- Lord we continue to pray for Your mercy over America's economy, and the people who must live within it. We ask for a true recovery, one not based upon statistics, but upon Your love and truth.
- "He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps." (Psalm 40:2)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"I will call upon LORD [YHWH], who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from my enemies." (Psalm 18:3)
1. Amid Gaza calm, Israel and Hamas prepare for battle - AFP
A year after Israel's war in the Gaza Strip, an unprecedented calm has held around the Hamas-run enclave, but both sides are busily preparing for the inevitable next round, analysts say.
2. Source: Israel hands Shalit deal response to mediator - Ha'aretz
Israel has given a German mediator its response to Hamas demands involving the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the return of captive Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit, a source close to the negotiations said on Monday.
3. Israel Finds Remains of Jesus-Era Home in Nazareth - VOA
Israel's antiquities authority says archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a home in Nazareth that dates back more than 2,000 years - to the time of Jesus.
4. US ups funds for Israeli missile defense - Jerusalem Post
US President Barack Obama has signed a defense spending bill that includes $202 million in funds for Israel's missile defense programs, the White House announced Monday.
5. Jimmy Carter Asks Israel for Forgiveness - The Jerusalem Post
Jimmy Carter asked the Jewish community for forgiveness for any stigma he may have caused Israel. In a letter released exclusively to JTA, the former US president sent a seasonal message wishing for peace between Israel and its neighbors, and concluded: "We must recognize Israel's achievements under difficult circumstances, even as we strive in a positive way to help Israel continue to improve its relations with its Arab populations, but we must not permit criticisms for improvement to stigmatize Israel."
"As I would have noted at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, but which is appropriate at any time of the year, I offer an Al Het for any words or deeds of mine that may have done so."
- Father, we rejoice at this overture from Jimmy Carter, and ask that You continue to show him the truth about the Divine plans and purpose of Israel.
- "For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You." (Psalm 86:5)
The Nightmare before Christmas
It's going to be tough sledding for Senate Democrats over Christmas--and not because of the snow. America's rage over the leadership's bill is exploding on all sides. With today's early morning vote for cloture (the second of three), the Democrats are one step closer to their flights home, where rallies are already taking place at local offices. The biggest bulls-eye seems to be squarely on Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), who sold out his pro-life soul faster than you can say "Medicare exemption."
Surprisingly, most of the fury over Nelson is homegrown. His state colleague, Sen. Mike Johanns (R) couldn't distance himself from the Cornhusker fast enough, calling Nelson's betrayal of his pro-life principles "reprehensible." On the floor, Sen. Johanns said, "Nebraskans are frustrated and angry that our beloved state has been thrust into the same pot with all of the other special deals that get cut here. In fact... they're outraged that a backroom deal for our state might have been what puts this deal across the finish line." Even Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman, whose budget stands to profit from the deal, said he wants no part of these special favors and made it quite clear that "the responsibility for this special deal lies solely on the shoulders of Senator Ben Nelson."
If the beleaguered Senator hoped to find solace in the arms of the pro-abortion crowd, he was mistaken. They are just as irate. Some are even suggesting that the President sacrifice health care reform to squash the Nelson "compromise." Yesterday, the pro-abortion caucus in Congress met with insurance providers and lawyers to find ways to understand it and defeat it.
But they needn't have worried. In a new video uncovered today, Secretary Kathleen Sebelius praises Nelson's language, because, according to the woman in charge of these reforms, it ensures that everyone will pay for abortion--no matter how the funds are divided up. Surely that news won't sit well with voters, who are breaking on the pro-life side of this debate by a massive margin. According to a new Quinnipiac poll, Americans--by a huge three to one margin--are overwhelmingly opposed to using taxpayer dollars to fund abortion. Seventy-two percent of the country is now firmly on the side of Rep. Bart Stupak's (D-Mich.) solution to ban the government's financial involvement in the procedure. House and Senate conferees would do well to heed that warning when they come together to iron out their differences with the final bill, else this bill could collapse because of it.
While ObamaCare may seem inevitable, it is not! Disagreement over abortion is one of the many reasons this fight is far from over. Over at The Cloakroom Blog, you can check out at least seven more obstacles that could kill the bill for good. Why not take part in Number One: Public Revulsion? Ring in the New Year by ringing up your leaders! Join us in spending the next couple weeks calling, emailing, and visiting your House and Senate leaders. If you've run out of things to say, you could always sing. FRC's Chris Curry put together some new lyrics to "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" that are sure to get you noticed! Also, don't miss the first (and potentially last) appearance of the FRC Singers as they stumble through a satirical version of "Let It Snow!" (Family Research Council)
Health Care: Fighting Back
Conservative Group Ponders Constitutional Challenge to Health Care
Democrats are using every trick in the book to push health care reform legislation through before the end of the year. In the face of such pressure, conservatives are looking for ways to slow down the process.
The Conservative Action Project (CAP) is considering a constitutional challenge to the health care legislation. A statement from the group reads:
"Mandating that individuals must obtain health insurance, and imposing any penalty -- civil or criminal -- on any private citizen for not purchasing health insurance is not authorized by any provision of the U.S. Constitution."
Democrats have claimed that the individual mandate is authorized under the Commerce Clause, the General Welfare Clause or the Taxing and Spending Clause, according to CAP.
CAP argues that the federal government has limited jurisdiction, "unless a specific provision of the Constitution empowers a particular law, then that law is unconstitutional."
"Government can only regulate economic action; it cannot coerce action on the part of private citizens who do not wish to participate in commerce," the group said.
Meanwhile, individual states may also end up challenging the bill if it becomes law. After a series of negotiations Friday night, Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., allegedly agreed to a compromise that would have the federal government paying for Medicaid expansion in his home state, in exchange for his vote.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told Fox & Friends on Tuesday, he thinks "it's incredibly inappropriate."
"Legally, I think other states can make a constitutional challenge," he said for a deal, "that was not shared with the rest of the country."
TAKE ACTION:
Ask your senators to vote "No" on the health care reform bill. (Focus on the Family; CitizenLink)
The Daily Jot: Health Care
The Christian Duty of Holding the US Government Accountable
Jesus said in Matthew 22:21, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." In Romans 13:1, the Apostle Paul says, "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." These two verses are the ones that Christians use as justification to stand by and do nothing when an authority, such as the United States government, attempts to take away their God given freedoms and force them to pay for and to participate in evil deeds--such as the elevation of homosexuality, the counseling of the elderly to end their lives, and the paying for abortion on demand.
Interpreters of the Word as such be forewarned. The accounts in Matthew and Mark indicate that the Pharisees were trying to entrap Jesus. So they asked him if the Jews should pay taxes to Caesar--that's how the word "tribute" is interpreted. Jesus asked for the coin, noting that Caesar's image was on it, and responded accordingly. In Luke 23:2, the accusers took Jesus to Pilate and told him "We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King." You see, "Render unto Caesar", which has become a cliche of Christians, has nothing to do with submitting to an evil government. The Pharisees were trying to get Jesus executed.
The last verse of Romans 12, verse 21 says, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." The very next verse is Romans 13:1 about being subject to the higher powers. The entirety of Romans 13 speaks on how to be a lawful and orderly citizen, under the power of the law which is given by God. In the end, however, it is Peter and the apostles in Acts 5:29 that deal with the abuse of the power given by God. Peter said, "We ought to obey God rather than men." Rome was a dictatorship to a conquered Jewish people. Christianity was illegal in Rome after Christ was crucified. If Christians submitted to this authority, Christianity may well have died. Civil disobedience is exemplified in the Bible.
The argument of Romans 13 applies very well to America, but the power is Constitutionally vested in the people, not a dictator or magistrate, requiring the government to serve the people. We have a civic duty as Christians and as citizens of this Constitutional Republic to hold our government accountable. Will we bow to the evil that has usurped the Constitution and the will of the people or will we serve God and His commandments? If we know what is evil and do nothing of what is in our power to stop it (like allowing abortion in our land), then the blood is on our hands. The time has come to act strongly. Such action is justified, not prohibited, by God's word.
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
What Should We Do?
I know how many of you are feeling despair today. Even with his falling poll numbers, Barack Obama remains firmly in control of Congress and has three long years left to take us down the road of European socialism before his first (and I hope only) term ends. The healthcare fiasco battle has been lost . . .
Or has it?
No it hasn't been lost, my friends. Even today more is being discovered in the bill that will outrage the public and could still derail this big government locomotive. Conservative warrior Senator DeMint just found on page 1020 of the bill a provision that says, " . . . it shall not be in order in the Senate or the House of Representatives to consider any bill, resolution, amendment, or conference report that would repeal or otherwise change" the Independent Medicare Advisory Board.
That is the Board whose purpose is to ration our healthcare - the infamous "death panel" as Sarah Palin so wisely labeled it. The Reid/ Pelosi gang are trying to prevent any future Senate - even one with 100 conservative senators - from getting rid of it. They won't succeed!
What will we do? We will continue to fight. We will expose their outrages. We will use the courts. We will insist that the Constitution become relevant again. We will demonstrate, register voters and educate our friends and neighbors. We will beat the Left at the polls in November 2010 and send Obama packing in 2012.
The gang running Washington thinks we will ultimately surrender to their power and cynical political maneuverings. They are wrong. (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; 12/22/09)
ADDED NOTE FROM CAPITOL HILL PRAYER PARTNERS
What else can we do? As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ -- our King of Kings who resides in the hearts of each of us -- we can wage this war the way our Father taught us to do: on our knees. We have come to the end of ourselves . . . and we have found Him.
God is using the battle over this health care bill to help us understand who WE are: Kingdom people with Kingdom "weapons" of our warfare. Offer praise that, in the end, God WILL get the victory, and He WILL get Himself Glory in and through all of this. He only asks us to trust Him, and to obey. Amen.
- After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
"Give thanks to the LORD,
for his love endures forever."
As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. (2 Chronicles 20: 21,22)
- "Send Judah first, and the battle will be won." SING IT!!
DC Same-Sex Marriage Battle Continues
Last week, D.C. Council members drank champagne with homosexual activists to celebrate their 11-2 vote to legalize same-sex marriage. Mayor Adrian Fenty's bill signing was staged in a Unitarian facility on Friday. The law will take effect only after Congress has 30 legislative days to review it. Few believe the Democrat- led Congress or President Obama will prevent its enactment. Bishop Harry Jackson and the Stand4MarriageDC coalition are suing the DC Board of Elections and Ethics, which has denied DC citizens' their right to petition for a marriage initiative to define marriage as between a man and a woman. Jackson and supporters will also file to conduct a referendum to overturn the same sex marriage measure passed last week. Our focus now turns to the courts, which may be more faithful to the law than the DC Boards, which used skewed legal reasoning to justify their rulings. Nearby Maryland officials, including the Attorney General and a former GOP Congressman, are pushing for legalized homosexual marriage there. (FRC Prayer Targets)
• May God strengthen the faith of DC believers. May He grant God-fearing Americans victory in their quest to preserve the sanctity of marriage. May the courts overturn the wrongful rulings of DC's officials and may District citizens have an opportunity to vote, just as voters in 31 states already have had.
Good News!
"Silent Night" Scratched at School Program - Audience Sings it Anyway!
Audience did not remain 'Silent'
LEBANON, OREGON - "Silent Night" was not on the program at Pioneer School's concert Tuesday, but it was sung anyway - by the audience after the kids were done.
Shortly after the children started rehearsals this fall, Principal Mark Finch had scratched the number after a parent complained that the carol's emphasis was "too single-religion."
Superintendent Rob Hess, in attendance Tuesday, said he didn't see who started the carol but thought approximately 100 of the more than 700 people in the audience joined in.
Sam Long, a Pioneer volunteer and the grandmother of a Pioneer student, said the only reaction following the song was applause and cheers. "I'm very proud they stood up for what they believe," she said. "I am so proud, because have a godson fighting (in Baghdad) for our rights and to keep us free, and if we can't sing just a little song, what's he over there for?" (Albany Democrat) Read more.
More Good News!
"HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING"
Sung by the choir at King's College Cambridge
Sing with the angels! Go here.
