In This Issue• Today's Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• Innocent Blood and Congress
• A New Year's Message
• Health Care Takeover at a Crossroads
• Terror Alert #1
• Terror Alert #2
• The Daily Jot
• The Good News Corner
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The Daily Brief - Thursday, January 7, 2010
"So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm." (Joel 2:13)
Today's Daily Brief
1. Bloomberg Says Security for Terror Trial to Cost $216 Million - Fox News
Stepped-up security measures for the upcoming trial of the suspects in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks are now expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars -- a far heftier price tag than originally thought.
- Lord, we pray that somehow You would accomplish a change of heart in our leaders to understand that this upcoming trial is foolish and unwise, both from a security perspective and a financial one.
- "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Prov 1:7)
2. Sources: Obama OKs Taxing High-End Health Plans - Fox News
President Barack Obama signaled to House Democratic leaders Wednesday that they'll have to drop their opposition to taxing high-end health insurance plans to pay for health coverage for millions of uninsured Americans.
- As the socialist fervor to tax the wealthy rushes forward, pray that the Lord will mitigate whatever legislation comes out so that it will not destroy the economy further.
- "God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, for there shall be a time for every purpose and for every work." (Eccl 3:17)
3. National Terror Director Stayed on Ski Trip After Learning of Failed bomb Plot - Fox News
National Counterterrorism Center Director Michael Leiter did not cut short his holiday ski trip when he learned of the attempted bombing of a U.S.-bound airliner on Christmas Day, according to a report in the New York Daily News.
Leiter, who is in charge of analyzing terror threats, didn't return to his office post in McLean, Va., until several days after the holiday, a decision that has raised some eyebrows in the intelligence community.
- Lord, as we continually see the lack of focus and integrity of the current administration, we pray that You will move sovereignly over their hearts to change them. If they will not change, we ask their removal.
- "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts" ( Isaiah 55:7)
4. 2010 Could Be Democrats' Last Chance for 'Change' -- FOXNews.com
Though moderate Democrats are expected to be extra cautious in supporting their party's agenda this year because of the political peril they face at home, the likelihood that 2010 will be the party's last best shot at passing the reforms President Obama campaigned on could make this year a veritable derby of "change" legislation.
- Father, we rejoice that in this horrific last year of foolish changes, You have caused a groundswell of opposition that threatens to depose the current political status. We ask that the people of America will rise up further and stop any movement into "changes" which will continue to jeopardize our nation.
- "I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him." (Eccl 3:14)
5. Pro-Life Advocates Plan to Protest Opening of Largest Abortion Clinic in U.S. - CNS News
A coalition of pro-life advocates and religious leaders plan to gather in Houston on Jan. 18 to oppose what is expected to be the largest abortion clinic in the country.
- Lord, You have promised that the wicked will not prosper, so we ask that this clinic will not prosper. We thank you for the protests and ask that they be safe from violence or interference, and that Your love and truth will be manifest rather than any plan of the enemy.
- "Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end" (Psalm 7:9a)
6. Suicide attack on CIA agents 'was planned by bin Laden inner circle' - London Times
US intelligence officials believe that the suicide bomb attack that killed seven CIA officers in Afghanistan last month was planned with the help of Osama bin Laden's close allies, raising fears that the al-Qaeda leader is enjoying a lethal resurgence.
- Thank You, Father, that your eyes go through the earth and nothing is hidden from You. We pray once again that You will reveal the location of Osama Bin Laden and remove him from the playing field forever.
- "I will both lie down in peace and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." (Psalm 4:8)
7. Iran Hiding Nuclear Program in Tunnels - VOA
The New York Times reports Wednesday that Iran has been hiding much of its nuclear infrastructure in tunnels and bunkers across the country over the past decade.
- Pray that these tunnels will not only be revealed, but that they will not be as "safe" as Iran thinks they are. God is Lord over the earth, and that includes the ground through which they have burrowed.
- "He made a pit and dug it out, and has fallen into the ditch which he made. His trouble shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown." (Psalm 7:15,16)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Moreover the word of LORD [YHWH] came unto me, saying, "Jeremiah, what do you see? I said, "I see a rod of an almond tree. Then said LORD..."You have seen well - for I will hasten [watch over] My word to perform it." (Jeremiah 1:11-12)
1. Israel to simulate biological warfare attack - Ha'aretz
An exercise simulating a response to a biological warfare attack will be carried out in the Dan region next week.
2. Egypt's plan: Jerusalem Palestinian capital before talks - Ynet News
An Egyptian initiative aimed at resuming Israeli-Palestinian peace talks on a permanent agreement includes an Israeli recognition of the 1967 borders and east Jerusalem as the Palestinian state's capital even before the negotiations are launched, Egyptian newspaper al-Gomhuria reported Wednesday.
3. Abbas: '67 borders precondition to talks - Jerusalem Post
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said he would be the first to negotiate with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, but only if the latter would cease construction in the settlements and recognize the 1967 borders of a Palestinian state, Israel Radio reported Wednesday, quoting Qatari newspapers.
4. U.S. urges world to help revive Mideast talks - Ha'aretz
Washington wants the international community to issue a joint call next week for renewed negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, Jerusalem officials said on Wednesday.
5. Goldstone clause could lead to sanctions - Jerusalem Post
The Goldstone Report included a threat to Israel that had been overlooked so far but could lead to voluntary, far-reaching economic sanctions against Israel by UN members, a US Jewish organization, the American Jewish International Relations Institute (AJIRI), warned on Wednesday.
Innocent Blood and Congress
Of Innocent Blood, Congress, And Your Responsibility To God
By Bill Wilson, KIN Senior Analyst
Koenig's International News
Within a few hours after Nebraska Democratic Senator Ben Nelson sold out America and his pro-life political base by indicating his support for socialist health care reform, Washington, DC was blanketed with record snowfall, effectively shutting down the government even today. As Americans focus on digging out, they may not notice that in the Senate's socialist program, they will be forced to subsidize elective abortions. According to House Minority Leader John Boehner, page 41 of the Senate's 383 page abortion amendment demands everyone enrolled in the new government-run plan must pay a monthly abortion premium--in other words, we all will participate in the socialists' program of letting innocent blood.
The Bible is very clear about innocent blood. In Deuteronomy 19:10, the Lord says, "That innocent blood be not shed in thy land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and so blood be upon thee." When the Lord was about to mete out judgment upon Israel for its continuous rebellion against Him, he says in Jeremiah 2:32, "Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet my people have forgotten me days without number." Jeremiah 2:34 says, "Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these." Congress is about to make it national policy and force you to participate in something that is an abomination to God.
In the course of human life, there are lines to cross and decisions to make that influence the outcome of social morality, of what is right and wrong for a person, a family, a community, a nation. In this nation we have the choice of our rulers and of how we are to be ruled. As Christians, we have a God-commanded duty to withstand in the evil day, and "having done all, to stand." It is therefore our duty to stand in Christ's righteousness, not as a whimper in the cold dark night, but to "cast off the works of darkness" and to "put on the armor of light." In these days ahead, which are now upon us, you will be faced with decisions of whether you will serve man or God. May you choose wisely for your heritage depends upon it.
This socialist Congress cares not about America. Congress cares only about control, power and wealth. These evildoers will force you and me to pay our hard earned money for their spilling of innocent blood. Psalm 94:21 says, "They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood." Christians know that it is wrong to kill the innocent and now Christians will be forced to pay for the wickedness of Congress. Joshua 24:15 says, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." I will not participate in socialized healthcare. Let any blood be upon their hands!
A New Year's Message
Dear Praying Friends,
Every new year, pastors urge their flocks to rise above setbacks and discouragement to embrace the future with wholehearted Biblical faith. But Americans face extreme uncertainty. Few understood just how radical the new President and liberal Congress would be! Few believed the President could appoint the kinds of extremists he has chosen to impose his agenda of change upon the people. Never have our values been subjected to such a frontal assault by those in government. Please read "The Year America Lurched Left" (Investors Business Daily). 2010 will be pivotal. If God-fearing Americans arise to use every legal means to resist, there is still hope. Christians cannot be bystanders. We must find strength and grace to pray persistently and take obedient action to resist every decision that smacks of tyranny.
Sincerely,
Rev. Pierre Bynum
National Prayer Director
Family Research Council
Health Care Takeover at a Crossroads
The House of Representatives will reconvene on January 12 and the Senate on January 19. Atop their agendas will be merging the health care bills, and passing a single bill to give the federal government control over the health care system and the health care options of every American. All citizens will be required to participate or be subject to fines and prosecution.
Scholars say the bills are unconstitutional on their face. Thirteen state attorneys general are threatening to sue, saying the bill and process are "constitutionally flawed." The Senate bill, brokered in private meetings with the White House wildly violated Election Year promises of a more open government. Democrat leaders will forgo the Conference process, which would subject the reconciliation to scrutiny and debate, and will continue to hammer out their bill in private.
The final bill will require 60 votes for Senate passage. The Senate plan still includes abortion coverage and insufficient conscience protections for health care workers. Pro-lifers are angry with Senator Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) for compromising his stand on life and casting the 60th vote needed to pass the bill in exchange for his state's exemption from unfunded mandates. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) continues to insist that he and pro-life House Democrats will defeat the bill if it does not include his pro-life provisions.
- May God breathe upon God-fearing Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and all pro-life, pro-family and conservative activists and churches to create a massive coalition of Americans who will stand up and fight for their faith, their families, their homes and their historic American liberties! May this radical "lurch to the left" be met with effective resistance! May this unconstitutional health care takeover be soundly defeated!
1 Woe to those who make unjust laws,
to those who issue oppressive decrees,
2 to deprive the poor of their rights
and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people,
making widows their prey
and robbing the fatherless.
3 What will you do on the day of reckoning,
when disaster comes from afar?
To whom will you run for help?
Where will you leave your riches?
(Isaiah 10:1-3)
Terror Alert #1
Obama Says Plot Could Have Been Disrupted (NY Times)
Obama said Tuesday that the government had sufficient information to uncover the terror plot to bring down a commercial jetliner on Christmas Day, but that intelligence officials had "failed to connect those dots." "This was not a failure to collect intelligence," Obama said after meeting with his national security team for nearly two hours. "It was a failure to integrate and understand the intelligence that we already had." He added: "We have to do better, we will do better, and we have to do it quickly. American lives are on the line." The tone of the president's remarks on Tuesday - the sharpest of any of his statements since the incident nearly two weeks ago - underscored his anger over the lapses in intelligence as well as his efforts to minimize any political risks from his administration's response.
Terror Alert #2
Court Backs War Powers Over Rights of Detainees (NY Times)
A federal appeals court panel on Tuesday strongly backed the powers of the government to hold Guantánamo detainees and other noncitizens suspected of committing terrorist acts. In a sweeping opinion, a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit found that the presidential war power to detain those suspected of terrorism is not limited even by international law of war. The decision, if it is not reversed by the Supreme Court, could apply to all cases involving detainees at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, since all of those cases are heard by the District of Columbia Circuit. As a result, the Obama administration will have a stronger position when opposing a court order to release a terrorism suspect.
The Daily Jot
2010 A Year of Weighing in the Balances
Jesus said in Matthew 24:32-34, "Now learn the parable of the fig tree; When this branch is yet tender and putts forth leaves, you know that summer is nigh: So likewise you, when you shall see all these things, know that it is near even at the door. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass till these things be fulfilled." Many Bible scholars believe the fig tree is symbolic of Israel and that the reestablishment of Israel as a nation in May 1948 became the timepiece of prophecy fulfilled and to be fulfilled. In Matthew 24, the Lord reveals the events that will occur in the time leading up to His return, but He also says that "But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."
The entirety of Matthew 24 talks about the times Jesus calls "the beginning of sorrows." The true milestone is the fig tree and the generation when the fig tree puts forth leaves. Israel was formed as a nation by United Nations proclamation 62 years ago. Hebrew, the official language of Israel, also was reformed when Israel became a new nation, fulfilling the the first part of the prophecy of Zephaniah 3:9, "For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent." The Hebrew language was reborn after thousands of years with the rebirth of Israel that all of Israel, gathered from cultures around the world, will speak the same language.
It was the covenant of pilgrims and kings that America would be set aside for the advancement of the Christian faith. As an early colony, as a fledgling nation, as a mature nation, and still as a declining nation, America has served as a beacon of Christ to the world. Today, the principalities of darkness intend to snuff out that light of America--that harbinger of faith and hope to the rest of the world. The year 2010 is a titration point where Christian Americans will either retake their nation and let their light continue to shine, or whether the forces of darkness will overcome this bastion of the gospel. Its up to us, our generation. Are we to be weighed in the balances and found wanting or worthy?
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
The Good News Corner
Good News: United Nations General Assembly Pulls 'Sexual Identity' Language
The U.N. General Assembly has removed references to "sexual identity" and "gender identity" from a human rights document.
Included in an update to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights was language that forced member nations to adopt legislation to ensure there was no discrimination based on a person's "sexual identity" or "gender identity."
"At the end of the day, the reference to sexual orientation and gender identity in this document was taken out," said Austin Ruse, president of the Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute (CFAM).
CFAM met with delegations, faxed position papers and worked to round up votes to strip the controversial reference. Ruse says it just goes to show the homosexual agenda is not "unstoppable."
"As a matter of fact, when regular people get a look at the homosexual agenda, they're appalled," he said. "These types of things are offensive to countries that represent traditional people, and they're defeated." (CitizenLink; Dec. 22, 2009)
