In This Issue• Today's Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• EMERGENCY PRAYER: NIGERIA
• The Daily Jot
• Same-sex "Marriage" Now in D.C.
• Kvein Jennings . . . Again
• Update: Obamacare
• The Good News Corner
• Worship With Us!
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The Daily Brief - Wednesday, March 10, 2010
You have covered my head in the day of battle. (Psalm 140:7)
Today's Daily Brief
1. Jihad Jane, an American woman, faces terrorism charges - Washington Post
A petite, blond-haired, blue-eyed high school dropout who allegedly used the nickname JihadJane was identified Tuesday as an alleged terrorist intent on recruiting others to her cause, as federal prosecutors unsealed criminal charges that could send her to prison for life.
- God, our cry is that You bind under the blood of Jesus the spirit of terrorism that has influenced her mind and controlled her through ungodly people. These people are like a Venus flytrap that smells sweet but draws their victims down to destruction. Lord, reach out and lift her into a safe place. We claim salvation of her soul by the blood of Jesus, and deliverance for this precious girl from eternal hell. In Jesus Name.
- But whoso shall offend or hurt one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged around his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matthew 18:6)
2. Critical House vote coming up on ObamaCare Christian Coalition of America
We are now coming down to the wire in the debate over health care. In their bid to increase support for the bill, Democrat leaders claim that if the House passes this bill they will then make pro-life changes in the Senate under a process known as reconciliation .
We cannot take it for granted that Senate Democrats will pass pro-life changes to the bill when they refused to add such language the first time. If those changes are not made, then the bill becomes law as written.
The upcoming vote in the House is the single most important vote on this issue. It s the vote that will determine whether or not this bill becomes law. And we know that the vote will be VERY close.
- And the LORD shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, And save them, Because they trust in Him. (Ps 37:40)
3. Jobless aid measure clears Senate hurdle - AP
Legislation to give additional months of unemployment benefits to people who have been out of a job for more than half a year has won key GOP support that means it will soon pass the Senate.
- Thank You, Lord for the release of these benefits to the people, but we ask You to give them creative ideas for witty inventions so that their enlargement and deliverance will come from an assured place of stability. Open doors for the jobless to have their own businesses and have ample income to support their families. We ask for a miracle for them. Rescue them from a victim mentality in exchange for a "God is my source" mentality. In Jesus Name.
- I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. (Proverbs 8:12)
4. Same-Sex Couples Wed in Washingtion, DC - VOA
A lesbian couple has become the first same-sex pair to be married in Washington, D.C. under the district's new gay marriage law.
- God, this is a milestone that - in heaven's language - has likened D.C. to Sodom and Gomorrah. God rained down fire and brimstone from heaven on these two cities. We cry out for mercy upon God's people in Washington, DC and surrounding cities, for of a truth, the judge who set this law in place, this couple and others who follow this lifestyle, are guilty of a sin which God does not tolerate. So may there be repentance in their hearts, Lord, and they fall on their faces before Almighty God asking for forgiveness and mercy that would rescue them from a devil's hell world without end. In Jesus Name.
- Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven; and He overthrew those cities and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. But Lot's wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:24-26)
5. U.S. herpes rates remain high - CDC - Reuters
About 16 percent of Americans (roughly 1 in 6) between the ages of 14 and 49 are infected with genital herpes, making it one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, U.S. health officials said on Tuesday.
- Father, when lawlessness abounds in any people, they are exposed to the evil that comes when they give themselves to lawless appetites. We ask that this sexual perversion and the diseases which accompanies this lifestyle be bound by the blood of Jesus and there be a turnaround back to chastity until marriage. In Jesus Name.
- Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled; but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. (Hebrews 13:4)
6. Attacks Against Christian Villages Kill 500 In Nigeria Worthy News
Bodies of the dead including many women and children lined dusty streets in three mostly Christian villages south of Nigeria's regional capital of Jos early Monday, March 8, after rioters armed with machetes "slaughtered" over 500 people here, witnesses said.
- God, the sons of Belial, sons of wickedness, ungodly sons have laid their hands of death upon the innocent, believers in Christ, who gave their lives to reap a harvest of souls from hell. Their works shall follow them into heaven. Likewise, the works of the killers shall follow them into hell, unless they repent of their evil deeds and seek forgiveness from God. Innocent blood spilt upon the ground requires the blood of the murderer. May they cry out for mercy. In Jesus Name.
- And God said, "What have you done? the voices of these martyrs' blood cries unto God from the ground. Whoso sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God made He man. (Genesis 4:10, 9:6)
7. Russia Considers Common Currency - St. Petersburg Times
Russia may scrap the ruble and introduce a common currency with Belarus and Kazakhstan as the nations broaden their alliance and seek to reduce their dependence on the dollar, a first deputy prime minister said.
- O God, we ask that You govern the powers behind the formation of a One World monetary system and it be held in abeyance until Your appointed time. No man can run ahead of God's preordained Word. All powers must bow to the Lord God Almighty and are held back by Him until the set time has come. All men shall see the hand of God in action. In Jesus Name.
- Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words shall not pass away. (Matthew 24:35)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land. (Joel 3:2)
1. Israel says Syria talks not imminent, but lauds Turkey offer to mediate - Ha'aretz
A senior official in the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Tuesday denied Turkey's announcement that Israel had accepted its offer to resume its role as mediator in peace negotiations with Syria.
2. Israel tries to jump-start calls for Iran nuclear sanctions - Washington Post
Israeli officials are beginning to signal impatience with the slow pace of diplomacy aimed at restraining Iran's nuclear ambitions.
3. Biden Promises 'Total' US Commitment to Israel's Security - VOA
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden is in Israel and has urged Israeli leaders to take bold steps for peace. The Vice President is on a five-day visit to the Middle East to push peace efforts, and offer reassurances to Israel.
4. White House condemns east Jerusalem building - Ynet News
The US was quick to condemn the Interior Ministry's decision to approve the construction of 1,600 housing units in east Jerusalem on Tuesday.
5. Jews for Jesus baker not kosher - Jerusalem Post
The High Court of Justice on Tuesday ordered the Ashdod Rabbinical Council to provide documents proving that the kashrut terms demanded of a Jews for Jesus baker were identical to those demanded of the Jewish bakers in the city.
EMERGENCY PRAYER: NIGERIA
Christians Massacred in Northern Nigeria
Urgent Prayer Needed NOW!
WIN PRAYER ALERT
Muslim herdsmen attacked Christian villages near the Nigerian city of Jos in the early hours of Sunday, March 7, 2010. The death toll is currently estimated to be more than 500.
Muslim attacks on Christians have been on the rise in Nigeria in recent years, with many of them taking place in Jos. The city is located between the mostly Muslim North and the mostly Christian South, making it a battlefield between the two religions.
In 2004, 1,000 people were killed in violence that erupted in Jos. In 2008, another 200 died.
The latest outbreak involved Fulani herdsman who defied the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on the region to attack Christian villages around Jos at 3AM Sunday, March 7. The Muslim Fulanis fired shots into the air to draw villagers from their homes, then used machetes to murder hundreds of them. Troops were sent to the area and arrests have reportedly been made.
One aid worker who witnessed the devastation said, We saw mainly those who are helpless, like small children and then the older men, who cannot run, these were the ones that were slaughtered.
Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, who took over for ailing President Musa Yar Adua last month, is reportedly taking steps to protect the survivors. He has also replaced the Nigerian security chief.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described the massacre as appalling and called on the Nigerian government to address the underlying causes of violence in the area. A western official stated that Nigeria needs to bring the perpetrators to justice.
PRAY FOR:
An immediate end to the brutality, murder, and bloodshed that has become a pattern of behavior in Jos of Muslims against Christians. Pray for the Lord to permanently break this cycle of violence in northern Nigeria. Pray revival will break out in northern Nigeria with multitudes of Muslims and other non-Believers coming to know Christ as Savior and Lord today. (The Bible, Hosea 4:1-3, Psalm 13:5)
Ask the Lord to comfort those who have been attacked, who have lost loved ones, and who have been driven from their homes. Pray for the Lord to provide for them and minister healing to their hearts, minds, and bodies. (The Bible, II Corinthians 1:3-5)
Pray for the immediate dismantling of all terrorist infiltration in the nation and an immediate end to all recruiting efforts to join any type of terrorist organization in Nigeria. Pray for a radical move of God in northern Nigeria where every non-Believer will accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord this year.
Pray the Lord will visit Muslims and non-believers in visions and dreams, and entire cities and villages will accept Christ into their hearts, and will live with him for eternity.
the Lord to protect Believers in Jos and throughout northern Nigeria from future attacks. (The Bible, Psalm 140:4)
the Lord to reveal Himself to the Fulani and every other Muslim people group in Nigeria. Pray for the veil to be removed from their eyes and for the Light of Christ to come to them so they can see the glorious Gospel of the glory of Christ to shine into their lives. (The Bible, II Corinthians 4:3-4)
a great spiritual awakening to the ways of Jesus Christ in northern Nigeria, and for reconciliation between feuding people groups and religions to take place swiftly. (The Bible, II Corinthians 5:20)
As the acting President of Nigeria, pray the Lord will greatly be at work in President Jonathan. Pray he will do everything according to the Lord s plan for this nation. (The Bible, I Timothy 2:1-2)
the Lord to give President Jonathan and his administration wisdom in dealing with the horrific act of March 7, 2010, as well as the ongoing conflict of Muslims attacking Christians. Pray for those responsible for the massacre of Christians to be brought to justice and punished swiftly. (The Bible, Proverbs 2:6, Psalm 7:6)
the Kingdom of God to come to northern Nigeria, removing barriers and strongholds, restoring order and bringing unity on earth as it is in Heaven. Pray for righteousness, peace and joy to flow through this nation as multitudes put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (The Bible, Romans 14:17) Sources: BBC News, VOA, Human Rights Watch ; WIN PRAYER NETWORK
The Daily Jot
Senate Considering National Workers ID Card
Cooking on the front burner in the U.S. Senate is a national identification card. The concept is that if you work in the United States, you will have to have this card which is embedded with your fingerprint and other information. The card will be a mandatory requirement for every person who wishes to work in the nation. It is aimed at cracking down on illegal immigrants--no card, no work. But it is tantamount to a national ID card where in order to have a job, the government requires personal authentication using your personal information. And it begs the questions, is this a forerunner to the mark of the beast; is this a further step in a tyrannical plan to control Americans?
Certainly, Revelation is very clear that the antichrist will claim his people with a distinctive mark.
Revelation 13:16 says, And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. While the Senate plan may not be the "mark of the beast," it is likely a type and shadow of such a mark, a few steps further than a Social Security card. These types of government actions tend to desensitize people toward receiving such authoritative mandates.
In addition to being a type and shadow of the mark of the beast, the Senate consideration is no less than another step toward tyranny. Instead of securing the borders of the United States, the Senate is proposing to penalize everyone for the unwillingness of the Federal Government to protect its citizens. It would seem, however, that it is all part of the plan to identify and control the population in ways that the American public will accept, even if reluctantly. There will be tribunals in the government determining the extent and type of health care a citizen will receive if the government socializes the health care industry. Why not require a national ID for every worker to have a job?
Many are concerned about the invasion of privacy by this over extended government. Keep in mind that if you have a bank card or have ever applied for a loan, your private information is in a database somewhere. And with the government taking over the banking industry, the home mortgage industry, the health care industry and others, your information is a click away from a federal intruder. The Senate legislation is just another step further. The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads, "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated . . . " It's your right to privacy, unless you surrender it voluntarily.
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Same-sex "Marriage" Now in D.C.
For Richer or (More Likely) Poorer
When same-sex weddings kicked off in D.C. yesterday, the city wasn't seeing anything but dollar signs. In an absurd article in today's Washington Post, reporters tried to argue that counterfeit marriage could be the economic salvation of the city's economy. In a region with 12% unemployment, local officials claim that redefining marriage "will create 700 jobs and contribute $52.2 million over three years to the local economy" . .
Meanwhile, the bigger question is: where has Congress been on all of this? So far both the House and Senate, which are responsible for D.C. oversight, have refused to address the city's direct assault on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). By sitting on their hands, they're now complicit with a movement that could roll back the definition of marriage in states where voters have won the battle to enshrine marriage in their constitutions. We expected better from Congress. And as voters, we deserve better. (Family Research Council; Washington Update; March 10, 2010; excerpt)
Kevin Jennings . . . Again
Education's "Remote" Control
In one of his first public appearances since the controversy over his appointment, "safe schools czar" Kevin Jennings came out of hiding to address a group of teachers yesterday at the National Press Club. Later, when CNS News pressed him about the Hill's campaign to fire him, Jennings refused to answer. He did, however, respond to a question about the role of the federal government in promoting homosexuality. "The federal government is not allowed to dictate any curriculum of any kind about any subject, whether it's history, math, science, health, education, so forth and so on, because Congress has laid out very clear rules that they want curriculum decisions made at the state and local level... [T]he federal government doesn't [dictate] in any area," he said.
Does Jennings really expect us to believe that the Department of Education, an agency with a budget of roughly $48 billion, has limited authority? As FRC pointed out in a recent Washington Times op-ed, that doesn't include the additional $33 billion that President Obama requested in the so-called "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act." With those purse strings--and a massive web of federal bureaucracy--it's difficult to swallow Jennings's claim that Washington has little influence on our children's classrooms. On the contrary, it has too much! And so does Jennings. Log on to our website to learn more about this czar's checkered past and to lend your voice to the 54 congressmen who are calling for his removal.
Update: Obamacare
Health Care Reform: Heat is On House Democrats
President Obama is continuing his all-out push to pass health care reform by taking his show on the road. He spoke Monday morning at Arcadia University near Philadelphia, reprising his speech last week in Washington, and traveled to St. Louis on Wednesday to stump for his bill.
In his speeches, the president sharply criticized the health insurance industry for rate hikes and blamed problems on a lack of competition in the industry. He emphasized the story of Leslie Banks, the diabetic single mom who introduced him in Philadelphia, and who says her premiums have doubled.
Republicans maintain their opposition to the overhaul, confident in polls that show strong voter opposition, but Democratic leaders think they see signs that the public actually wants them to pass the bill. With Republicans standing their ground, Obama's battle is now to win over wary Democrats. He is pushing them to pass a version of health care reform before March 18, when the two-week Easter recess begins. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is aiming to get the House of Representatives to pass the Senate bill by that deadline.
Here's a look at the controversial and make or break issues:
Cost, expansion of government -- Republicans see the 2,700-page $1 trillion overhaul as a massive government takeover, and they aren't about to budge. Even some Democrats seem wary of the size given the current economic crisis. If Obama could get even a little bit of Republican support, obstacles to the bill would disappear. Recent polls are showing that more than 60 percent of Americans believe Obamacare costs will be higher than now estimated, and that their taxes will be raised.
Abortion -- Rep. Bart Stupak and 11 other House Democrats who voted for the original House package say they are willing to vote down the Senate bill because it would allow taxpayer money to be used to buy insurance plans which cover abortions. Their 12 votes are enough to stop the bill unless Pelosi can convert several "no" voters, which seems unlikely. To win the support of the Stupak bloc, Pelosi and other Democratic leaders will have to convince them that they can amend the bill to prohibit federal funds from being used for abortions-unlikely, since abortion would probably not pass the "Byrd rule" requiring amendments being passed through reconciliation to be directly tied to the budget. Democratic leaders maintain that abortion funding is not included in the Senate bill, but Family Research Council's Tom McCluskey counters with eight reasons abortion is in the health care overhaul.
Mistrust between House and Senate--- Because Republicans now have the 41 votes they need to filibuster in the Senate, Democrats can't pass a "cleaned up" version of the previous bill. The only way to pass the overhaul is to use the bill already passed in the Senate, but the House won't go for that bill as is. One problem is the infamous "Cornhusker kickback" and "Louisiana Purchase" -- special deals made to essentially purchase the votes of Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) and Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA). To get the Senate bill through the House, Obama and Pelosi will have to convince House Democrats that after they pass it, a sidecar bill will be passed through reconciliation to clean up certain areas the House doesn't like. But once the House passes the Senate bill, they have no guarantee of the sidecar being passed, and if anything holds it up, Obama can simply sign the bill into law as is -- without any of the House's amendments.
31 House Democrats to pray for -- These Democrats in the House of Representatives voted for the health care bill the first time, but are vulnerable in their home districts and could end up voting against the Senate version: Harry Mitchell (AZ); Gabrielle Giffords (AZ); Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ); Jerry McNerney (CA); John Salazar (CO); Jim Himes (CT); Alan Grayson (FL); Bill Foster (IL); Baron Hill (IN); Mark Schauer (MI); Gary Peters (MI); Dina Titus (NV); Carol Shea-Porter (NH); Tim Bishop (NY); John Hall (NY); Bill Owens (NY); Mike Arcuri (NY); Dan Maffei (NY); Earl Pomeroy (ND); Steven Driehaus (OH); Mary Jo Kilroy (OH); Zack Space (OH); Kathy Dahlkemper (PA); Patrick Murphy (PA); Christopher Carney (PA); Paul Kanjorski (PA);John Spratt (SC); Tom Perriello (VA); Alan Mollohan (WV); Nick Rahall (WV); Steve Kagen (WI).
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Pray for House Democrats who are undecided on the health care bill to be granted discernment, wisdom and courage.
Pray that U.S. taxpayers not be forced to pay for abortion. [Source: Intercessors for America]
The Good News Corner
40,000 Haitians profess faith in Christ since Jan. 12 quake - Reported by Barbara Denman, Baptist Press, Feb. 25, 2010
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (BP)--A reported 40,127 Haitians have made professions of faith in Jesus Christ since a major earthquake hit the impoverished nation in January, according to pastors and directors of missions within the Confraternite Missionaire Baptiste d'Haiti (CMBH). "Haiti is ripe for a spiritual movement from God," said Craig Culbreth, director of the Florida Baptist Convention's partnership missions department, which coordinates the work of the CMBH, upon his Feb. 22 return from Port-au-Prince. During a Feb. 16-17 citywide holiday observance in Cap Haitien, Haiti's second largest city, Culbreth saw "thousands upon thousands filling the streets where people are seeking God and asking Him to spare them from what happened in Port-au-Prince. For me, it was a New Testament expression of what it looks like when the Spirit of God shows up. I have never seen anything like it."
The CMBH is the Florida Baptist Convention-funded partnership of nearly 900 Haitian Baptist churches throughout Haiti. Through the partnership the Florida convention employs seven indigenous missionaries in six regions. Since the earthquake, the CMBH pastors have distributed 51 tons of rice, which provided 437,750 servings to Haitians in Port-au-Prince and outlying areas where refugees have fled. Additional feedings are expected. During the week of Feb. 16-22, Culbreth was on his third trip to Haiti since the earthquake to determine how Florida and Southern Baptists could reach beyond Port-au-Prince and meet needs of refugees who left the capital city. Together, he and Dennis Wilbanks, an associate in partnership missions, have visited five of the six associations, conferring and praying with the directors of missions and Haitian pastors in the associations.
Culbreth compared the window of opportunity where the people are hungry for the Gospel to the United States after 9/11 when hundreds flocked to churches. He cited recent events in many of the 110 churches in the Port-au-Prince area where throngs of people have been seeking spiritual guidance in church meetings, which have been held outdoors because Haitians feared to enter buildings. Church leaders have reported 28,000 salvations in the Ouest (Port-au-Prince) association. Many conversions took place during the three days of prayer and fasting called for by the Haitian government Feb. 12-14, Culbreth said. "People were in the streets, literally begging God for forgiveness and mercy," said Wilbanks, who was in Port-au-Prince at the time. Professions of faith also have been reported by Florida and Southern Baptist medical and disaster relief teams as volunteers shared the Gospel.(Read more)
Worship With Us!
"God Is The Strength Of My Heart"
by Dan Moen
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)
Praise Him with us by going here.
Amen!
