In This Issue• Today's Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• Today's Health Care Bill Update
• The Daily Jot
• Rev. Jim Wallis - "Security Check!"
• The Good News Corner - Part One
• The Good News Corner - Part Two!
• Worship With Us!
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The Daily Brief - Saturday, March 13, 2010
You have covered my head in the day of battle. (Psalm 140:7)
Today's Daily Brief
1. A. Pelosi: Public Option Dead in Health Care Overhaul - AOL
The health care public option died today, and it took one of its most devoted supporters to put it down. In definitive terms, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters at the Capitol that despite a late revival of support for creating a government-run insurance program as part of the health care overhaul, it just wasn't going to happen. "We're talking about something that's not going to be part of the legislation," Pelosi said.
B. Stupak Claims Committee Chairman Wants Government to Fund Abortions - Fox News
The pro-life Democrat leading the charge in the House against passage of the Senate health insurance reform bill said Friday that a key committee chairman told him that Democrats want abortions to be paid by a federally-funded nationalized health insurance system.
C. Obama Delays Asia Trip as Dems Wrangle Health Care Votes - ABC
Speaking volumes about how Democrats lack the votes to pass overhauling health care legislation, Obama has delayed next week's trip to Indonesia and Australia. Obama was scheduled to leave Thursday, which is the deadline the White House gave Congress to finish negotiations and pass a bill. But the White House has confirmed that Obama will leave for Asia three days later, on Sunday, March 21, and without his wife and daughters, as originally planned. White House officials and congressional Democratic sources expressed confidence that the compromise House-Senate legislation would ultimately pass, but as of now, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., does not have the votes.
- Lord, continue to bring the motives of those crafting this bill into the light. We pray that there will be a concern for life in all those who are in leadership positions. May there be nothing passed that will be used in the killing of children, as that will bring down more judgment for the blood of the innocent.
- "They devise injustices, saying, 'We are ready with a well-conceived plot'; For the inward thought and the heart of a man are deep." (Psalm 64:6)
2. Census Bureau Flip- Flops on Defense of Marriage Act and Will Count Self- Identified Same-Sex Couples as 'Married' - CNS
The U.S. Census Bureau has changed its interpretation of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) to allow it to tabulate same-sex couples who self-identify their union as a marriage, even though DOMA prohibits legal recognition of same-sex unions as marriages.
- May the Census Bureau uphold the laws that were passed to protect marriage. We pray there will once again be Congressmen and women who will stand strong for marriage and life. Lord, let this nation not become hardened and anesthestatized to the sin of gay marriage.
- "But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called 'Today,' so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." (Hebrews 3:13)
3. Sen. Reid's wife critical after accident - UPI
The wife of Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., injured in a Thursday automobile accident, is in critical condition at a Washington-area hospital, officials said.
- We pray for comfort for this family as they deal with the consequences of this accident. May there be healing and may You be glorified in this as in all things.
- "Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
4. Mississippi school sued for canceling prom over lesbian student - CNN
A Mississippi high school faces a lawsuit over its decision to cancel its prom rather than allow a lesbian high school student to attend with her girlfriend. The lawsuit, filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, alleges that officials at Itawamba Agricultural High School in Fulton, Mississippi, are violating the student's First Amendment right to freedom of expression. The ACLU asked the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi to reinstate the prom. "All I wanted was the same chance to enjoy my prom night like any other student. But my school would rather hurt all the students than treat everyone fairly," said the student, 18-year-old Constance McMillen, in an ACLU news release. "This isn't just about me and my rights anymore -- now I'm fighting for the right of all the students at my school to have our prom." At the center of the lawsuit is a memorandum from the school to students, dated February 5, which states that prom dates must be of the opposite sex.
- Lord, may we be protective of our children and not allow them to be encouraged to sin that will scar them for their entire lives.
- "In that day you will feel no shame Because of all your deeds By which you have rebelled against Me; For then I will remove from your midst Your proud, exulting ones, And you will never again be haughty On My holy mountain." (Zephaniah 3:11)
5. Atty. Gen. Holder failed to disclose legal briefs to senators - LA Times
Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr. gave more ammunition to his critics Friday, admitting he had failed to tell a Senate committee about half a dozen briefs to the Supreme Court that he had signed, including two involving a terrorism dispute. Holder's aides said the failure to mention the briefs last year before his confirmation was an oversight and a mistake.
- As the Senate examines nominees for important posts, we pray that the work of these nominees will come out so the decisions will be made with all the facts known.
- "each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work." (1 Corinthians 3:13)
6. Terror suspect worked at U.S. nuclear plant - CNN
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is working with the FBI to determine whether a New Jersey man suspected of being an al Qaeda member had access to any sensitive areas of the nuclear plants where he once worked, a commission spokeswoman said Friday.
- Thank You that this man did not attack while working at one of these plants. We pray that he has been stopped from sharing any information that would give nuclear secrets to terrorists.
- "and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD'S and He will give you into our hands." (1 Samuel 17:47)
7. India embraces Russia arms - LA Times
India signed five deals Friday to purchase more than $7 billion in hardware and expertise from Russia, including an aircraft carrier, a fleet of MIG-29 fighters, defense and space technology and at least 12 civilian nuclear reactors. On the minds of both parties, analysts said, was a nation not present at the signing. "China will be the ghost in the room," wrote analyst C. Raja Mohan in an opinion piece this week in the Indian Express. Having a working aircraft carrier -- India's only carrier, the 50-year-old British-built Viraat, rarely leaves port -- should allow India to expand its presence in the Indian Ocean. India has watched China in recent years forge strategic port alliances with Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Myanmar as part of Beijing's South Asian "string of pearls" strategy.
- We pray these weapons deals will not cause any excuse for bloodshed for the nations in this volatile area. May there be nations that will stand strong to keep weapons like these out of the hands of evil forces.
- "For I will not trust in my bow, Nor will my sword save me." (Psalm 44:6)
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. Sharp Elbows, Cold Shoulders Mark Biden Trip to Israel - Fox News
Vice President Biden's trip to the Middle East -- meant to pave the way for a new round of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks -- is coming to a close, leaving in its wake a trail of stinging snubs, cringe-worthy blunders and one-word headlines in Israel newspapers: "Embarrassment."
2. EU to Hamas: Release Shalit immediately - Ynet News
The European Parliament on Thursday passed a resolution calling on Hamas to release Gilad Shalit immediately, allow Red Cross representatives to visit the kidnapped Israeli soldier and "enable him to contact his family".
3. IDF strikes targets in Strip - Ynet News
Israeli aircraft struck an arms smuggling tunnel and a weapons lab in the southern Gaza Strip Friday night. The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said that exact hits were identified and that all its jets returned safely to their bases.
4. UN humanitarian chief criticizes Gaza blockade - Ynet News
The UN humanitarian chief warned Thursday of an impending humanitarian disaster if Egypt succeeds in blocking the tunnels that pass under it's border into the Gaza Strip.
5. Clinton: Israeli announcement on settlements 'insulting' - CNN
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Friday that Israel's announcement of new settlement construction in disputed territory in East Jerusalem was "insulting" to the United States.
6. Early election results in Iraq show nail-biter - USA Today
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is in a tight race to maintain his leadership over the Iraqi government, partial election results indicated on Thursday.
Today's Health Care Bill Update
Pelosi's Lifeless Folly
Next week, your clocks won't be the only things springing forward. After exhausting all their options, Democratic leaders have decided to wrap up health care talks and act. As soon as Monday, House leaders will call their first vote on the Senate health care bill, signaling the endgame on a year-long struggle to wedge big government between Americans and their doctors. Despite the uproar from House Democrats like Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has dumped any plans to compromise on the billions in taxpayer-funded abortion covered by the Senate bill.
This morning, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) was blunt about the abortion question. "I made it clear that I wasn't negotiating." Rather than lose time trying to shore up the pro-life votes, House leaders have decided to go it alone and hope that they can siphon off enough votes from Stupak's coalition to cram the plan through. Last night on MSNBC, Speaker Pelosi said she's confident that Rep. Stupak won't sink the plan. "Bart Stupak wants health care reform . . . I don't think that . . . he himself would be one to say, 'I'm taking down health care reform because of it,'"" she said. Asked if he would "throw in the towel," Rep. Stupak was adamant. "If I didn't cave [in November], why would I do it now after . . . all I've been through?"
Clearly, the biggest question mark isn't Rep. Stupak himself, but his coalition - many of whom will be under fierce pressure from on high. As some waiver, I can't emphasize enough how important your involvement is in keeping this coalition together. If you care about blocking this health care monstrosity, it is absolutely vital that you and your friends get on the phone and start calling your members' district and Washington offices. The next few days will be pivotal - particularly if your Congressman appears on the below list. Remember that these are leaders who have voted pro-life at least once, so please be polite - but firm - that the Senate bill is NOT abortion-neutral. Click on this link to locate any of the following names for contact information. . . (Family Research Council)
The Daily Jot
Of School Closings, Riots and National Deficits
The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 13:8, Owe no man any thing, but to love one another for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. It would seem that the local, state and federal governments in America sure love the people a lot because they have spent money on programs for people unlike ever before in history. This, however, is just not what the Lord had in mind. Christians are supposed to be fiscally responsible. For example, the 8th Commandment is Thou shalt not steal and the 10th Commandment is Thou shalt not covet. But the Christians in this nation, who should be its salt and light, have allowed the government to covet and steal what is rightfully private and redistribute it to others.
Now the nation is in a real financial problem. So much so that school districts across the country are closing local public schools to save money. Kansas City is closing 29 of its 61 public schools to stave off bankruptcy. Detroit closed 29 of its 172 schools already. More cities are doing the same. Maybe closing the government schools is a good thing - at least secular humanist drivel will not be taught in those buildings anymore. But the real problem here is that even local governments are mirroring what the federal government is doing - spending somebody else's money like a drunken sailor. Meanwhile, the Department of Education in Washington, DC has placed an RFP for 27 short-barreled shotguns. Huh?
Headlines are that over 20,000 workers in Greece are rioting and its labor unions are striking. Why? Because the country is in bankruptcy and the nation's largest employer, the government, can't pay its workers. So there have been layoffs, budget cuts, pay cuts, cuts of everything trying to meet the European Union's demands that Greece bring its budget deficit from 12.7 percent of Gross Domestic Product to 8.7 percent this year. In two years, Greece must bring its deficit down to three percent of GDP. What happens if Greece doesn't meet these demands? The European Union will take over and Greece will no longer be a sovereign nation.
This could very well be a scene in the United States if Americans continue to allow Congress and the White House to continue the largest deficit spending spree in the history of the world - spending on so-called economic stimulus, socialization of health care, taking over of auto, banking and mortgage businesses. America's largest employer is the government and it pays nearly 20% more in salaries to its workers than does the private sector. In the White House 2010 budget submitted to Congress, the U.S. deficit as a percentage of GDP is estimated at 11%. That's very close to Greece's same trigger point. And you know who holds U.S. Debt -China and Japan. Don't wait until riots are the last resort.
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Rev. Jim Wallis - "Security Check!"
Rev. Wallis: Wolf in Shepard's Clothing?
The Bible speaks consistently and forcefully about the need for justice throughout society. But the term "social justice" has become a code-term used by the Religious Left to mean everything from socialized medicine to redistribution of income. Their argument goes like this: Since God wants Christians to show compassion to the poor, government should work to meet the needs of everyone. But this argument is, oddly, a form of merging the roles of the church and state -- something the Left says it opposes -- and thoughtful conservatives should oppose. Faith and policy are closely linked but the institutional roles of church and state are, as our Founders recognized, distinct.
Last week, talk show host Glenn Beck said on his program, "I beg you, look for the words 'social justice' or 'economic justice' on your church website. If you find it, run [in the other direction] as fast as you can" To which Jim Wallis, a leader of the Religious Left, responded that Beck "attacks the very heart of our Christian faith, and Christians should no longer watch his show." Wallis's comments indicate how deeply Beck's comments cut. He has been the Left's main proponent of merging the biblical idea of justice with the liberal agenda to transform America into a place where the government orchestrates all facets of the economy. The Bible teaches that the state has a very limited role, a view reflected in the Constitution. One of those roles is not mandating coercive charity -- taking from some people to give to others, in the name of "compassion."
That's not compassion -- it's theft. And as the failed social programs of the past 40 years have shown, when Big Government usurps the role of churches, private charities, and voluntary associations, it creates dependence on programs that just don't work. So we support true social justice: a transcendent understanding that all human life is sacred, that our liberty is granted by God, and that happiness is ours to pursue. It leads us to seek policies that establish: fair tax policy, economic freedom, greater opportunity for all, and protections for the weak from criminals. But to those who wish to cloak political liberalism in the guise of biblical language, beware. Being a wolf in sheep's clothing is something Scripture strongly condemns. (Family Research Council)
The Good News Corner - Part One
ALERT: Court Rules "Under God" is Constitutional
(San Francisco, California)-The AP reports "federal appeals court in San Francisco upheld the use of the words 'under God' in the Pledge of Allegiance and 'In God We Trust' on U.S. currency, rejecting arguments that the phrases violate the separation of church and state."
"The Pledge is constitutional," Judge Carlos Bea wrote for the majority in the 2-1 ruling. "The Pledge of Allegiance serves to unite our vast nation through the proud recitation of some of the ideals upon which our Republic was founded." (AP) Read more.
[Reported by: Teresa Neumann, Breaking Chrisitan News, March 11, 2010]
The Good News Corner - Part Two!
Astonishing "Coincidence" Saves Baby from Abortion in Indianapolis - Reported by: David Bereit, National Coordinator, 40 Days for Life
"I know you're familiar with the old saying, 'God works in mysterious ways.' Please sit down and read this whole story. Our God of mystery has outdone Himself this time!
A young woman in Indianapolis, Indiana - we'll call her "Erin" - woke up, saw her kids off to school, dropped her preschoolers at a friend's house, and noticed that she was late for an appointment . . .at Planned Parenthood . . . for an abortion.
So Erin picked up her phone and called to see if she could still come in. She thought she was calling Planned Parenthood. In her haste, she dialed a wrong number.
Instead of Planned Parenthood, she got Joseph, who was answering the cell phone that's being used by
. . . get ready for this . . .
. . .40 Days for Life in Indianapolis!
Joseph took a deep breath and tried to be as calm as possible. He took Erin's name and number and simply said that a counselor would call her back. So Elizabeth, the counselor, called Erin. Elizabeth begged her not to hang up, and then explained that she had not reached Planned Parenthood. Asked if she was a Christian, Erin said "yes." So Elizabeth told her God's grace was at work in this "wrong number" situation.
So what had led Erin to the abortion center? Simply put - desperation.
She has four children, their father is in jail, she had lost her job, her electricity is about to be shut off, and she doesn't have enough money to pay the rent.
Later, Erin arrived at Planned Parenthood with her aunt. The aunt told counselors she opposed the abortion, but Erin's mother and sister insist it''s the best answer. They say Erin just can't handle another child.
In the meantime, Elizabeth had spread the word about Erin's situation. A volunteer offered to pay her electric bill. Ten others pooled their cash to pay her rent.
Eileen in Indianapolis says a local group is now working with Erin to help her find a job. "She has a lot of potential," Eileen said, "but needs support since her mother and sister are still encouraging her to abort the baby."
Erin has reacted with both joy and disbelief that strangers were helping her. She has called Planned Parenthood to cancel her appointment and request a refund.
Please keep Erin and her family - and all those helping her - in your prayers.
So, you see? God does work in mysterious ways. There are no coincidences . . . and in this case, no wrong numbers! Source: LifeSiteNews.com
Worship With Us!
"When the trumpet of the LORD shall sound . . ."
When the roll is called Up Yonder, I'll be there!
