In This Issue• Today's Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• Move Over Nancy . . .
• Netanyahu: Jerusalem not a Settlement
• Israelis Support Netanyahu
• Petraeus Reaffirms Military Bond with Israel
• A Lesson in "ISMS"
• The Good News Corner
• Worship With Us!
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The Daily Brief - Friday, March 26, 2010
"I know that my Redeemer lives." (Job 19:25)
Today's Daily Brief
1. 'Go for it,' Obama tells GOP on health repeal - AP
President Obama issued a dare to Republicans who are vowing to repeal his new health care law, telling them Thursday to "go for it" and see how well they do with voters in November. "Be my guest," Mr. Obama said in the first of many planned appearances to sell the revamp before fall congressional elections. "If they want to have that fight, we can have it because I don't believe the American people are going to put the insurance industry back in the driver's seat."
- You know the true cost of this plan and its future implications. We pray that we will be open to hearing from You as to the course that we should follow. May there be men and women of faith and conviction who will stand strong for You and for the principles that will advance Your kingdom and protect Your people through their entire lives.
- "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
2. Marine General Says He'd Give Gays Separate Rooms - Fox News
The Marine Corps' commandant said he won't force his troops to bunk with gays on base and would give them separate rooms if Congress votes to allow openly gay service. The comment, by Gen. James Conway, is the latest pushback by a small but vocal faction of senior military leaders opposed to a repeal of the 1993 law known as "don't ask, don't tell." Conway's remarks foreshadow the rocky political debate ahead. Gates has asked lawmakers to keep troops "out of the political dimension" of the issue, but some uniformed officers are willingly jumping in. Earlier this month, a three-star Army general called on troops and their families to "speak up" against allowing gays to serve openly. Lt. Gen. Benjamin Mixon, who heads Army forces for U.S. Pacific Command, was publicly admonished by Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen for using his rank to advocate a political position and challenge the president. "There's an opportunity in this process for everyone from junior to senior" to have an opportunity to comment, Mullen said. Mullen added that military personnel disagreeing with the nation's policies should "vote with your feet."
- Lord, thank You for those who are standing strong and recognizing what issues will arise if regulations against gays serving openly in the military are changed. We pray there will be many who will rise up against the twisting of morals and the break-down of society. May all those in military leadership who are speaking up be protected by You and encouraged by others.
- "You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me." (Deuteronomy 5:9)
3. Is Hezbollah Ramping Up in the US? - Fox News
In the last five months U.S. federal authorities have charged several men, some U.S. citizens, of aiding Hezbollah, a State Department designated terrorist group. These arrests have terrorism analysts wondering if Hezbollah is ramping up its U.S. operations. Just last summer, David Cohen, New York City's Deputy Police Commissioner on Intelligence warned that Hezbollah should not be underestimated. Cohen told a terrorism conference in Manhattan that Hezbollah "...is probably the most capable and disciplined terrorist organization in the world." Cohen said Hezbollah is closely linked, and works under the direction of the Iranian intelligence services and "poses a continuous danger to New York City."
- We pray for vigilance and discernment for those in the intelligence and judicial communities so they will be aware of threats. We thank You for exposing those who are plotting to kill the innocent and pray law enforcement will be sensitive to any leading of the Holy Spirit when dealing with potential threats.
- "The LORD is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me?" (Psalm 118:6)
4. Obama, Medvedev agree to nuclear pact - AP
Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev agreed on Friday to reduce the arsenals of the world's two largest nuclear powers -- the first major arms accord in a generation. Final agreement came in a phone call between the two and a flurry of announcements in Washington and Moscow.
- May this agreement be one that will lead to real, lasting peace and not just promises. We pray for wisdom and discernment for all those negotiating so they will not be led to false hope or unsafe changes.
- "Sounds of terror are in his ears; While at peace the destroyer comes upon him." (Job 15:21)
5. South Korean navy ship sinks near sea border with North - BBC
About 40 sailors are missing after a South Korean navy ship sank near the border with North Korea, Yonhap news agency said citing military officials. The patrol vessel, with 104 people aboard, sank after an unexplained explosion tore through its hull. Several sailors also died, officials are quoted saying as divers prepared to return to the scene after daybreak. South Korean officials played down earlier reports that it may have been the result of an attack by North Korea.
- Lord, we are not sure why this tragedy struck but pray it is an accident and not an attack. We pray for strength and courage for all those who are participating in the rescue and peace for the families of the missing and the dead.
- "Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me." (Psalm 59:1)
6. Secular Challenger Edges Out Iraqi PM in Elections - AP
Iraq's secular former prime minister edged out Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in parliamentary vote totals released Friday, upsetting the Shiite-backed premier's re-election bid and earning the right to get the first shot at trying to form a government. The narrow margin -- 91 seats for Ayad Allawi's coalition to 89 for al-Maliki's alliance -- sets the stage for months of political wrangling as the veterans of Iraq's young democracy attempt to win support for a majority coalition.
- Lord, we praise You that Iraq is a stable nation able to hold votes and transfer power without bloodshed. We thank You for the protection You provide for both the citizens of Iraq and all those who are there to help, both military and civilian workers. We pray for comfort for the families of those who died, and we pray they will find solace in the outcome of all the sacrifices that allowed this vote.
- "It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding." (Daniel 2:21)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of LORD [YHWH]; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of LORD, to Jerusalem, neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart." (Jer. 3:17)
1. Despite row, U.S. and Israel sign massive arms deal - Ha'aretz
As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in Washington this week absorbing the full wrath of the Obama administration, the Pentagon and Israel's defense establishment were in the process of sealing a large arms deal.
2. Response to US to wait until after Passover - Ynet News
A senior source close to the prime minister told Ynet on Thursday night after Benjamin Netanyahu's return from tense talks with US President Barack Obama that "we don't think there is a crisis and rift between us and the United States. Netanyahu has faith in Obama, and we have no reason to believe that it's different on the other side."
3. US general reaffirms military bond with Israel - Ynet News
US General David Petraeus on Wednesday spoke with Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi and reassured him that he never said Israel's policies endanger US troops in the Middle East.
4. White House, Netanyahu: Progress achieved during visit - Ynet News
The White House said Thursday that talks with Israel showed "progress" after a visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington.
5. Reports: Netanyahu 'Humiliated' by Hussein Obama Snub - Fox News
For a head of government to visit the White House and not pose for photographers is rare. For a key ally to be left to his own devices while Hussein Obama withdraws to have dinner in private was, until this week, unheard of. Yet that is how Benjamin Netanyahu was treated by Hussein on Tuesday night, according to Israeli reports on a trip viewed in Jerusalem as a humiliation.
- We pray this administration will honor the land and people of Israel and will not sacrifice them for potential gains with other nations. Lord, may those American diplomats who are tasked to this become aware of the need for justice and protection of our vulnerable ally.
Move Over Nancy, There's a New Queen in Town
Now that Obamacare is the law of the land, news stories are incorrectly hailing Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) as the "most powerful woman in America." Ironically, thanks to the provisions in the health care legislation pushed by Speaker Pelosi and signed into law by Obama this week, that title now goes to the most pro-abortion Health and Human Services Secretary in America's history, Kathleen Sebelius.
When Ms. Sebelius was nominated early last year on March 2, FRC led an effort to try to derail her nomination because we realized that a woman who has a long history of cozying up to some of the most nefarious aspects of the abortion industry should not be in charge of the American health care system. Now with the passage of Obamacare we will unfortunately be proven right.
In the just-passed bill there are thousands of instances "where the Secretary of Health and Human Services [has] the authority to create, determine, or define" things in the bill. Sebelius would be the sole authority on everything from setting monthly costs per person to establishing an agency that would determine cuts without congressional approval. She could even make the final decisions about including abortion in the government-run plan, despite the worthless Executive Order that Obama signed on Wednesday.
She herself anticipates hiring hundreds of new federal employees to help her implement the health care takeover, and was treated like a rock star by Members of Congress at the bill signing--all of them probably realizing that with this bill she has more power over their constituents' lives then they do. (Family Research Council)
Netanyahu: Jerusalem not a Settlement
WASHINGTON-"As the world faces monumental challenges, I know that Israel and America will face them together," said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, opening his speech before the American Israel Public Affairs Committee on Monday [March 22], after a meeting with US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton.
The prime minister reiterated his stance on construction in Jerusalem and told his audience of some 8,000 pro-Israel activists, "The connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel cannot be denied. The connection between the Jewish people and Jerusalem cannot be denied. The Jewish people were building Jerusalem 3,000 year ago, and the Jewish people are building Jerusalem today. Jerusalem is not a settlement. It is our capital."
He continued to say, "In Jerusalem, my government has maintained the policies of all Israeli governments since 1967, including those led by Golda Meir, Menachem Begin, and Yitzhak Rabin. Today, nearly a quarter of a million Jews, almost half the city's Jewish population, live in neighborhoods that are just beyond the 1949 armistice lines. All these neighborhoods are within a five-minute drive from the Knesset. They are an integral and inextricable part of modern Jerusalem. Everyone knows that these neighborhoods will be part of Israel in any peace settlement. Therefore, building them in no way precludes the possibility of a two-state solution." (Bridges for Peace) Read more.
Prayer Focus
Praise God for Netanyahu's continued strong stand in the face of White House pressure. Pray that Israel will never allow God's city to be divided, and that the nations that encourage such will come under the fear of the Lord.
Scripture
"For behold, the kings assembled, they passed by together. They saw it [Jerusalem], and so they marveled; they were troubled, they hastened away. Fear took hold of them there, and pain, as of a woman in birth pangs. As we have heard, so we have seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it forever. Selah!" (Psalm 48:4-6, 8)
Israelis Support Netanyahu
Israeli PM gets home support in dispute with US
Top Israeli officials on Thursday rallied behind embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his dispute with the U.S., deepening the rift between the two allies over Israeli construction in east Jerusalem. Before Netanyahu returned Thursday afternoon from an unsuccessful visit to the United States, a string of Cabinet ministers declared that Israel would keep on building Jewish homes in east Jerusalem and accused Washington of unfairly putting pressure on the Israeli government. The tough stance signaled further trouble for the U.S. as it tries to restart Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, which broke down more than a year ago. Netanyahu left Washington after a last-ditch effort to clear the air with the Americans appeared to fail. The U.S. wants Israel to stop building Jewish homes in east Jerusalem - the section of the city that the Palestinians want as the capital of a future state. Netanyahu refuses, saying the entire holy city must remain Israel's eternal capital. (AP)
Petraeus Reaffirms Military Bond with Israel
US general reaffirms military bond with Israel
Political crisis, but no military crisis: US General David Petraeus on Wednesday spoke with Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi and reassured him that he never said Israel's policies endanger US troops in the Middle East. Recent reports about Patraeus' alleged comments during a Congress hearing were denied by American security officials. However, the general insisted on clearing the air himself and called the Israeli chief of staff. Meanwhile, top Israeli security officials spoke of close cooperation with their American counterparts, at all ranks, and noted that recent diplomatic disputes did not cloud this relationship. Earlier, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates treaded lightly when asked about the recent row between the longtime allies. (Ynetnews)
A Lesson in "ISMS"
"Make Mine Freedom"
After this rather tumultuous week in our nation, for those of us who may be losing track of the distinction between capitalism and communism, we offer this short video clip.
Produced in 1948 by Harding College, "Make Mine Freedom" is a great summary of the realities -- and the dangers -- and the lies of "the other system."
And now, in 2010, 63 years later, this short film is as true as it was then.
MAKE MINE FREEDOM!!
The Good News Corner
Congress Holds First Church Service in 130 Years
WASHINGTON -- For the first time in 130 years, members of Congress gathered in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol last Sunday morning for a church service.
About 300 members from both sides of the aisle gathered to worship just hours before the House of Representatives voted to pass health care reform.
Rep. Randy Forbes, R-Va., organized the service and delivered a message about trusting God.
"When we look at our Founding Fathers we don't have to ask the question 'I wonder what would have happened if they had trusted God?" Forbes said. "They did. Our question is 'What would have happened had they not trusted God?'"
"And the question we left them with is 100 years from today, 30 years from today what will our children be asking?" he continued. "Will they have to ask the question,'I wonder what would have happened if they had trusted God?' or will they be able to ask the same question that we get to ask: 'I wonder what would have happened had they not trusted God?'"
Church services in the Capitol were common throughout the 19th century. At one point, nearly 2,000 people assembled for church there each Sunday representing the largest Protestant church in the U.S. at the time.
Thomas Jefferson attended a church service in the Capitol just two days after writing his famous "wall of separation between church and state" metaphor in a letter.(CBN News)
On-Site Report:
At the service, each guest received a program entitled "Sunday Service at the Capitol, March 21,2010." This brochure outlined the history of similar services that have been held in the Capitol in days past. On the back cover was printed a prayer that Senate Chaplain Peter Marshall had spoken in the same chamber, 63 years ago to the day: March 21, 1947.
Here are the words of that prayer:
"O Lord our God, in the midst of the troubles that surround us, when compromises come home to roost and expediencies return to plague us, keep us from adding to the mistakes of the past. Save us from accepting a little of what we know to be wrong in order to get a little of what we imagine to be right. Help us to stand up for the inalienable rights of mankind and the principles of democratic government consistently and with courage, knowing that Thy power and Thy blessing will be upon us only when we are in the right. May we so speak, and vote, and live as to merit Thy blessing. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen."
Worship With Us!
"I know that my redeemer liveth" - Sung by Lynne Dawson
Yes, Lord, you LIVE!
