In This Issue• Today's Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Obama Ignores Senate
• The Smear Continues
• The Other Side of Tolerance
• Protect the Military, Keep the Law
• The Good News Corner
• Worship With Us!
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The Daily Brief - Tuesday, March 30, 2010
In that day you will say: "Hosanna! " "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Mark 11:9)
Today's Daily Brief
1. Clinton: China on Board with Iran Sanctions - Ynet News
US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Monday that China agrees Iran must not become a nuclear weapons power and that the fellow Security Council member will play a role in forging sanctions against the Islamic republic at the United Nations. The US is leading the charge to penalize Iran for refusing to prove that its nuclear ambitions are peaceful. China is a permanent member of the Security Council and can block new sanctions with a veto, so its support for sanctions will be crucial.
• Lord, let China and Turkey cooperate with other nations against Iran. We pray the world nations will see the danger of not standing together against Iran to stop Iran's objective - to be a nuclear weapons power.
• If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25) And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. (Mark 3:24, 25)
2. G8 to Demand 'Strong Steps' Over Iran Nukes - Ha'aretz
Foreign ministers from the Group of Eight leading industrial nations will call on the international community to take "appropriate and strong steps" to show its resolve over Iran's nuclear activities. The meeting this week brings together the foreign ministers from the Group of Eight industrialized countries, which includes the United States, Canada, Britain, France, Japan, Germany, Italy and Russia.
• Lord, we pray for each of these nations to stand united with one vision - to rid Iran of having the ability to get nuclear weapons. Cause so much confusion and division in Iran that they will not succeed. Give them new leaders!
• During the last watch of the night the LORD looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion. (Exodus 14:24)
3. Saudis Fund Balkan Muslims Spreading Hate of the West - London Times
Saudi Arabia is pouring hundreds of millions of pounds into Islamist groups in the Balkans, some of which spread hatred of the West and recruit fighters for jihad in Afghanistan. Macedonia's law enforcement agencies warn that the European Union and America have failed to recognize the growing problem of Islamic extremism in the Balkans.
Classified documents seen by The Sunday Times reveal that Macedonian officials are also investigating a number of Islamic charities, some in Saudi Arabia, which are active throughout the Balkans and are suspected of spreading extremism and laundering money for terrorist organizations.
• Heavenly Father, we pray that nations and terrorists which are fueling hatred of the west in the Middle East will not succeed. Let their plans of laundering money and funneling aid to terrorist be stopped immediately and Muslims turn away from listening and aiding them. Let them aid the Western nations instead.
• And Joshua spared Rahab the harlot, her father's household, and all that she had. So she dwells in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. (Joshua 6:25)
4. Russia: Moscow Attack May be Linked to Afghanistan Militias - Ha'aretz
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said militants operating on the Afghan-Pakistan border may have helped organize suicide bomb attacks that killed 38 in Moscow on Monday, Interfax news agency reported on Monday. FSB director Alexander Bortnikov said that in both cases the bombs were packed with metal nuts and bolts meant to increase the destructive nature of the blast.
The Moscow subway system is one of the world's busiest, carrying around 7 million passengers on an average workday, and is a key element in running the sprawling and traffic-choked city.
• Lord, we bind these terrorists from being able to assemble and to succeed in their plans to destroy nations. We pray confusion and dissension in their camp.
• They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore. (Isaiah 2:4)
5. Scenarios: Global Impact if Israel Strikes Iran - Reuters
If Israel were to strike Iran over its nuclear activities, markets would be watching one thing only - Iran's response. The scale of that response could be the difference between a brief spike in oil prices and pushing the world back to economic crisis. If Hezbollah strikes Israel, Israel will retaliate in a way that quickly expands the conflict. Israel has threatened to hold the governments of Lebanon and Syria responsible for any Hezbollah attacks.
• Heavenly Father, we pray for the safety of Israel. Let every wicked plan to destroy her be turned into nothing and her enemies scattered. We bless the nation of Israel!
• When the wicked spring up like grass, and when all the workers of iniquity flourish, It is that they may be destroyed forever . . . for behold, Your enemies, O Lord, for behold, Your enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered. (Psalm 92: 7, 9)
6. US, Russia to Sign New Arms Pact April 8 - VOA
"It will limit the number of strategic nuclear delivery vehicles to somewhere below 800 on each side. The treaty will also set a new lower limit for the number of strategic deployed nuclear warheads down to 1,550 on each side, Isaacs said. "Currently, the United States deploys about 2,100 strategic warheads - Russia somewhere above 2,200. So this new START treaty would accomplish a 25 to 30 percent reduction in the number of deployed strategic warheads on each side," he added.
• Heavenly Father - we pray that all these decisions concerning our defense will be guided by your spirit and wisdom. Let nothing be agreed upon that will be harmful to our nation.
• Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle . . . my shield and the One in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me. (Psalm 144:1, 2)
7. Obama Resigned to Nuclear Iran - Jerusalem Post
Former US ambassador to the UN John Bolton expressed concern Sunday that Washington was coming to terms with a nuclear Iran.
"I very much worry the [Hussein] Obama administration is willing to accept a nuclear Iran, that's why there's this extraordinary pressure on Israel not to attack in Iran," Bolton told Army Radio.
• Lord we pray for this Administration to realize the dangers of accepting a nuclear Iran. Let them no longer pressure Israel but instead work strongly with other nations against Iran and their plans for nuclear weapons.
• Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)
B. Iran Suspected of Planning More Nuclear Sites - Fox News
Western intelligence agencies and U.N. inspectors suspect Iran is planning to build more nuclear sites despite international demands that it open up its operations for inspection, The New York Times reported. On Saturday, the head of the Arab League urged the 22-nation bloc to engage Iran directly over concerns about its growing influence in the region and its disputed nuclear program.
It suggests that Arab nations are increasingly less likely to align with the U.S. strategy on Iran if they feel they are getting nothing in return in Mideast peace efforts.
• Heavenly Father , let everything hidden be revealed. Take the blinders off of nations that will not stand strong and united against these plans of Iran and other nations seeking nuclear weapons. Remove Iran's tyrants.
• All her carved images shall be beaten to pieces, and all her pay as a harlot shall be burned with the fire; all her idols I will lay desolate, for she gathered it from the pay of a harlot, and they shall return to the pay of a harlot." (Micah 1:7)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
" For ever, O LORD, Your Word is settled in heaven." (Psalm 119:89)
1. Syria, Libya pressure Palestinians to quit talks - Ynet News
Syria and Libya teamed up Sunday to pressure the Palestinian leader to quit peace talks with Israel and return to violence, delegates to an Arab leadership summit said.
2. Arab leaders support peace plan - Jerusalem Post
Arab leaders on Sunday renewed their support for Mideast peace efforts, rejecting pressure from Syria and Libya on the Palestinians to abandon talks with Israel and resume armed resistance.
3. Israel fears Obama heading for imposed Mideast settlement - Ha'aretz
Obama's demands during his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last Tuesday point to an intention to impose a permanent settlement on Israel and the Palestinians in less than two years, political sources in Jerusalem say.
4. Labor ministers call for Kadima to join coalition - Jerusalem Post
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu must immediately add Kadima to the coalition in order to heal the rift with Obama and advance the peace process, Labor ministers told The Jerusalem Post on Saturday night.
5. Netanyahu Tries to Play Down Tensions With U.S. - Fox News
Israel's leader tried to play down tensions with the U.S. on Sunday after a rocky meeting at the White House last week, saying that relations with Washington remain solid.
6. Jerusalem posters call for 3rd Temple - Jerusalem Post
While tensions continue to simmer around the Temple Mount after riots in and around the capital's Old City earlier this month, a new campaign calling for the construction of the Third Temple atop the holy site has made its way to the sides of 200 Egged buses in the city, which now sport posters featuring a picture of a rebuilt temple on the Mount, and nothing else.
7. IDF imposes closure on West Bank - Ynet News
The IDF completed on Sunday preparations for security during Passover. Friday's clashes in Gaza, which killed an officer and a soldier from the Golani Brigade, have increased tensions ahead of the holiday.
8. Report: US may abstain from UN resolution on east Jerusalem - Ynet News
The US is considering abstaining from a possible UN Security Council resolution against Israeli construction in east Jerusalem, the BBC reported on Sunday.
9. IAF simulates integrated missile defense - Jerusalem Post
The Israel Air Force Air Defense Division has held a series of laboratory tests and simulations to create an integrated operational doctrine for the various missile defense systems it is developing to protect the State of Israel.
The Daily Jot
Seeking to Destroy the Law and Those Who Keep It
There is a lot in the news lately about Christians and Christian groups. They are disparaged by this White House and this Administration. Family Research Council's Tony Perkins wrote in a column saying that the man who occupies the Oval Office has made some very unusual appointments during Congressional recess. Presidents often make recess appointments because they have been held up by Congress for various reasons. One such appointment, Perkins notes, is that of lesbian activist Chai Feldblum. Feldblum was appointed to the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, a controversial appointment because of her radical belief that homosexuality trumps religious rights.
On May 15, 2006, the Weekly Standard wrote: "Georgetown law professor Chai Feldblum believes this sincerely and with passion, and clearly (as she reminds me) against the vast majority of opinion of her own [lesbian] community. And yet when push comes to shove, when religious liberty and sexual liberty conflict, she admits, 'I'm having a hard time coming up with any case in which religious liberty should win.'" Using an example where a Christian day care center might refuse to accept a child from homosexual "parents," Feldblum told the Washington Blade, "What it comes down to is a clash of constitutional rights. The law is developing in this area and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds."
These are the type of people who are holding positions throughout this Administration. They are those who believe that the law is a developing thing. They are believers in true Democracy. True Democracy is the rule of might--the majority or the perceived majority rules over the people. They believe that if they have the power, the law is what they make it. We see this in almost all of this Administration's dealings from replacing Chief Executive Officers of major auto or banking corporations with political appointees to defying the very supreme law of the land, the Constitution, by nationalizing the entire health care industry.
The United States is a Constitutional Republic as ruled by law with representatives who are chosen to ensure that the rights of the citizens are protected by the law. Christians, in particular, are a target because they understand the moral authority of the law as placed by God in their hearts. Therefore, Christians are an obstacle to the humanist immorality that is foundational to Democracy and this Administration's world view. God's laws are absolute and unchanging. Christ said in Matthew 5:17, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." These usurpers, however, HAVE come to destroy the law and those who would stand for it.
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Obama Ignores Senate
Saturday, Obama made 15 recess appointments. There's nothing particularly unusual about recess appointments. George W. Bush made nearly 180 such appointments during his two terms. Recess appointments allow presidents to temporarily fill government positions and bypass the Senate confirmation process for one year. What is unusual in this case are the people Obama appointed to key government positions.
Obama appointed Craig Becker to the National Labor Relations Boards, which oversees union elections and settles disputes between businesses and unions. Becker is not an impartial judge - he's the associate general counsel of the SIEU. In other words, he's an advocate for one of the most aggressive, pro-Obama, ACORN-connected unions in the country. Beyond that, he's a committed leftwing ideologue.
As a former UCLA professor, Becker has written extensively on labor issues, including the notion that Big Labor's policy objectives can "be achieved with almost no alteration of the statutory framework." When judges try to impose their values on the law we call it judicial activism. Becker is a "regulatory activist" who intends to impose card check from his perch at the National Labor Relations Board -- even if Congress fails to pass it.
Becker is so radical that two Democrats voted to filibuster his nomination in February. Last week all 41 Republican senators wrote a letter to President Obama urging against the use of a recess appointment for Becker, especially given the bi-partisan opposition to his nomination.
In addition to Becker, Obama also used a recess appointment to put Georgetown University Law Professor Chai R. Feldblum on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). In announcing Feldblum's nomination, the White House highlighted her work as an ACLU lawyer and noted that she "has also worked on advancing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights and has been a leading expert on the Employment Nondiscrimination Act."
In fact, Professor Feldblum is so "progressive" that in 2006 she signed a manifesto entitled "Beyond Marriage." Among other things, this radical statement advocated, "Legal recognition for a wide range of relationships, households and families - regardless of kinship or conjugal status," including "Households in which there is more than one conjugal partner." In other words, Feldblum was advocating for legal recognition of polygamy.
These appointments are relevant because "personnel is policy." There should be no doubt in anyone's mind how and why Becker and Feldblum got their appointments. Nor should there be any doubt about the agendas and values they will advance in Barack Obama's Administration. (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; 3/29/10)
The Smear Continues
While the liberal media continues to lecture conservatives about civility, news broke today that the FBI arrested a Pennsylvania man, Norman Leboon, for making an online death threat against House Republican Whip Eric Cantor of Virginia. Last week, Leboon posted a profanity-laced rant against the conservative Jewish congressman on YouTube. In his diatribe, Leboon, who claims to be a Muslim convert, threatened to kill Cantor and his family. It turns out that Norman Leboon also donated $505 to Hussein Obama's presidential campaign.
The man appears to be a complete loon who has made many threats, so I won't try to make him a "poster boy" for the Left. But, if the situation were reversed - if a Tea Party member who donated to John McCain's campaign had been arrested for threatening to assassinate a Democrat leader - it would be headline news for days. There would be calls for the GOP to renounce and condemn the Tea Party. There would be much ink spent on column after column about the extremism on the Right. And, of course, all of it would be due to obvious racism.
Over the weekend, New York Times columnist Frank Rich again picked up the canard that conservative opposition to healthcare "reform" is based on some "ism" or phobia. Rich wrote:
"If Obama's first legislative priority had been immigration or financial reform or climate change, we would have seen the same trajectory. The conjunction of a black president and a female speaker of the House - topped off by a wise Latina on the Supreme Court and a powerful gay Congressional committee chairman - would sow fears of disenfranchisement among a dwindling and threatened minority in the country no matter what policies were in play."
In one sentence, Rich dismissed the concerns of nearly half the country (based on the latest polls) for its alleged racism, sexism, xenophobia and homophobia. Once again, the "tolerant" Left is proving just how intolerant it can be.
So, I ask Rich this simple question: If a future black president and a female future Speaker of the House and a wise Latina on the Supreme Court were pushing for lower taxes, smaller government, a strong national defense and adherence to our Constitution, does he really think that the streets would be filled with Tea Party members demonstrating in opposition? Of course not! They might be in the streets cheering, but I suspect Rich would still find something to complain about. (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; 3-30-10)
The Other Side of Tolerance
In the final hours of the health care debate, much was made over insults which were hurled at those members of Congress responsible for the massive government takeover. There was a clear effort to make the Democratic members, who supported Obamas health care takeover, seem like "victims" who were taking principled stances for the people. The media was also quick to report word from Democratic leaders that 10 of their members had been victims of threats and acts of vandalism, which are inappropriate and have no place in civil discourse.
Meanwhile, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and his family were the targets of a death threat for which a Philadelphia man was arrested on Monday. While the media reported the threat against Rep. Cantor, they didn't point out that the suspect, Norman Leboon, claimed on his YouTube website that he is the "Messiah" of "gays and lesbians" and asks his homosexual "children" to leave the armed forces so that he might "smite" those remaining. This was not an insignificant omission. There is a clear pattern of intimidation that comes from many homosexual activists.
In fact, the U.S. Supreme Court will take up the issue next month in a case that springs from the Washington State ballot measure to protect marriage. As they have in Massachusetts, California and elsewhere, homosexual activists in Washington State resorted to civic terrorism to intimidate those who signed the ballot measure. The question in this case is whether or not those who sign can do so without their names being publicly released. The evidence is mounting that those who are trumpeting the call for tolerance, have little tolerance for those they disagree with. (Family Research Council)
Protect the Military, Keep the Law
Marine Commandant General James Conway is raising significant morale concerns should Congress decide to overturn the current law on homosexuals in the military. In an interview last week with Military.com, Conway explained, "We want to continue [two-person rooms], but I would not ask our Marines to live with someone who is homosexual if we can possibly avoid it. And to me that means we have to build BEQs [bachelor enlisted quarters] and have single rooms." As a veteran of the Marine Corps, I understand the general's view because I know very well the lack of privacy that exists within the military environment.
Critics are comparing the general's concerns to past racial segregation, but there are clear differences between racial classes and sexuality. As General Colin Powell said in 1992, comparing skin color--a "benign, non-behavioral characteristic"--with sexual preference "is a convenient but invalid statement." The military doesn't require men and women to shower or to sleep together because the resulting sexual tension would undermine cohesion and morale. Respecting heterosexuals' need for privacy with regard to sharing quarters with homosexuals is no different.
The general's comments underscore current law, which says homosexuality is incompatible with military service. Opening the military to homosexuals will hamper recruiting efforts, threaten the religious speech and conscience rights of military chaplains, and undermine unit cohesion and morale. If you haven't already done so, please sign our petition and join thousands of others in urging Congress to protect our military, not use it to advance a radical sexual agenda. (Family Research Council)
The Good News Corner
Missouri Legislators Call for Prayer
As the economic worries and struggles gripping our nation persist, there is also a growing openness among many segments of society to seek God's help and provision. The National Prayer Center recently received word of this joyous dynamic taking place in a somewhat surprising place: the Missouri State Legislature. Rev. Paul Meinsen, Director of Capitol Commission Missouri (a group that ministers through prayer and Bible study in state capitols), gave this powerful testimony:
Last week (week of March 1) several Christian leaders met with Key Leaders from both Chambers of the Missouri legislature -- House of Representatives and Senate -- meeting individually with leaders of both political parties. These elected officials all requested prayer as they are desperate for answers as how to balance the budget. They are at the "end of themselves." Because of the state's budget shortfall, they report that the pending budget cuts will cause pain to many of our Missouri citizens. They want to be responsible in balancing the budget, avoiding unnecessary debt that is severely threatening many states. At the same time they hope to avoid the painful cuts that they are now facing in currently preparing the state's budget.
These leaders asked Bob Loggins, Prayer Specialist of the Mo. Baptist Convention, and me as the Midwest National Area Leader for National Day of Prayer to meet with them. They requested a proposal wanting us to mobilize prayer throughout Missouri, which will include 40 Days of Prayer beginning on Monday, March 29.
These leaders asked Bob Loggins, Prayer Specialist of the Mo. Baptist Convention, and me as the Midwest National Area Leader for National Day of Prayer to meet with them. They requested a proposal (which is attached), wanting us to mobilize prayer throughout Missouri, which will include 40 Days of Prayer beginning on Monday, March 29.
Remarkable efforts are being made to avoid this great prayer focus being a political event! Indeed this great prayer focus is a bipartisan effort with united support from legislative leaders of both political parties. They want to avoid doing anything - as do we -- that would be divisive or distracting to this thrust of seeking the living God for solutions. They want it that way because they are seeking God -and want us to seek God -- for help, carrying no other agenda.
The plan is to be highlighted by a noon time of prayer (12:00 - 1:30 PM) in the rotunda of the Missouri State Capitol Building in Jefferson City on Monday, March 29th. We have asked Franklin or his son Will Graham to speak and are waiting to see if they are available. The March 29th date is the "kickoff" for the 40 Days of Fasting and Prayer.
The National Prayer Center encourages you to be in prayer for your state leaders as well, as they grapple with difficult financial choices in extremely trying circumstances. Let us seek God that they receive His wisdom and His grace, both in their decisions and in their personal lives. (National Prayer Center) Read more.
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