In This IssueToday's Daily Brief
The Middle East in Focus
The Daily Jot
Israel Celebrates 62 Years of Independence
The Good News Corner
Worship With Us Today!
Greetings!
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The Daily Brief - Thursday, April 22, 2010
"I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end." (Daniel 6:26)
Today's Daily Brief
1. US military jury clears SEAL in Iraq abuse case - AP
A U.S. military jury cleared a Navy SEAL Thursday of failing to prevent the beating of an Iraqi prisoner suspected of masterminding a 2004 attack that killed four American security contractors. The contractors' burned bodies were dragged through the streets and two were hanged from a bridge over the Euphrates river in the former insurgent hotbed of Fallujah, in what became a turning point in the Iraq war. The trial of three SEALs, the Navy's elite special forces unit, in the abuse case has outraged many Americans who see it as coddling terrorists.
- Lord, thank You for this verdict! While we pray that restraint and wisdom will be part of all military actions, we ask that they be allowed to do their jobs without the constant threat of arrest.
- "O You, his strength, I will wait for You. For God is my defense. My merciful God shall come to meet me; God shall let me see my desire on my enemies." (Psalm 59: 9-10)
2. a)Obama to ask CEOs to abandon 'furious efforts' to block financial overhaul - Washington Post
President Obama will travel to New York on Thursday to call on financial executives to abandon their "furious efforts" to block a financial regulation overhaul bill by hiring an army of lobbyists, according to planned remarks released by the White House. "I want to urge you to join us, instead of fighting us in this effort," Obama plans to say.
b) Senators close to a deal on financial regulation bill - Washington Post
Key members of both parties said Wednesday that they are close to agreeing on the main elements of a bill to overhaul the nation's financial regulations, raising the prospect that the Senate could begin formal discussion of the landmark legislation early next week.
- Lord, we bind the spirit of control that seeks to constantly exert itself over Congress and the people of America. We pray that financial executives will hear and respond to You and not to that spirit of control. Only You, Father, know what portions of this bill are good for America, as opposed to those which are dangerous precedents of government control.
- "The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he who keeps his way preserves his soul. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:17-18)
3. Obama Expresses Openness to New Value-Added Tax - AP
President Obama suggested Wednesday that a new value-added tax on Americans is still on the table, seeming to show more openness to the idea than his aides have expressed in recent days. Before deciding what revenue options are best for dealing with the deficit and the economy, Obama said in an interview with CNBC, "I want to get a better picture of what our options are." After Obama adviser Paul Volcker recently raised the prospect of a value-added tax, or VAT, the Senate voted 85-13 last week for a nonbinding "sense of the Senate" resolution that calls the such a tax "a massive tax increase that will cripple families on fixed income and only further push back America's economic recovery."
- Lord, we have prayed against the continual burden of more and more taxes. We plead for Your mercy and grace, and ask that You raise up leaders and citizens to stop it.
- "After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of taxing, and drew away much people after him. He also perished; and all, even as many who obeyed him were dispersed." (Acts 5:37)
4. Global recovery stronger than anticipated, IMF says - Washington Post
The world economy is rebounding from recession "better than we thought likely" and will expand by more than 4 percent this year, the International Monetary Fund's top economist says. The United States is projected to grow by 3.1 percent -- better than the 2.3 percent average growth projected by the IMF for the advanced economies.
- Father, we rejoice in this hopeful word from the IMF. We also are aware that hopeful words and reality are often hidden in the political/economic realm. We pray for truth, wisdom, and the intervention of Your Holy Spirit to bring about a true and stable economic recovery for the world financial systems.
- "Riches and honor are with me, enduring riches and righteousness." (Proverbs 8:18)
5. FBI Launches Inquiry into Massa Matter - Washington Post
Federal authorities have launched a public corruption investigation into events surrounding former Rep. Eric Massa (D-N.Y.), according to documents obtained by The Washington Post. The FBI and Justice Department prosecutors appear to be focusing their preliminary investigation on large payments Massa's campaign made last month to his top aide and to renew the lease for the congressman's personal car within days of his announcement he would not seek reelection.
- Lord, we ask that righteousness and justice be administered in this investigation. We pray that all hidden secrets within Congress be revealed, and integrity become the hallmark of our leadership.
- "Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness." (Proverbs 25:5)
6. a) North Korean torpedo 'sunk South Korean warship' - London Telegraph
South Korea's military believes a torpedo fired from a North Korean submarine sank its navy ship last month, based on intelligence gathered jointly with the United States.
b) Georgia confirms highly enriched uranium seizure, blames Russia - USA Today
The president of Georgia confirmed Wednesday that his country seized a shipment of highly enriched uranium, and blamed Russia for creating the instability that allows nuclear smugglers to operate in the region.
- Lord, as the world holds its focus on the Middle East and failing economies, other parts of the world are battling situations that could create disasters for us all. We ask that You intervene to stop escalation of attacks between North and South Korea, and the smuggling of nuclear technology from Russia. Let our leaders be aware and not blind-sighted by these situations!
- "Who brings forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power (they shall lie down together, they shall not rise; they are extinguished like a wick.)" (Isaiah 43:17)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"It shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people, which shall be left . . . And He shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth." (Isaiah 11:11-12)
1. Report: Netanyahu rejects US freeze demand - Ynet News
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed a message to US President Barak Obama last weekend according to which Israel rejects the US demand for a full construction freeze in east Jerusalem, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing Washington diplomats.
2. Hariri: Scud reports like Iraq's WMDs - Jerusalem Post
Lebanon's Western-backed prime minister denied on Israeli allegations that Hizbullah obtained Scud missiles, comparing them to the false American charges that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction ahead of the 2003 US-led invasion.
3. U.S.: Israel-Palestinian peace failures strengthening Iran - Ha'aretz
U.S. President Barack Obama's administration said on Wednesday that progress toward Middle East peace would help thwart Iran's ambitions by preventing it from "cynically" using the conflict to divert attention from its nuclear program.
4. U.S. lawmaker: Obama should deal with Iran nukes, not criticize Israel - Ha'aretz
A prominent Republican member of Congress on Wednesday accused U.S. President Barack Obama of unfairly criticizing Israel for not signing on to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, rather than taking the time to deal with Iran's contentious nuclear program.
The Daily Jot
US Taxpayer Funded Islamic Terrorists Boldly Prepare Against America
The current Administration is protecting Islamist terrorists in Pennsylvania who vow to overthrow the US government, according to Dr. Paul Williams, terrorist expert, in an article he has written for Jihad Watch. Williams says its anyone's guess as to why, but one of the most dangerous and wealthiest terrorist supporters in the world has made his home on a 28 acre compound in Saylorsburg. Fethullan Gulen, a radical Islamist from Turkey, is worth over $30 billion dollars and is dedicated to plotting "the overthrow of secular governments and the spread of education jihad throughout Asia, Europe and the United States."
Williams writes that "Gulen is surrounded by an army of over 100 Turkish Islamists, who guard him and tend to his needs. The army is comprised of armed militants who wear suits and ties and do not look like traditional Islamists in cloaks and turbans. The Saylorsburg property consists of a massive chalet surrounded by numerous out buildings, including recreational centers, dormitories, cabins for visiting foreign dignitaries, a helicopter pad, and firing ranges. Neighbors complain of the incessant sounds of gunfire...coming the compound and the low flying helicopter that circles the area in search of all intruders."
According to Williams, the FBI has been called to the scene, the neighbors say, but no action has been taken to end the illegal activity. Sentries stand guard at the gates to the estate to turn away all curiosity seekers. The headquarters is allegedly the control center for more than 90 madrassahs, Williams says, that have been established as charter schools throughout the United States. They are funded by American taxpayers. Williams says, "One of these charter schools--Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy (TiZA) in Minnesota--is so radically Islamic and subversive in nature that the Minnesota Department of Education issued two citations against it and the American Civil Liberties Union is suing it."
The Daily Jot previously has reported on the TiZ Academy and its teaching of radical Islam to students. We have also reported on many Islamic "terrorist camps" that have been allowed to exist across America by both the Bush Administration and this current one. In Jeremiah 51:14, the Lord pronounces a judgment upon Babylon, which behaves a lot like present day America. He says, "Surely I will fill thee with men, as with locusts; and they shall lift up a battle cry against thee." American patriots calling into question the practices and policies of the federal government are labeled seditious and home-grown terrorists, while the real terrorists lay in wait, funded by taxpayers and allowed to exist by the government.
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Israel Celebrates 62 Years of Independence
Israel began celebrating 62 years of independence on Monday evening, the start of Yom Ha'atzmaut. Independence Day festivities continued throughout Tuesday.
An estimated 800,000 or more Israeli trekkers and barbequers celebrated as Jewish National Fund campsites, parks, and forests filled to the brim. Israel Air Force performed a show flight over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and the Navy performed a naval review off of Israel's shores. Prime Minister Netanyahu and other officials reportedly sang "off key" as they participated in a sing-along with the IDF orchestra.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton reaffirmed the strong relationship between the United States and Israel in a video message. She said, "Congratulations Israel on 62 years of independence! This is an opportunity to celebrate all that Israel has accomplished and to reaffirm the bonds that unite our two nations-our strategic partnership, our shared values, and our common aspirations. I have a deep personal commitment to Israel, and so does President Obama," Clinton continued. "Our nation will not waver in protecting Israel's security and promoting Israel's future. That is why pursuing peace and recognized borders for Israel is one of our top priorities. The United States will continue to stand with you, sharing your risks and helping shoulder your burdens, as we face the future together," she concluded.
Yom Ha'atzmaut, or Israeli Independence Day, commemorates Israel's declaration of independence in 1948. Celebrated annually on or around the 5th of the Jewish month of Iyar, in Israel an official ceremony is held every year on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem on the evening of Yom Ha'atzmaut. It includes the lighting of twelve torches -- one for each tribe of Israel. Every year a dozen Israeli citizens who made a significant social contribution in a selected area light the torches.
However, every year Israelis celebrate Independence Day only after a 24-hour period of grief for fallen soldiers. Sirens wailed Monday morning bringing traffic to a halt, and before the fireworks display on Monday night people stood in silence to honor Israel's 22,682 fallen soldiers and 2,000 victims of terror. (Reported by: Intercessors for America)
PRAYER POINT:
Pray that the U.S. will stay true to its word and stand in a biblical posture toward Israel and Jerusalem. (Psalm 122)
"'If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,' let Israel now say -- 'If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us.' Blessed be the Lord who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth." (Psalm 124)
The Good News Corner
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS UPHOLD THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
On April 15, 2010, United States District Court Judge Barbara Crabb, for the Western District of Wisconsin, struck down the National Day of Prayer statute, ruling that it is unconstitutional. The National Day of Prayer belongs to Americans. It is a tradition that dates back to 1775 and it is not for a Judge to take away. This really amounts to an attack upon the religious heritage of Americans - this terrible court ruling does NOT cancel the 59th annual observance of NDP on May 6th, but it does threaten to remove it in the future.
Yesterday, together with the Congressional Prayer Caucus, Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA) hosted a press conference on Capitol Hill to formally protest Judge Crabb's ruling. Reps. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), the ranking member on the House Judiciary Committee, and Forbes also introduced a joint resolution that affirms the constitutionality of the National Day of Prayer. "Setting aside a day of prayer and thanksgiving is a national tradition that first began with George Washington. This is not an establishment of religion--which would be unconstitutional," Rep. Smith insisted, "but merely the acknowledgement of the role prayer has played in our nation's history. [A]nyone can choose to enjoy or ignore it."
FRC Action's Tom McClusky was one of the few non-members asked to speak at the event. As he pointed out, this ruling only highlights the importance of confirming judges to the bench who understand and respect the Constitution they are sworn to uphold. (Family Research Council; NDP Task Force)
Please note:
Various ministries and prayer groups, including CHPP, are calling upon their members to contact the White House, thank President Obama for stating that he will issue a Day of Prayer Proclamation, and ask him to appeal this federal court decision.
Phone the White House at 202-456-1414 and ask President Obama to appeal this decision. Thank you!
Worship With Us Today!
"Be Still, My Soul" by the Libera Boys Choir
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10)
This beautiful, classic hymn was released on YouTube this week, in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day. As the Libera Choir sings this hymn, you can almost hear the angels singing with them . . .
We will print the lyrics to the original hymn, below.
(This YouTube version is sung only in part.)
And now . . . let's enjoy this hymn, together.
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.
Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.
Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.
