In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Gay Benefits Extended
• The General And Obama
• Dept. of Justice Sues State of Arizona
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
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The Daily Brief - Wednesday, June 23, 2010
"I AM with you always, even unto the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)
The Daily Brief
1. Federal Judge Blocks Obama's Offshore Drilling Moratorium in Gulf of Mexico - Fox News
In a victory for drilling proponents, a federal judge struck down the Obama administration's six-month ban on deepwater oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, saying the government rashly concluded that because one rig failed, the others are in immediate danger, too.
- God, by Your power sustain this victory for drilling proponents and withstand any warfare against this judge's ruling. Protect him personally and all that pertains to him. Cover this entire issue by the power of the blood of Jesus and drive deep Your perfect will that it cannot be shattered or moved. In Jesus Name.
- "But whoso hearkens unto God shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil." (Proverbs 1:33)
2. Sharp Words Expose Rift Over War Policy - Wall Street Journal
Gen. Stanley McChrystal's remarks about senior officials exposed what has been an open secret in Washington and Kabul for months: The fissures that emerged during the Obama administration's three-month review of war strategy last year remain, and many of the personalities involved have strained relations that have festered for months.
- God, reveal all the deep secrets and hidden culprits that have contributed to a gross imbalance in the war strategy on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq. Protect the truth that comes out of this upheaval and may all the truth be revealed so that this war against evil forces can be fought without constraints. In Jesus Name.
- "These six things does the Lord hate; yea, seven are an abomination unto Him; a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaks lies, and he that sows discord among brethren." (Proverbs 6:16-19)
3. Obama's real McChrystal problem: Afghanistan plan in trouble - Politico
Gen. Stanley McChrystal's MacArthur moment was more than an embarrassment for the White House -- it was a reminder of just how badly Obama's "good war" in Afghanistan is going.
- Father, may Your perfect will override all the major mistakes in judgment regarding the war in Afghanistan and by Your holy protection prevent loss of life. Lord, put in place sound war strategy and military intelligence to fight this war to win. Provide sufficient military and ample ammunition. Strengthen and empower our servicemen and women with Your holy presence and though they be few, give them resounding victory over all the forces of evil that have overtaken this country. Remove the element of sending men to war unprotected. Protect Gen. McChrystal's life, career and future. In Jesus Name.
- "But Your army will pass over, every man armed for war, before the Lord, to battle, as my Lord has said." (Numbers 32:27)
4. Amid crises, Obama declares war -- on Arizona - Washington Examiner
The Obama administration has a lot of fights on its hands. Putting aside real wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, there's the battle against leaking oil in the Gulf, the struggle against 9.7 percent unemployment across the country, and clashes over the president's agenda on Capitol Hill. Despite all that, the White House has found time to issue a new declaration of war, this time against an unlikely enemy: the state of Arizona.
- Father, dispatch your warring angels from heaven to encircle the White House, the grounds around Washington, D.C., and around the state of Arizona and its governor, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the oil spill situation, the unemployment issues, the clashes over this administration's agenda, and this new declaration of war. God, empower this army of warring angels to fight against all evil spirits that are bringing mass confusion, baffling and twisted deception upon our country and break their power by the blood of Jesus. Disable and destroy these works of evil. In Jesus Name.
- "Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's." (II Chronicles 20:15)
5. Dems: We're not bound by president's tax vow - The Hill
Democrats are looking at the possibility of raising taxes on families below the $250,000-a-year threshold promised by Obama during the election.
- Father, we ask that You protect these families from increased taxation that they not fall prey to these destructive plans. Send Your holy angels to fight their battle. Block that which is not of God by the power of the blood of Jesus. Wring out the strength of any imposed power that would cause undue hardship upon our people. In Jesus Name.
- "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." (Jeremiah 17:9-10)
6. 'Allahu Akbar!' shouted as Christians cuffed - World Net Daily
Four Christians were arrested and thrown out of a public Arab festival in Michigan -- and at least two people claim a crowd cheered "Allahu Akbar!" while the Christians were led away in handcuffs for doing nothing more than engaging in peaceful dialogue and videotaping the event.
- Father, Jesus was crucified on a cross and all the sins of mankind were laid upon Him. These sins mentioned here were included. So because there has been provision made for the sinners to repent, we ask that You will convict the hearts of all that attended this festival that they bow their knees before a holy God pleading for mercy before they fall into an eternal abyss. Send forth angels to bring release for these four innocent people who did no wrong. In Jesus Name.
- "Know you not, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" (Romans 6:16)
To view the video of what happened last weekend in Dearborn, go here.
The Thomas More Law Center will represent the four Christians that were arrested at the Arab Festival last weekend. To read their press release, go here.
7. Archaeologists Find Oldest Paintings of Apostles in Roman Catacombs - Fox News
The earliest known icons of the Apostles Peter and Paul have been discovered in a catacomb under an eight-story modern office building in a working-class neighborhood of Rome, Vatican officials said Tuesday.
- " . . .your word is truth." (John 17:17)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
" Show me your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths." (Psalm 25:4)
1.Top Israeli official pessimistic about U.S.-led Mideast peace talks - Washington Post
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's national security adviser said Tuesday that the push for Palestinian statehood has weakened Israel's standing in the world and suggested that the outlook is bleak for U.S.-mediated negotiations in the region.
2. IDF draws up new Gaza war doctrine - Jerusalem Post
Ahead of a potential new conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the IDF has drawn up plans to evacuate entire Palestinian villages and refugee camps from areas of conflict in the event of an Israeli incursion, The Jerusalem Post has learned.
3. IDF Chief: We can't let Gaza become an Iranian port - Ha'aretz
Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi said Tuesday that Israel mustn't allow Gaza to become an Iranian port, addressing the events of the recent Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
4. Lebanon to UN: Israel will suffer consequences if our ships are attacked - Ha'aretz
The Lebanese foreign ministry on Tuesday announced that Israel would suffer the consequences for any attack against Lebanese ships heading for Gaza.
5. Israel launches spy satellite - Ynet News
Israel boosts space presence: The defense establishment launched another spy satellite to space Tuesday evening, thereby boosting Israel's intelligence-gatherings capabilities, mostly at distant theaters.
6. Former Israeli top spy calls for strike on Iran - AFP
Israel should launch a pre-emptive strike to prevent arch-foe Iran from going nuclear, a former head of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency said on Monday.
7. New hit children's song: When we die as martyrs - Ha'aretz
An Arabic children's choir has been racking up views all over the world with the new YouTube hit "when we die as martyrs, we will go to heaven."
The Daily Jot
Climate Change--Speaking the truth and immediately apologizing for it
There seems to be an air of apologizing for the truth that has encompassed the skies of America. People appear to be so frustrated with the wickedness and incompetence of this nation's leadership that they cannot help themselves but to blurt out what is truly on their hearts. But after the lightening power of their words hit the target and are exposed to the air around them, instead of igniting passion and action, their power is diluted by apology. Have we become so civilized in this nation that we cannot tell the truth and let it stand for what it is? Have we become so politically correct that men will not be men in standing for what is right and just and true?
Last week the man who occupies the Oval Office met with the team of BP about the oil spill. He extracted some $20 billion in clean up commitments from them. Texas Republican Congressman Joe Barton said of the incident, "I do not want to live in a country where anytime a citizen or a corporation does something that is legitimately wrong, it is subject to some sort of political pressure that, again, in my words, amounts to a shakedown." Barton was referring to the lack of due process that was applied to BP. If the precedent is set that if there is no due process for BP, nothing prevents the all powerful government to do the same to citizens or American businesses. But under political pressure, Barton apologized.
Now General Stanley McChrystal, the commander of the war in Afghanistan, is on the hot seat for an interview with Rolling Stone magazine. McChrystal apparently is not too impressed with the Commander in Chief and his staff. McChrystal gave the impression that the president was aloof and disengaged, the national security advisor is a "clown," that Ambassador Richard Holbrooke is dangerous, and that Vice President Joe Biden is ineffectual along with much of the rest of the White House staff. But before the article has even hit the news stands, McChrystal is rushing to the White House with an apology. This was the president's own appointment to "fix" the Afghanistan war. Truth, then apology.
Jesus said in John 8:32, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Jesus was unapologetically a defender of the truth. He was particularly critical of the Jewish governmental and religious leaders of his time. He called the scribes and Pharisees hypocrites and compared them with empty tombs, vipers, and children of hell. In Matthew 23:15, Jesus said, "Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves." Jesus was not only a seeker of the truth, he minced no words pointing out the liars and their actions. Know the truth and don't apologize for it.
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Gay Benefits Extended
Expansion of Gay Benefits Threatens Private Sector
SUMMARY: The Obama administration plans to give family medical leave benefits to gay employees and their partners.
The Labor Department is set to announce on Wednesday that the government will extend benefits to gay couples under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). FMLA allows private and public employees to take extended absences for serious medical conditions, including pregnancy, or to care for family members.
The move is significant, because to date, the administration has only looked at benefits for federal employees.
Peter Sprigg, senior fellow for policy studies at the Family Research Council, said the latest plan may cause trouble for private employers.
"This action with the Family and Medical Leave Act is a huge leap beyond anything he's done before because he is imposing an obligation upon private employers," he said. "He's not the chief executive of every private employer in the country, and yet, he is telling them that they have to offer benefits to homosexual couples."
DOMA defines marriage for federal purposes as the union of one man and one woman.
"It is not within the power or authority of the president to effect a de facto repeal simply by these little regulations, one regulation at a time," Sprigg said. "The president is going beyond his constitutional and legal authority. If he wants to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, he needs to persuade Congress to repeal it." (CitizenLink)
The General And Obama
It is hard to get a rise out of Obama. When he talks about the 10% of Americans who are unemployed, he looks flat-lined. When he talks about the Gulf oil spill he seems uninterested. "No Drama Obama" doesn't get excited about much until someone dares to criticize him. Just ask Joe the Plumber or Rep. Joe Wilson. Or General Stanley McChrystal. Consider this headline from Politico: "Furious [sic] Obama summons Gen. Stanley McChrystal to D.C."
General McChrystal, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, was recently profiled in a Rolling Stone article that will hit newsstands later this week. In the article, McChrystal reportedly described Obama as "unprepared" and described his meeting with the president as "disappointing." This morning, the talking heads were demanding that McChrystal be sacked for insubordination. He probably will be. If so, it will be the second time Obama has dismissed the top commander in Afghanistan. Just 13 months ago, Obama fired Gen. David McKiernan and replaced him with Stanley McChrystal.
But, here's the predictable pattern. When Joe the Plumber accused Obama of being a socialist, the issue became Joe the Plumber. It wasn't long before the most intimate details of Joe Wurzelbacher's life were on the evening news. When Joe Wilson accused Obama of lying about his healthcare scheme, Wilson was slammed for his impolite behavior. When Gen. McChrystal criticizes Obama as unprepared, it's McChrystal who is forced to apologize for daring to speak out of line.
If the "main stream" media were doing their job, perhaps they should be asking if General McChrystal's criticism was correct. On MSNBC this morning, Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Jack Jacobs shocked interviewer Contessa Brewer. When asked about Gen. McChrystal's criticism of Obama and that of his advisors, Col. Jacobs said, "Those views [in the military] are widely held. They're not just held by McChrystal's staff for example." (Gary Bauer)
Dept. of Justice Sues State of Arizona
More Evidence Of Democrat Disconnect: Obama's Lawsuit Against the State of Arizona
America's top foreign policy official, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, broke some big news earlier this month that was just picked up by American media last week.
During a June 8th interview with a news station in Ecuador, Hillary was asked about Arizona's new anti-illegal immigration law. The reporter had done her homework and knew polling found strong support among the American people for the law. As we reported last week, an ABC/Washington Post found 58% of Americans support it.
Undaunted, Hillary responded: "[sic] Obama has spoken out against the law because he thinks that the federal government should be determining immigration policy. And the Justice Department, under his direction, will be bringing a lawsuit against the act."
That was news to Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and most of the media. Gov. Brewer had met with [sic] Obama at the White House just five days before Hillary's interview to discuss the law. Obama reportedly "brushed over" her concerns about a lawsuit from the Justice Department.
A "stunned and angered" Gov. Brewer responded, "This is no way to treat the people of Arizona. To learn of this lawsuit through an Ecuadorean interview with the Secretary of State is just outrageous. If our own government intends to sue our state to prevent illegal immigration enforcement, the least it can do is inform us before it informs the citizens of another nation."
A new Rasmussen poll finds that the American public is still on the side of Arizona. Not only do 58% of Americans support the law, but Rasmussen found that only 26% of likely voters support the Obama lawsuit against Arizona, while 56% think Arizona should not be sued, including 59% of Independent voters and even 34% of Democrats. It's hard to imagine the White House and congressional Democrats being more disconnected from the American people, but I suspect they'll find more ways to surprise me. (Gary Bauer)
The Good News Corner
Hawaii Civil Unions on Governor's Veto List
Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle has published a list of legislation she may soon veto, including the recently passed civil unions bill. The bill would give special rights to gay couples in the state, without the name "marriage." Historically, most bills on such a list have been vetoed. Lingle has until July 6 to make her decision.
Francis Oda, chairman of the Hawaii Family Forum, said his group will keep up the pressure on Lingle until she vetoes the measure. "We're gratified," he told The Associated Press, "and hopeful for an eventual veto."
- Please continue to lift up this key decision in prayer, until Governor Lingle has actually taken the desired action on this bill. Thank you.
- "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases." (Proverbs 21:1)
Worship with Us Today!
"It's Shoutin' Time In Heaven""
Need your joy button pushed? Try this . . .
(The Bible says that joy is a fruit of the Spirit. Don't let the world's negatives steal your joy! They are shouting in heaven because the Kingdom of God is near.)
