In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Just How "Moderate" Is Imam Rauf?
• IPT Alert #1
• IPT Alert #2
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
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The Daily Brief - Thursday, August 19, 2010
". . . the LORD alone will be exalted in that day." (Isaiah 2:11)
The Daily Brief
1. U.S. ends combat operations in Iraq After 7½ years - MSNBC.com
Last convoy of fighting forces rolling into Kuwait
The last U.S. combat troops were crossing the border into Kuwait on Thursday morning, bringing to a close the active combat phase of a 7½-year war that overthrew the dictatorial regime of Saddam Hussein, forever defined the presidency of George W. Bush and left more than 4,400 American service members and tens of thousands of Iraqis dead.
The final convoy of the Army's 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Lewis, Wash., began entering Kuwait about 1:30 a.m. (6:30 p.m. Wednesday ET), carrying the last of the 14,000 U.S. combat forces in Iraq, said NBC's Richard Engel, who has been traveling with the brigade as it moved out this week.
The departure marks the official end of Operation Iraqi Freedom, P.J. Crowley, a spokesman for the State Department, told MSNBC TV. But while it is "an historic moment," he said, it is not the end of the U.S. mission in Iraq. "We are ending the war ... but we are not ending our work in Iraq," he said. "We have a long-term commitment to Iraq." Read more.
• Praise the Lord this this conflict is settled sufficiently for US forces to leave. Pray that this move is wise at this point. Keep prayer focused on Iraq, and pray for peace in that country. Ten years were required to bring peace to Japan after WWII by US forces.
• "For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And you are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power." (Colossians 2: 9,10)
2. U.S. to double civilian force in Iraq after withdrawal - Fox News
Two weeks ahead of a schedule set by President Barack Obama, the last large U.S. combat brigade has left Iraq. Pentagon officials stress that some American combat forces remain in the country ahead of an August 31st date to formally transition the U.S. presence to an advisory and training operation.
• Pray for the Iraqi government as it is established firmly and unequivocably. Pray also that the remaining US troops are protected against the attacks of Al-Qaeda and any other rebellious groups that think to own and rule Iraq. Ask the Lord to impart His wisdom to the Iraqi leadership and also to the US advisors now working in Iraq. Pray that our president can only work for the US, unable to make any secret deals with Moslems who want to rule the western world.
• "... that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of glory of His inheritance in the saints." (Ephesians 1: 17,18)...
3. Iran condemns possible US military action over nuclear program - Fox News
Vows to respond to any attack
Iran took its case against the United States to the United Nations on Wednesday and strongly condemned the top U.S. military chief for saying military action remains a possibility if the country develops nuclear weapons.
• If nothing else, Iran certainly knows how to use western thought for its causes, although Iran would never grant such opportunities to other nations if it were to rule! Iran has lied, refused to cooperate with the UN, and oppressed its people, yet still has the audacity to complain to the UN about the USA. Pray that the leadership in Iran is silenced, rebuked, and dethroned in the coming days. Pray that the Iranian peoples will not suffer the judgment about to fall on its leadership God is able to protect His people there, not only the Christians but also those who are seeking Him.
• "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord. Like the rivers of water, He turns it wheresoever He wishes." (Proverbs 21: 1)
4. UN releases rival reports on Gaza conflict - Ynet News
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday released the results of Israeli and Palestinian investigations into alleged war crimes during the conflict in Gaza in the winter of 2008-2009 which did not appear to include any input from Gaza's Hamas rulers. [This is the infamous "Goldstone report."]
• Will Secretary General Ki-moon report anti-Semitism or honesty and integrity? That women, children, and the aged are killed by Israeli forces is probably true but not in mass numbers. The IDF warns all citizens before attacks on Gaza, not wanting to kill nor injure the innocent. The Israeli rockets are so accurate that they can pinpoint a window for a target. Not so with Hamas: weaponry is placed in schools, mosques, and even homes, setting up targets that will lead the IDF to bring harm to innocents. Wickedness knows no bounds. Pray wisdom for the military leadership in Israel and honesty for the UN report.
• "I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from my enemies." (Psalm 18: 3)
5. Islamic Center Backers Won't Rule Out Taking Funds from Saudi Arabia, Iran - ABC News
The developers behind the Islamic center planned for a site near Ground Zero won't rule out accepting financing from the Mideast -- including from Saudi Arabia and Iran -- as they begin searching for $100 million needed to build the project.
• Who are these developers working in America but displaying a total lack of sensitivity about Americans' attitude toward Ground Zero? America must not let these developers have any foothold here. Why are they not like Mayor Giuliano , who refused a check for $10 million from Saudi Arabia? Come against the building of this mosque through your authority in Jesus Christ. This mosque/community center is nothing more than the camel's nose inside the tent
• "For the wicked , through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in his thoughts." (Psalm 10: 4)
6. Americans [very] uncertain about Obama's faith - USA Today
Nearly one in five Americans incorrectly [?] say President Obama is a Muslim, up from 11% last year, according to a Pew Research Center poll released today.
• Is the belief "incorrect," as the USA Today reports? Probably the reporter needs to do more research on the topic and certainly needs to know what being a Christian entails. However, it is interesting that so many Americans are doubting the president's faith. Many media people make statements about not understanding the president's various declarations and moves; a look at his background might tell the story. Pray that Mr. Obama has a dramatic encounter with Jesus Christ and can know the liberty that comes from the "abundant" life in Jesus.
• To speak over Mr. Obama: " Thou has proved my heart; Thou has visited me in the night; Thou has tried me, and shall find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress." (Psalm 17: 3)
7. Crosses and Atheists Clash Again, This Time in Utah - Worthy News
Lawsuits against open displays of crosses appear to be on the rise. A series of 14 crosses erected in Utah to honor state Highway Patrol officers that have died on Utah roads are in danger of being removed, Likewise, a cross landmark in Illinois gets state funds, but an atheist has sued.
• The enemy of man is desperate to remove all traces of Jesus Christ from the conscious mind of Americans. And who is this atheist who thinks that he has the right to overrule the will of the people? Like the judges in California who have refused the will of the people about same-sex marriage, a few deceived people think that their authority is stronger than the will of God. Pray that this atheist is led to repent for his rebellion against God and pray that the good people of Utah will prevail in this matter. Cover your own area with the blood of Jesus so that no more demonic incursions can occur. We are still "One nation under God." Those who don't like this affirmation of America's origins are free to move to Russia, or maybe to Venezuela . . .
• "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister: and to give His life for many." (Matthew 20: 28)
8. Al Qaeda Plans for Israel War - Huffington Post
Al Qaeda is warning its supporters and sympathizers to prepare for a new war in the Middle East, which it says will pit Israel against Iran. "what is expected is for the war to begin by the Jews against Iran." Israel will stage air strikes on Iran's nuclear installations to start. Shehri expects the Iranian Shia regime to try to take advantage of an Israeli attack on its nuclear facilities to seize the holy cities of Mecca and Medina by blaming Saudi Arabia for helping Israel attack." Iran will attack American installations in the Gulf, encourage its proxies in Iraq and Afghanistan to attack Americans, and engage in a global terror campaign. Read more.
• Put on your combat boots and full armor of God, intercessors, for spiritual war is staring us in the face! There is no time for fear but rather, prayer. Mr. Shehri may think that he has all his plans for this hour, but allah is no match for our God. The evil conceived by minds deceived by the enemy usually surprises us, for our minds are fixed on the God of all creation. Remember whose we are and turn up the volume of your praise music.
• "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof: the world and they that dwell therein." (Psalm 24: 1)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
It shall be said to Jerusalem, "Fear thou not." (Zeph. 3:16)
1. US advances on direct talks statement - Jerusalem Post
American officials made progress on Wednesday in their efforts to draft a statement that will initiate direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians, Israeli diplomatic officials said.
2. UN releases responses to Goldstone - Jerusalem Post
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday released the Israeli and Palestinian investigations responding to the Goldstone report, which alleged war crimes during Operation Cast Lead in Gaza in the winter of 2008-2009.
3. Israel's 'Judgment Day' shelters - Ynet News
The new railway station being built at the entrance to Jerusalem will turn in times of emergency into an underground bomb shelter which would be able to protect 5,000 people against a chemical or biological attack.
The Daily Jot
The prophetic abyss and rising out of it
The Democratic Party has made a mess of things. Both from an economic perspective and a moral perspective. The man who occupies the Oval Office has opened the floodgates to support Islam over Israel; has done his best to establish socialism in this country with the government takeover of the health care, auto, mortgage and financial industries; has supported with taxpayer money a new constitution in Kenya that supports abortion; has taken strident measures to advance the homosexual agenda . . . has overseen record bankruptcies, record deficits, record debt and the highest unemployment in decades.
The Republican Party has made a mess of things. The Republican brand driven by fiscal responsibility and social conservatism is a GOP afterthought. Republicans have offered no effective resistance or alternative to soaring debt, socialistic economic restructuring or the undermining of God and country. In fact, enough have joined the Democratic bandwagon to make Americans question if there is any difference in the parties. An example is Indiana governor Mitch Daniels, calling for a "truce" on the "social issues," suggesting homosexual marriage is not an "existential" issue. Radio commentator Glenn Beck and conservative leader Ann Coulter have also caved on the homosexual issue.
The Church has made a mess of things. Yes, if the political parties have degraded the nation to a hedonistic pulp, the Church has done little, if nothing, to uphold the standards of Christ. The Church has intermixed with the strange fire of other religions. The Church has endorsed homosexuality. The Church has embraced political social justice--code words for communism. The Church has abdicated its role of true religion to the government. The Church has focused its affections on self indulgent, extra biblical man-made doctrines that make a lot of people feel good about themselves, but do nothing for the edification of the body of Christ or the advancement of the Kingdom of God here on earth--as Christ charged it to do.
This country is slipping deeper and deeper into the prophetic abyss. There is no sound leadership. There are only fragments and remnants of God fearing folks. We as a people must turn from our wicked ways and repent, and call on the name of the LORD that He might have mercy and restore us. Our condition as a nation and as a people calls to my attention John 11:35, "Jesus wept." For I know that Jesus loves America and its people, but only He can raise her. And Christ chooses to work through His people. We cannot depend on men, political parties or organized religion. We must become a Mark 10:27 people as Jesus said: "With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible."
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Just How "Moderate" Is Imam Rauf?
Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, the man at the center of the Ground Zero mosque controversy, is about to be deployed overseas, courtesy of the United States taxpayer, at the request of the State Department. His month-long trip to the Middle East will purportedly "help people overseas understand our society and the role of religion within our society."
State Department Spokesman P. J. Crowley described Rauf as a "distinguished Muslim cleric." The media routinely refer to him as a "moderate" and a "bridge builder." But just how moderate is Rauf?
This week, the Emergency Committee for Israel, which I co-founded with Bill Kristol, Rachel Abrams and others, posted a column about Rauf's double standard on terrorism. Here is an excerpt of that column: "Feisal Abdul Rauf, a self-styled champion of moderate Islam, was recently asked whether he thinks Hamas is a terrorist organization. 'The issue of terrorism is a very complex question,' he replied. When pressed, he insisted that 'I will not allow anybody to put me in a position where I am seen by any party in the world as an adversary or as an enemy.' But surely there should be no middle ground when it comes to Hamas, just as there can be no middle ground when it comes to Al-Qaeda."
Terrorism should not be a "complex question" for anyone speaking on behalf of our State Department. By refusing to condemn Hamas, Rauf seems to embrace the view that terrorism against Israel is acceptable. Three weeks ago, I reported Rauf's disgusting post-9/11 comment that "Osama bin Laden is made in the U.S.A." Either of those statements ought to disqualify Rauf from representing this country overseas. But taken together, it requires, as Secretary Clinton once said, "the willing suspension of disbelief" to call Rauf a "moderate." (Gary Bauer)
IPT Alert #1
Governor Paterson to meet on mosque 'move' (The Investigative Project)
Gov. Paterson will meet personally with the developers of the Ground Zero mosque this week in a bid to find them a new location, even as one of the project's backers insisted yesterday that the current site is "nowhere near the World Trade Center." "The governor told me there's a meeting," said Rep. Peter King, (R-LI), who spoke with Paterson yesterday morning. "He told me that the builders and the leaders from the mosque" will be there. A spokesman for Paterson confirmed efforts to set up a powwow, but would not discuss the purpose. But King said it would be to discuss getting the state's help to find a new location for their proposed mosque and community center. (New York Post) Read more.
IPT Alert #2
In Canada: Muslim Mosque Critic Reports Threat (The Investigative Project)
A Canadian Muslim woman says she felt threatened by a telephone call critical of her opposition to the proposed Ground Zero mosque in New York. Raheel Raza, a founder of the Muslim Canadian Congress, says the caller identified himself as Sharif El Gamal, one of the developers involved in the mosque effort. Raza attended a meeting last week with Gamal and another mosque advocate and had asked for details about the financing behind the $100 million project, including whether it would come from sources outside the U.S. According to a Toronto Sun report, Raza felt threatened when the caller reached her on her cell phone and "accused me of 'jumping into' the meeting he called and then said 'May Allah protect you.' I was shocked and hung up." If it wasn't a threat, "Why would I need Allah's protection?" she asked. Gamal denied making the call, but the Sun report indicates the number captured in Raza's phone matches Gamal's New York office. (IPT News) Read more.
The Good News Corner
Gay Activists Try to Shake Down Target Corp -- Retail Chain Says 'No'
When the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) -- a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) activist group -- learned three weeks ago that Target Corp. had donated $150,000 to MN Forward, which runs ads for Republican Tom Emmer, a gubernatorial candidate who supports marriage between one man and one woman, the gay activist group went on a social-media rampage, spawning multiple protests online and outside retail stores.
Target's chief executive officer, Gregg Steinhafel, immediately apologized to employees and reiterated the discount retail store's long-standing commitment to homosexual rights. The chain, which has a 100 percent rating on HRC's Corporate Equality Index, even agreed to give money to various gay-lesbian-bisexual-transgender causes in the state.
Then, the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER), which led the court case to overturn California's marriage amendment, entered the fray with an apparent desire to make the company "an example" "lest other businesses support conservatives.
In a letter to Steinhafel, AFER President Chad Griffin demanded Target to show its true commitment by giving to efforts to undermine marriage:
"A donation to our organization not only has the potential to help gays and lesbians in Minnesota, but across the country. Target's support would come at a critical time for our case, as we prepare for the lengthy -- and expensive -- appeals process to the Circuit Court and eventually the Supreme Court."
After talks between HRC, AFER and Target broke down, the backlash only intensified. LGBT activists vowed to give $150,000 to candidates who support the gay agenda; including the Democrat gubernatorial candidate, Mark Dayton. Liberals called for Congress to move on the DISCLOSE Act when it returns next month. MoveOn.org launched a $35,000 television ad campaign attacking Target, and San Francisco officials went as far as to threaten to block construction of two stores in the Bay Area. (CitizenLink)
Worship with Us Today!
"Amazing Grace "
Hayley Westenra
Amazing Grace . . .
