In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
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The Daily Brief - Tuesday, October 12, 2010
"Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigns." (Rev. 19:6)
The Daily Brief
1. US Begins First Trial with Human Embryonic Stem Cells - UK Telegraph
US doctors have begun the first tests of human embryonic stem cells in patients, treating a man with spinal cord injuries in a landmark trial of the controversial process.
The ultimate goal for GRNOPC1 is to inject it directly into the spinal cord lesions of injured humans where it would, Geron hopes, prompt damaged nerve cells to regrow, enabling patients to eventually recover feeling and movement. Thomas Okarma, Geron's president and chief executive described the start of the clinical trial as "a milestone for the field of human embryonic stem cell-based therapies."
• Lord, we know this is an abomination. We pray that scientist will use other alternatives such as umbilical cord or adult stem cells which will not use aborted babies.
• "Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, and He who formed you from the womb: "I am the Lord, who makes all things . . . Who frustrates the signs of the babblers, and drives diviners mad; Who turns wise men backward, and makes their knowledge foolishness." (Isaiah 44:24, 25)
2. School System to Get Muslim Holiday - Boston Globe
State and federal laws require schools to make reasonable accommodation of the religious needs of students and in observance of holy days, but the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education leaves the decision about how to do that up to individual school districts because they "know best about the needs and unique demographic makeup of their student population and community,'' said JC Considine, a spokesman for the department.
Marla Erlien, chairwoman of the Cambridge Human Rights Commission, said the discussion about closing Cambridge schools for an Islamic holiday began several years ago when the commission conducted a survey at Rindge and Latin asking students about discrimination, and at a follow-up forum students raised concerns about how Muslims were a "discarded group'' whose holidays weren't recognized in the schools.
• Lord, you punished the nations harshly for having other gods before you. We repent for our nation's adulterous ways, and pray you will place men and women in places of authority to influence our society and schools towards righteousness.
• "I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 'You shall have no other gods before Me." (Deuteronomy 5:6,7)
3. Up to 40 States Plan Inquiry Into Foreclosure Data - ABC News
The attorneys general of up to 40 states plan to announce soon a joint investigation into banks' use of flawed foreclosure paperwork. A furor has been growing as evidence has surfaced that mortgage lenders have been using flawed court papers to evict homeowners. This has led state and federal officials to ramp up pressure on the mortgage industry. Officials in several states have either announced they are investigating potential legal violations or have called for a freeze on foreclosures.
• Heavenly Father, we call upon you to give the people sharp wisdom and discernment about how to deal with this chaos. We pray those who were foreclosed unjustly will see justice - that it will be quickly resolved - so this mess will not tie up our economy for many months or even years .
• For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. (1 Corinthians 14:33
4. Calif. Pastors Silent on Pot Legislation - One News Now
A measure to legalize marijuana will be on California's November ballot, but one organization fighting to defeat the bill says many pastors are silent on the issue, which is leaving the pro-legalization activists virtually unopposed.
James Lambert, a former drug user who now supports the efforts of Marijuana Harms Families, thinks the pastors' lack of involvement points to a larger problem."I think they're afraid to take a stand. I think there's a genuine dilemma within the church today of people in the ministry taking a stand on some real basic moral issues," Lambert suggests. "For decades the church has sort of been the moral barometer of the country -- [but] for some reason, that's not happening as much today."
• Lord, we pray you will wake up religious leaders in every church across our nation. Set them on fire to work feverishly against the corruption of our families and society. Let them have no rest until they push back the darkness!
• Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place - unless you repent. (Revelation 2:5)
5. Senior Citizens Brace for Social Security Freeze - ABC News
The government is expected to announce this week that more than 58 million Social Security recipients will go through a second straight year without an increase in monthly benefits. This year was the first without an increase since automatic adjustments for inflation started in 1975. Advocates for seniors argue the Consumer Price Index doesn't adequately weigh the costs that most affect older adults, particularly medical care and housing.
At the Phoenix Knits yarn shop in Phoenix, 73-year-old owner Pat McCartney said she already worries about paying for utilities, groceries and gas. Not having the increase makes her worry even more.
• Lord, let us never forget the weak, the elderly, the homeless, and the sick among us. We pray you will place new people in high places to create regulations for helping these people. Let us cut unnecessary programs so we can truly help the needy.
• But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? (1 John 3: 17)
6. Rove, Gillespie Slam Obama for Spreading 'Baseless Lie' Over Foreign Contributions - Fox News
Two top Republicans lit into President Obama and the Democratic Party Sunday over accusations that the GOP strategists and the Chamber of Commerce were using foreign contributions to influence the election, calling the claim a "baseless lie" and accusing the president of "abuse of power."
"They have not one shred of evidence to back up that baseless lie. This is a desperate and I think disturbing trend by the president of the United States to tar his political adversaries with some kind of, you know, enemies list unrestrained by any facts or evidence whatsoever," Karl Rove said.
• Lord, we pray for truth to be revealed. You hate a lying tongue. Expose those who are creating lies for political gain. We ask for discernment over the people of our nation to see clearly through these lies. Let the courts rule for abuse of power and defamation to Rove, and others.
• For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful have opened against me; They have spoken against me with a lying tongue . . . Set a wicked man over him, and let an accuser stand at his right hand. (Psalms 109: 3, 6)
7. Dems Seize on Tea Party Candidates' Social Stances - AP
One by one, tea party challengers have veered away from the issues of taxes and spending - or in some cases were pushed off message, either by the media or by the Democrats, who have tried to portray the insurgents not as populist alternatives to the mainstream GOP but as Republican regulars.
"It is clear that the Democrats and many of their allies in the media will attack the Republicans for being 'too extreme,'" William Mayer, an associate professor of political science at Northeastern University, wrote in a position paper this month.
• Lord, we know the Democrats and the media are going to use everything in their power to keep good candidates like Palatino, O'Donnell, and others from winning. We pray that people will reject the lies and elect them by a landslide.
• But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. ( Genesis 50:20)
8. Dalai Lama to Visit South Florida, Celebrate World Religions - CBS 12
During his upcoming trip to South Florida, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, will bring together leaders from several faiths to contemplate "The Significance of World Religions."
"In hosting this interfaith event, His Holiness reminds us of the key role of tolerance and understanding in navigating the complicated times we live," said FIU Professor of Religious Studies Nathan Katz, who is a personal friend of the Dalai Lama. "His message is one of unity and peace in the global community."
• Lord, we repent of having allowed tolerance to sway our nation into accepting other gods as our own. Let all people acknowledge and accept that America was founded on Judeo Christian values, and let that stand forever.
• As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. . . . To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. (Revelation 3:19, 21)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
Behold, all they who are enraged and inflamed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; they who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. Isaiah 41:11
1. Netanyahu 'Seeking freeze formula' - Ynet News
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have demanded conditions the Palestinians are unable to meet, but he has agreed to the principle of a continued settlement construction freeze. Following his Knesset speech, government sources close to the prime minister said Monday the proposal he presented was not his final offer, and discussions are now underway regarding what must be received in return. Meanwhile the US on Monday again reiterated its expectation of a continued moratorium.
2. Settlers: No Jewish state without West Bank construction - Ynet News
"What kind of Jewish state will this become if only Jews are prohibited from building homes?" the Yesha Council said Monday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would agree to impose another settlement construction freeze in exchange for Palestinian recognition of Israel as a Jewish state.
3. Ministerial panel decides: Territorial concessions only by referendum - Ha'aretz
The Knesset's Ministerial Committee on Legislation ruled on Monday that the cabinet would support a bill outlining the referendum that would be held prior to any territorial concessions.
4. Netanyahu offers settlement freeze in return for recognition as Jewish state, Palestinians say no - Ha'aretz
Prime minister says Israel will extend settlement freeze if the Palestinians recognize Israel as a Jewish state, Abbas spokesman says 'issue of Jewishness of the state has nothing to do with the matter.'
The Daily Jot
Spirit of Homosexuality enters New York Governor's Race
Republican Carl Paladino and Democrat Andrew Cuomo are in a donnybrook of a race for governor of New York. And there is finally a Republican who is saying it like it is, but he is getting beat up pretty hard by the news media and Cuomo himself. Paladino has the entire of New York talking about his campaign after a speech he gave to a small group of Hasidic Jews in Brooklyn. Paladino said, "I just think that my children and your children will be much better off and successful getting married and raising a family. And I don't want them to be brainwashed into thinking homosexuality is an equally valid or successful option. It isn't" Paladino even went further. He said, "I oppose the homosexual agenda, whether they call it marriage, civil unions or domestic partnerships. Marriage is between a man and a woman." Paladino said, "The ruling elite of this society has got to get over their hostility towards religious people and their values. We've got to stop mocking religion in this country. We have to stop pandering to the pornographers and the perverts who seek to target our children and destroy their lives. Tell your people that I am the religious-values candidate and my opponent is the ultra-liberal, socialist social extremist that he is." Finally, a candidate that is standing up for concrete beliefs, but not without a cost.
FOX News opened its story saying, "Surprising anti gay statements coming from a Republican campaigning to be New York's governor..." FOX News reporter Lauren Green wrapped the story around Palidino's remarks coming on a day when gang members were arraigned for an October 3rd attack on gays and how the New York City government officials called the attackers ignorant, discriminatory and outcasts. The story implied that these words applied to anyone who challenges the homosexual agenda, including Paladino. A spokesman for Cuomo, who marched in the recent New York Gay Pride Parade, said Paladino's remarks make it clear that he is way out of the mainstream and is unfit to represent New York."
Paladino's remarks sparked protests by homosexuals and he was invited on three network morning shows to defend his position. This shows just how far away from God is one of the most populous states in the United States. But what does God say? Leviticus 18:22 says, "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination." Romans 1:24 says because of their pride, God gave them up "to uncleanness through the lust of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves." Homosexuality is vile. These people need God. And while we need to show them God's love, we should not tolerate their deadly and immoral agenda being forced upon society. Paladino, for this part, is spot on.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
