In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Obama at G20
• Judge Blocks OK Anti-shariah Law
• Sunday: Pray for Persecuted Church
• Vatican Sends Message to Iran
• Pray for Sen. Jim DeMint
• The Good News Corner
• Remembering our Vets
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The Daily Brief - Thursday, November 11, 2010
" . . . the ruler of this world has been judged. " (John 16:11)
The Daily Brief
1. U.N. Rejects Iran's Bid for Seat on Women's Rights Panel - Fox News
The United Nations on Wednesday rejected Iran's bid for a seat to the board of the new U.N. agency to promote equality for women after fierce opposition from the United States and human rights groups to Tehran's treatment of women.
But the U.N. accepted the bid of Saudi Arabia, which is also opposed by human rights groups.
- Lord, if we ever needed proof that the UN was out of touch, this covers it. While we are thankful that Iran was not seated, the fact that they did accept Saudi Arabia is ludicrous. Where are the women's rights groups and why are they silent? Father, we pray that You will set women free in all corners of the earth- bringing them to a saving knowledge of Jesus and protecting them from evil.
- "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." (John 8:36)
2. Obama White House Concedes on Upper Income Tax Cuts - Fox News
Obama senior adviser David Axelrod insisted Thursday that comments he made to an an online publication conceding to an extension of tax cuts for all income levels are no different from remarks by the president over the weekend.
Axelrod, who confirmed to Fox News comments he made to The Huffington Post, suggested that the administration is ready to accept an across-the-board continuation of current tax rates, marking a turnaround from the White House's pre-midterm election stance on impending tax increases.
- Lord, we thank You for this hopeful sign toward extension of the tax cuts. We ask wisdom for our legislators to remember that tax increases will only push people further into difficulty during a poor economy.
- "He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul;" (Psalm 23:2,3a)
3. Commission Offers Controversial Solutions to Axe Deficit -- Members Balk - Fox News
Read more:
The top Republican and Democrat on President Obama's bipartisan deficit reduction commission introduced an ambitious draft proposal Wednesday to slash the nation's deficit by $4 trillion over ten years, but both chairmen conceded that the focus is more on starting a national debate rather than actually accomplishing legislative action this year.
The draft, laid out in detail to commission members during two closed-door, hours-long sessions, spares virtually no "sacred cow" programs, proposing dramatic changes to Social Security, once called the "third rail" of politics, pushes for limits to Medicare, axes the popular mortgage interest deduction in favor of lower income tax rates for all, freezes Defense Department salaries and bonuses for three years and noncombat pay at 2011 levels for the same period, and the list goes on.
- Lord, we are continually amazed at plans that target mainstream America rather than waste in government. We pray for wisdom for our legislators, that they will make decisions which will move America toward wise financial policies that do not destroy our citizens.
-"Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the short measure that is an abomination?" (Micah 6:10)
4. Security Council Gets North Korea Nuke Report - Fox News
A report by U.N. experts saying North Korea is exporting banned nuclear and missile technology to Iran, Syria and Myanmar has been sent to the Security Council after China dropped its objections, U.N. diplomats said Wednesday.
- Father, we thank You that the actions of North Korea have been revealed. We pray against the ability of recipient nations to produce nuclear weapons, and we ask that You find ways to destroy their plans.
- "You went forth for the salvation of Your people, for salvation with Your Anointed. You struck the head from the house of the wicked, by laying bare from foundation to neck." (Habakkuk 3:13)
5. Obama Visits Mosque Where Crowd Cheered Ahmadinejad With: 'Fight America, Fight Israel!' - CNS News
Obama on Wednesday visited the massive Istiqlal Cult Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia, and then gave a speech on the "pluralism and tolerance" of his host country at the University of Indonesia.
- Lord, we are appalled at Obama's continual comfort with all other religions except the one he claims to be part of. We are frustrated that he seems to hate real Christians, and deny the heritage of America. We pray that You will reveal the truth to Obama. We also ask that Americans be able to see the truth of Obama and that they will know him by his fruits.
- "I have stretched out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, according to their own thoughts; a people who provoke Me to anger continually to My face" (Isaiah 65:2,3)
6. U.S. approval of arms pact with Russia looking shaky - Washington Times
Senate approval of Obama's nuclear arms treaty with Russia, which once looked close to a sure thing, is now in jeopardy.
- Lord, let no treaty be approved that might have clauses detrimental to the security of the United States.
-"Do not trust in a friend; do not put your confidence in a companion; guard the doors of your mouth" (Micah 7:5)
7. Bomb Was Set to Explode Over U.S. - Wall Street Journal
A device found in the U.K. on a United Parcel Service Inc. plane last month was primed to go off over the Eastern seaboard of the U.S., British police said.
-Thank You Lord, for protecting our nation against the enemy's plans. We place our hope in You for continued revelation of all hidden secrets.
- "No weapon formed against you shall prosper" (Isaiah 54:17)
8. Feds plan to require larger, more graphic health warnings on cigarettes - Washington Post
Federal health officials announced plans Wednesday to require cigarette packs and ads to carry bigger, much more prominent and graphic health warnings.
The Health and Human Services Department, which announced the initiative, called the new warnings "the most significant change in more than 25 years" in cigarette packages and advertising.
- Father, while we all agree that smoking is dreadfully harmful to human health; we are concerned with the continual reach of the Federal government into the private sector. We lift this proposal to You and ask for wisdom, that Your will be done.
- "Counsel is mine and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength." (Proverbs 8)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, "thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jer. 29:11)
1. Abbas seeks Security Council meeting on settlements - Ynet News
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has asked for a UN Security Council meeting to discuss Jewish settlement building on "occupied" land in the West Bank where the Palestinians aim to found a state.
2. Clinton: Mideast peace deal still possible and necessary - Ha'aretz
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Wednesday that a peace deal in the Middle East was still possible and necessary, despite a renewed row over Israeli construction on land the Palestinians want for a state.
3. US accelerates funding to PA with $150 million transfer - Jerusalem Post
The US sped up delivery of $150 million in direct aid to the Palestinian Authority Wednesday, citing the need to fill an urgent budget shortfall.
4. IDF arrests top Hamas official in Ramallah - Jerusalem Post
The IDF arrested top Hamas official Mahmoud al-Ramahi in Ramallah overnight Tuesday. The IDF said in a statement that the suspect had been involved in recent Hamas activity, but have no further information.
5. Netanyahu warns 'containment will not work against Iran' - ICEJ News
US Senator calls for destroying Iranian conventional forces
"If the international community, led by the United States, hopes to stop Iran's nuclear program without resorting to military action, it will have to convince Iran that it is prepared to take such action. Containment will not work against Iran," he added. His comments came after US Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who sits on the Armed Services Committee and the Homeland Security Committee, told the Halifax International Security Forum on Saturday that the US should seriously consider a broad array of military options against Iran's nuclear facilities which would also include strikes to cripple its conventional military.
6. IDF Home Front Command runs massive BioWar Drill - ICEJ News
The IDF Home Front Command's "Orange Flame" exercise kicked off Tuesday morning in Ramle with drills run in cooperation with the Health Ministry that will test the country's preparedness for mass casualty events resulting from a weaponized biological attack by terrorists or conventional arms.
The Daily Jot
White House Budge Commission--Coveting your good enterprise
Grabbing news headlines is the controversial 18 member budget deficit commission appointed by the president against a vote of Congress. This commission is the president's answer to his unparalleled spending that has left the nation in an economic shambles. The commission bypasses the budgeting process as set up by the Constitution because Congress voted down the president's proposal for the Commission, but he established it by executive order. The panel has revealed its first round of fixes for the overspending of the government--most of which do nothing to stop or reduce out of control government spending, and all of which place further burdens on taxpayers, especially the middle class.
The commission's ideas on reducing the deficit include more taxes and cuts to social security benefits. This illegitimate official White House budget deficit commission, appointed by the Democratic president, is trying to balance the budget on the backs of senior citizens. But its not only senior citizens who will suffer because of bad economic policy and budgeting on the part of the current Administration. There are proposes by this commission to make sure every American will suffer. There is not any suggestion to repeal nationalized healthcare that will cost Americans billions, but there is a proposal for another 15 cents a gallon tax on gasoline.
That's just the beginning of sorrows. This commission proposes eliminating the mortgage tax deduction for home owners. Yes, you heard it right--eliminating the very tax deduction that empowers the American dream of home ownership. Now that is a real winner, especially since one of the most important economic indicators for a strong economy is home sales. With all this, the commission could only come up with a way to reduce the national debt, currently at $13.7 trillion, by $4 trillion over the next ten years. In other words, this illegitimate, unelected commission is proposing to eliminate the middle class, the backbone of the American economy, and hardly put a dent in the national debt.
FOX News reports that Illegal immigration costs Americans $113 billion per year. Foreign Aid is about $85 billion a year. The Department of Energy has requested $28 billion for 2011. The 2010 budget for the Department of Interior contained $35 billion in discretionary spending alone. These are just examples where the government could reduce costs without harming the national security or general welfare of Americans. But the White House commission wishes to balance the budget on the backs of middle class America. The scriptural requirement for good representative government is found in Exodus 18:21, "...provide out of the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness." These are lovers of covetousness.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Obama at G20
Obama Faces Mounting Criticism at G-20 Summit
Obama's 10-day trip to Asia is halfway finished today as he heads to South Korea and Japan to attend a G20 leaders summit and Asia-Pacific economic meeting. With last week's Federal Reserve statement hot off the press, the U.S. policy of quantitative easing (QE) - printing money to buy $600 billion of government bonds - has the world buzzing with disapproval. Germany called the policy "clueless" while China accused the U.S. of hypocrisy, believing that America is succumbing to the very tactics it once condemned - that is, manipulating currency to boost the national economy at the expense of the global market.
- Pray that God would not remove His hand of mercy from this nation, and that our policymakers would accept constructive criticism and embrace accountability. Ask that decisions would be guided not by intimidation or fear, but by conscience - that any unwise decisions would be acknowledged and readjusted. Intercede that ongoing financial plans would be circumspect and lead to stability, and for summit leaders to be tactful and insightful in their discussions.
- "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." (1 Tim 2:1-2) (Intercessors for America)
Judge Blocks OK Anti-shariah Law
Judge Puts Stop to Ballot Measure on Sharia Law in the State of Oklahoma
After voters in Oklahoma passed an amendment last week denying state courts the ability to enforce International and Islamic (Sharia) law, a federal judge just issued a temporary restraining order on the ballot measure. Voters who approved the ban totaled 70 percent, but the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) filed a lawsuit, claiming the measure is unconstitutional.
- Pray for judges and lawyers to have discretion and sound judgment as they examine this lawsuit in the coming days. Intercede that an accurate interpretation of the constitution would be upheld and guarded, and for the people of Oklahoma to understand and promote an accurate awareness of how Sharia law might influence our nation.
- ". . . .for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair - every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you." (Prov. 2:8-11) (Intercessors for America)
Sunday: Pray for Persecuted Church
Sunday is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
Special appeal goes out to pray for Afghan and Iraqi Christians who are now targeted
As the National Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) calls intercessors to pray for suffering believers worldwide this Sunday, Nov. 14, don't forget to pray specifically for Iraq and Afghanistan. Only two weeks ago, 64 people - mostly Christian worshippers - lost their lives in a brutal massacre at Our Lady of Salvation Church in Baghdad. Militant Iraqi websites promise to "open upon them [Christians] the doors of destruction and rivers of blood." After a recent warning from Al Qeada in Iraq, all Christians in the Middle East are now considered "legitimate targets."
Also in October, a letter delivered by an unnamed Westerner and addressed to "the international Church of the world and to Obama" found its way to the U.S. and Europe from an Afghan prison. The writer, Sayed Mossa, described being imprisoned for his Christian faith when a co-worker gave him over to Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security, often called "the secret police," back in late May.
- Intercede for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ, that what is meant for evil, God will use for good. Pray that they would cling to God's goodness in the midst of suffering, and that their persecutors' eyes would be opened to the Truth of the Gospel and the reality of their own deception and blindness. For Christians who have evaded capture or death, pray for clarity to know if God is directing them to flee or to stand firm where God has placed them - to have the strength and courage to be obedient in either course of action.
- "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived." (2 Tim. 3:12-13) "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Rom 12:21) (Source: Intercessors for America)
Vatican Sends Message to Iran
Vatican: Papal envoy delivers message to Ahmadinejad
An envoy for Pope Benedict XVI has delivered a message to Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad amid a meeting hosted by the Islamic Republic that aims improve ties between religions, Iranian television PressTV reported on Wednesday. Vatican president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue Cardinal Jean-Louis Pierre Tauran on Tuesday met with Ahmadinejad, the report said. Iran is hosting a three-day conference in capital Tehran on interreligious dialogue. Responding to the message Ahmadinejad called for closer ties between Islam and Christianity. Source: (AKI)
Read more.
Pray for Sen. Jim DeMint
Pray It Forward . . .
FRC Asks its Friends to Pray for Sen. Jim DeMint
To those of us who know and admire Sen. Jim DeMint, these recent attacks on his character have been difficult to stomach. In the aftermath of last Tuesday's election, he has been unfairly blamed for the Republicans' shortcomings in the Senate. Perhaps more than any other GOP member, Sen. DeMint is responsible for giving Americans hope that what's wrong in Washington can be fixed if we simply return to our nation's founding principles and work within--not around--the Constitution. When the Establishment failed to energize the base with its moderate platform, Sen. DeMint became a crusader for principled conservatism that reached beyond the GOP.
When people gang up on a principled leader, doing what is right can seem like a lonely effort. That's why FRC is gathering together one million Americans to pray on a regular basis for Sen. DeMint. We want the men and women from both parties to know that an attack on South Carolina's leader is an attack on all conservatives and people of faith. In our conversations, Sen. DeMint has expressed his appreciation for those who would pray for him. He agreed to keep those who pledge to pray updated with specific requests as he works with the new Congress our family issues. To join us in lifting up Sen. DeMint and other leaders of conviction, click here.
(Family Research Council)
The Good News Corner
British Scientists Claim "Cure" for the Common Cold
(United Kingdom)-British scientists have reportedly shown that the body's immune system can destroy the common cold virus after it has invaded cells in the body-a feat that was thought to be impossible.
The discovery, reports Britain's newspaper, The Independent, will allow the development of a new class of antiviral drugs that boost the natural ability of the cell to kill viruses.
According to the report, researchers from the Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge found that when anti-viral antibodies enter the cell at the same time as the virus, a virus-killing protein within the cell is alerted and kills the virus.
"In any immunology textbook you will read that once a virus makes it into a cell, that is game over because the cell is now infected," team leader Leo James of the Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, told The Independent. "At that point there is nothing the immune response can do other than kill that cell," said Leo James, who led the research team. Source: Staff - Newsmax/The Independent Reported by: Breaking Christian News
Remembering our Vets
Amazing Grace - Remembrance
Remembering Those Who Have Fallen . . . Today . . .
A Video To Remember the Best of the Best and Never Forgetting Those who Are fighting to make us better.
