In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Obama Issues E.O. re: Faith-based Groups
• CEDAW Hearing Today
• Germany On Alert
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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The Daily Brief - Thursday, November 18, 2010
"I know that My redeemer lives." (Job 19:25)
The Daily Brief
1. A) Backlash grows over pat-downs, scanners - USA Today
The government's efforts to keep the airways safe by subjecting travelers to more scrutiny are facing their biggest backlash since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001-- even as recent terror attempts indicate that air travel remains a prime target for groups linked to al-Qaeda.
B.) Ron Paul to TSA: Enough is Enough - TDN News
U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, proposed a bill is one paragraph in length in light of the Transportation Security Administration's recent body scanner buzz Wednesday.
By introducing the American Traveler Dignity Act, Paul would like to see every member of Congress, the executive branch and the Cabinet go through the x-ray, look at the pictures and have them go through the "groping pat-downs."
"U.S. citizens are sacrificing our liberties, Paul said.
"It's illegal to take nude photographs of individuals, why do we allow the government to do it?" he said. "It is preposterous to think that the TSA has made us safer."
C.) THE SAFEST airline in the world, it is widely agreed, is El Al, Israel's national carrier. The safest airport is Ben Gurion International, in Tel Aviv. No El Al plane has been attacked by terrorists in more than three decades, and no flight leaving Ben Gurion has ever been hijacked.
- Father, we are continually shocked at our government's inability to pull together security measures that actually work. We ask for a wave of wisdom to hit our legislators, and have them seriously consider how Israel has been able to thwart terrorist acts on El Al for thirty years. We also ask that You cause Congress to stop the scandalous treatment of passengers at our airports, and stop the favored treatment of followers of Islam over others in the screening process.
- "O let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the just; for the righteous God tests the hearts and minds. My defense is of God, who saves the upright in heart."
2. Discord Likely Over Ratifying Women's Rights Pact - AP
A global women's rights treaty completed 30 years ago has a better-than-ever chance for U.S. Senate ratification this year, yet the hunt for the needed 67 favorable votes is likely to incur the wrath of activists on both the left and right.
Known as CEDAW (SEE-daw), the treaty's formal name is the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
Since its adoption by the U.N. General Assembly in 1979, all but eight of the 192 U.N. members have become a party to it - the United States is one of the holdouts, along with Sudan, Somalia, Qatar, Iran, Nauru, Palau and Tonga.
This year, with CEDAW-supporting Democrats holding power in Washington, Sen. Barbara Boxer plans a concerted effort to seek ratification as part of her agenda for a new Foreign Relations subcommittee chairmanship overseeing global women's issues.
Read more;
- Lord, as the media rarely mentions the inner workings of UN treaties and programs, most people will not understand that CEDAW is a radical socialist, pro-abortion measure. We ask that You reveal the truth regarding this treaty, and that wisdom will block its ratification.
- "Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked, do not further his wicked scheme, lest they be exalted." (Psalm 140:8)
3. A.) America's Third War- Texas Strikes Back - Fox News
In recent years, the cartels have become bolder and more ruthless. They cross the border with AK-47s on their backs, wearing military camouflage. They recruit in prisons and schools on the American side. Spotters sit in duck blinds along the Rio Grande and call out the positions of the U.S. Border Patrol. To combat the cartels, the Texas Department of Public Safety is launching a counterinsurgency.
Tactical strike teams send field intelligence they gather to Austin to a joint operation intelligence center, or JOIC in military terminology."It certainly is a war in a sense that we're doing what we can to protect Texans and the rest of the nation from clearly a threat that has emerged over the last several years," said Former FBI prosecutor Steve McCraw, who runs the undeclared "war."
B.) President, Hispanic Caucus Members Talk Dream Act - Fox News
President Obama met privately in the Oval Office Tuesday with leaders of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to discuss immigration reform, and aides say his hope that Congress will approve the DREAM Act during the lame duck session.
The legislation would give children of illegal immigrants an opportunity to earn their citizenship by working toward a college degree or military service. Critics say it is the first step on the path toward amnesty, although the issue does have some bipartisan support.
- Father, as the war of words drags on, the people on the southern border of our nation face extreme violence, as do the people of Mexico. We are frustrated with our government's penchant to constantly desire amnesty for illegal immigrants on a blanket basis without proper safeguards. We ask that You fight this battle for us - both on the border- and in the halls of Congress.
- "He shall take them away as a whirlwind, as in His living and burning wrath. The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance; he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked." (Psalm 58:9b-10)
4. Senate Judiciary Committee to Vote on Liberal Nominees - Federal Intercessors
Another "lame duck" Committee vote is scheduled to happen on Thursday as the Senate Judiciary Committee has announced a vote on 12 liberal judicial appointments, 5 of which are destructively ultra-liberal. Two are of particular necessity for defeat; Robert Chatigny (has position that "sexual sadism" is a disease and not a crime, when in fact, it is both) and Goodwin Liu. The Washington Times says these two judges are actually worse than David Hamilton, who once ruled "Jesus" and "Christ" were "illegal" words in prayer, but "Allah" was OK.
- Lord, we pray for the defeat of these judges by whatever legal means necessary, including filibuster.
- "For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire; he blesses the greedy and renounces the Lord - but You have seen it, for You observe trouble and grief, to repay it by Your hand." (Psalm 10: 3,14a)
5. Soros: Obama Shouldn't Compromise - Politico
Meeting with major Democratic donors in Washington this week, George Soros urged them to pressure the Obama administration to focus on liberal policy priorities including climate change and immigration reform, which are considered non-starters with Republicans set to assume control of the House.
Soros, a billionaire who has been among the most generous donors to liberal causes over the years, has recently indicated he no longer intends to fund the kind of independent political advertising campaigns he backed in 2004 and that Republican allies used to bombard Democrats in the midterm elections.
Read more:
- Lord, we ask that You bombard Mr. Soros with Your truth so hard that he falls to his knees in repentance. Rumor has it that he has sold his shares of the company that created the controversial body scanners. We ask, Father, that Mr. Soros' inside manipulation of American business and politics be stopped.
- "Many sorrows shall be to the wicked" (Psalm 32:10a)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
• "Jerusalem is built as a city that is compact together: There the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD. For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David." (Psalm 122:3-5)
1. US concerned over Saudi weapon deal's impact on Israel - Jerusalem Post
A bipartisan group of House lawmakers is demanding more assurances from the Obama administration that a record $60 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia won't give the kingdom new military capabilities that threaten Israel.
2. Netanyahu says close to deal with U.S. on West Bank settlement freeze - Ha'aretz
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday he was close to reaching an understanding with the United States regarding a package of incentives Washington will offer in exchange for a 90-day construction freeze in the West Bank.
3. Likud ministers, MKs sign petition against freeze - Jerusalem Post
Likud ministers on Wednesday added their names to the list of those against the renewal of a second settlement construction freeze in the West Bank.
4. PA arrests Hamas members planning J'lem suicide bomb - Jerusalem Post
Palestinian Authority security forces arrested several members of the armed wing of Hamas, the Izzadin Kassam Brigades, who were planning to carry out a suicide bomb in Jerusalem, the Palestinian Ma'an News Agency reported on Wednesday.
5. IDF kills senior Gaza militant planning to abduct Israelis in Sinai - Ha'aretz
A senior member of a Palestinian militant group planning to abduct Israelis in the Sinai Peninsula was killed on Wednesday when the Israel Air Force attacked his car in central Gaza City.
6. PMO: E. Jerusalem not part of US freeze proposal - Jerusalem Post
The discussions between the US and Israel regarding an extension of the settlement building freeze did not include any restraints on building in the neighborhoods in east Jerusalem, the Prime Minister's Office announced on Wednesday.
The Daily Jot
Revelation Prophecy Type and Shadow: UN predicts food shortages
The United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization is reporting that global food imports will top a trillion dollars in 2010 and because of what the FAO says are "unexpected downward revisions to crop forecasts in several major producing countries, world prices have risen alarmingly and at a much faster pace than in 2007/08" when another food shortage occurred. In all areas of food production, FAO predicts price increases. For examples, world cereal production in 2010 stands at 2.22 billion metric tons, while cereal utilization is forecast at 2.25 billion metric tons. This means that demand is outstripping production. When supply is less than demand, prices rise.
Normally, when prices rise for food commodities, farmers produce more crops, which will bring the prices down. But land availability, weather, fuel costs, cost of fertilizer and other factors play a role in how much a farmer can increase his crop size. With oil prices skyrocketing on the international market, fuel costs for farmers is going to be a large factor in next year's crop size, and eventually the price of foodstuffs. The economic outlook on the horizon for the price of food is grim. The United States is the largest exporter of grains, such as wheat. And farm exports are a large part of America's trade balance. Globalization will ultimately force food prices higher in America.
Given the economic conditions of the nations around the world--that they are all in great debt to one another--it is no long shot analysis that weather related crop reductions combined with hyperinflation could very well bring food prices to the level that we see prophesied in Revelation 6:6, "A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny." In this scenario, the price of wheat, for example, would be approximately $2.20 a measure. A bushel of wheat would cost over $70. A loaf of bread, by many estimates would cost about $20, but that is estimated in a day's wages from Biblical times. That being the case, a loaf of bread may cost about $60 in today's minimum wage.
Many have written and asked me what to do in preparation for this. Be wise. Use your resources. If you have any land, begin to prepare it and learn how to grow foodstuffs. If you have any money, find ways to transfer it from paper to precious metals. But most of all, I have learned over the past seven years, to have faith in the Lord. Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, 34 ,"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." You cannot store enough food or money for what is ahead. Do what you are able, but trust in God in all things.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Obama Issues E.O. re: Faith-based Groups
Obama's Executive Order Burdens Faith-Based Groups, Keeps Hiring Rights Intact
President Obama signed today an Executive Order that authorizes a number of changes recommended by the Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships (FBNP) task force. Secularists and faith-based organizations (FBO) alike were displeased with the directive, which comes just one day before a pivotal House subcommittee hearing on the issue.
One change not included in the order -- to the chagrin of "separation of church and state" activists and to the relief of FBOs -- was the task force's strong recommendation to prevent faith-based organizations from hiring based on religious criteria.
The order, which adds a burdensome layer of bureaucracy to receive federal funds, does keep intact a provision similar to one outlined in President George W. Bush's Faith-Based Initiative:
"In addition, a faith-based organization that participates in a social service program may retain religious terms in its name, select its board members on a religious basis, and include religious references in its organization's mission statements and other chartering or governing documents."
. . . A letter sent from Lynn and other secular groups to Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.J., prompted Thursday's hearing. Nadler, the chairman on the House Judiciary's subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, is a staunch gay-agenda promoter. Groups fear that the hearing could be used as an opportunity to "fill the gaps" of today's Executive Order -- or worse yet, be a sideways attempt to amend federal employment law altogether. (CitizenLink) Read more.
CEDAW Hearing Today
Long Time, No CEDAW
The media is buzzing about the smorgasbord of bills that Democrats want to tackle before Christmas. But other things are lurking on the leaders' agenda that might surprise you: legalizing prostitution, demeaning mothers, outlawing spanking, and trampling other countries' laws. Believe it or not, those are all subplots to a major international treaty endorsed by Democrats called CEDAW, or the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. But nevermind the name. This is one committee that does discriminate, especially against women.
Today, a Senate Judiciary Committee will hold another hearing on the treaty, chaired by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). Feminists across the globe are pressuring the U.S. to sign on, even though CEDAW lobb ies for everything from overturning pro-life laws to banning Mother's Day and forcing women into combat.
In the past few years, the international committee has bullied members of the U.N. to sign on. Now it's at America's doorstep. Liberal groups here at home are calling it a matter of women's rights. They try to persuade senators by arguing that if you're against CEDAW, you're against gender equality. But the truth is, the U.S. already has anti-discrimination laws in place. So why put our freedom and sovereignty at stake for a treaty that's anti-life and anti-family? We don't need an international committee telling U.S. women what they can and can't do. To read more about the sinister meaning of CEDAW, check out FRC's paper. (Family Research Council)
Germany On Alert
German officials increased the nation's security measures today after intelligence reports indicated a terrorist plot was imminent. Thomas de Maiziere, the country's top security official, said, ". . . we now have additional, relevant indications of possible danger that security authorities agree justify our current assessment that we are now facing a new situation."
While officials believe the new plot is targeting Germany, the last time European intelligence picked up hints of a planned attack it turned out be Al Qaeda's mail bomb plot against the United States. (Gary Bauer)
The Good News Corner
Rachel and Jeffrey
Rachel and Jeffrey are two amazing teens who had something extraordinary happen to them!
Rachel and Jeffrey both have Downs Syndrome. They have been boyfriend and girlfriend since third grade, and are now high school students in mainstream classes. So often we hear of bullying in schools, but seldom hear the good things that students do.
Rachel and Jeffrey were chosen homecoming queen and king by their peers, students at Dacula High School, Dacula, GA. The students said that the pair are the star students who represent the best of Dacula High School; and that the choice was obvious.
See their story . . . and share their joy . . . by going here.
Worship with Us Today!
"Fire Fall Down"
by Chris Tomlin
Yes, LORD!
