In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• SUDAN REFERENDUM UPDATE
• A Closing Commentary for this Past Week
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
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The Daily Brief - Friday, January 14, 2011
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (Psalm 46:10)
The Daily Brief
1. New Hit to Strapped States - Wall Street Journal
With the market for municipal bonds tumbling, cities, hospitals, schools and other public borrowers are scrambling to refinance tens of billions of dollars of debt this year, another sign that the once-safe market is under duress.
- Father, we pray over this municipal bond crash, and ask that you protect the states, utility companies, hospitals and schools that are involved. We speak peace to this financial crisis and declare your prosperity over our economy.
- That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries. (Proverbs 8:21)
2. Unemployment claims rise; energy pushes price index up - USA Today
Two important economic reports delivered bad news Thursday about unemployment and wholesale prices.
- Father, we pray over the high rate of unemployment in our nation. Thank you for a flourishing economy, which opens many doors for employment. I pray that our leaders and citizens look to YOU as their Provider.
- Honor the Lord with your possessions, and the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty , and your vats will overflow with new wine. (Proverbs 3: 9-10)
3. Republicans Convene to Select New Party Chairman - Fox News
Republican leaders gather to pick a party chief amid hopes that fresh leadership might revitalize the Republican National Committee heading into the 2012 election
- Lord, we ask wisdom on these leaders as they pick a party chief. Let them choose a leader who is filled with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, understanding, and in knowledge.
- And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship. (Exodus 31:3)
4. GOP Readies Health Care Repeal Vote Next Week - Fox News
House GOP leaders signal for the first time that they will push ahead with the health care repeal vote next week as several Republicans echoed the need for Congress to resume its agenda after the tragic shooting in Tucson
- Lord, we ask for victory on this health care repeal vote. We declare the health care bill will be reversed. Give these leaders insights and ideas that will be an acceptable plan for both parties. We pray they work together for changes to the bill, that will help both the health care industries and the American people.
- Counsel and sound judgment are mine. I have understanding and power. (Proverbs 8:14)
5. Giffords Opens Both Eyes, Moves Her Arms and Legs - Fox News
Though still in critical condition after the shooting rampage in Tucson, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords makes a 'major leap forward' in her recovery by opening both eyes and increasing movement.
- Lord, we thank you for this report. We pray Gabrielle Giffords will continue making progress day by day in her recovery. We plead the blood of Jesus over her, and speak healing to her body.
- Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
6. Brazil Buried Under Deadly Mudslides - Fox News
Nearly 500 people are dead after devastating mudslides and floods rock mountainous towns north of Rio, as rain hampers rescue efforts in what is the country's deadliest natural disasters on record.
- Father, we pray your mercy over the people of Brazil. We ask for successful rescue efforts. We declare no more deaths from this disaster. Fill the people of Brazil with hope as they cry out to You. Redeem them Lord out of all their troubles.
- Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ( Romans 15:13) -
7. Iran: Israel, US to blame for Lebanese gov't collapse - Jerusalem Post
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for the Middle East Raouf Sheibani said Israel and the US sabotaged Lebanon, leading to its government's collapse, AFP reported on Thursday.
Lebanon: a dangerous moment - UK Telegraph
The Hizbollah-caused crisis in government threatens to end Lebanon's recent boom and destabilise the region.
- Father, help them see the error in their own ways, instead of blaming nations around them for their demise. We stand against any violence that could arise from this government collapse. Protect Israel and the U.S. from any attacks.
- Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before You. Put them in fear, O Lord, that the nations may know themselves to be but men. (Psalm 9:19-20)
8. Massive Riots as Tunisian PM Takes Over Government - Fox News
Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi says he is assuming power after a state of emergency is declared as rioters mob the capital, demanding President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's ouster.
- Begin to pray now as the citizens of Tunisia work to form their new government. This revolution was brought on by high unemployment rates and food shortages. In light of this crisis, pray the the people of Tunisia will exercise GREAT WISDOM and CAUTION in choosing their next leader.
Pray that they will not yield to the "snake oil" of a deceiver who would sell them a "bill of goods" -- easy answers -- which, in the end, produces nothing. Pray for Tunisia.
- "Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task." (Acts 6:3)
9. Sicily's Mt. Etna erupts overnight - National Post
Lava lit the Sicilian sky as Mt. Etna erupted overnight Wednesday. The two-hour eruption sent lava flying into the air and down the Italian volcano's eastern slope. Mt. Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, started rumbling Tuesday and appears to be calming down as of Thursday morning. Fontanarossa airport in nearby Catania was shut down overnight but reopened around 6:30 A.M. local time. The eruption did not pose a threat to the surrounding population and scientists are monitoring the activity.
- As we witness another disaster on eath, pray once again for the safety of all who live in the path of this volcano, and for strength and wisdom for the EMT (emergency) personnel who have been called to assist in this crisis.
- "The effectual, fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Comfort, yes comfort My people!" says your God. "Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her.. (Isaiah 40:1-2a)
1. US meets with Israeli, Palestinian negotiators - AFP
US Middle East envoy George Mitchell met separately on Thursday with Israeli and Palestinian envoys as part of Washington's bid to revive peace negotiations, the State Department said.
2. Hamas deploys forces near Israel-Gaza border to enforce truce - Ha'aretz
Hamas PM Ismail Haniyeh issues order following surge in violence between Palestinian militants and the IDF in recent weeks.
3. Abbas: U.S. not working hard enough for Palestinian state - Ha'aretz
In Doha, Clinton defends U.S. efforts to bring about a Palestinian state; Israel has right to be cautious, she says.
4. IDF troops on alert following collapse of Lebanon government - Ha'aretz
Israeli forces 'carefully' following developments after Hezbollah resignation, fearing violence may spill southward; however, no reserves called up or units reshuffled.
The Daily Jot
Free speech, big government, and the yoke of bondage
If you work for the government, do you give up your right to free speech? Apparently so. Jacob Volkmann can tell you all about it. Volkmann is an Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter who also works part time as a wrestling coach for the White Bear Lake High School in Minnesota. He is now on paid administrative leave pending the investigation of his "fighting words" with the man who occupies the Oval Office as his target. According to Fox News, the communications director of the school district confirmed that an employee of the school district is on leave and is being investigated "in accordance with the law."
Volkmann, according to Fox News, answered a reporter's question about who he would like to fight next after winning a fight on New Year's Day. Volkmann said he would like to fight Obama, saying, "He's not too bright. Someone's got to knock some sense into that idiot." In a later interview on the MMA Hour, Volkmann said, "The only regret I have is calling him an idiot. I don't think he's an idiot, but I do think he's making a lot of mistakes." Volkmann is also a chiropractor and he believes the Obama's health care overhaul is bad for business. But Volkmann said his comments were "tongue-in-cheek" and he had no intention of fighting the Obama.
Nevertheless, the Secret Service got wind of Volkmann's remarks and paid him a visit for threatening the president. Fox reports that Volkmann was not arrested and he was not charged, but on Monday he was told to report to the school district's human resources department. After a half-hour interview, he said he was put on paid administrative leave. Volkmann said several parents had called to complain that he was wearing a school shirt and a hat during one of his interviews. Volkmann said, "I think it's kind of ridiculous that the school is pretty much saying you can't voice your opinion and if you do voice your opinion you definitely can't voice it against the policies of Obama"
That the Secret Service would waste taxpayers money to "investigate" someone who was obviously not a threat is one thing. That citizens of this country would turn in someone for making what were obviously not threatening comments is even worse. The public schools, which by law are supposed to be run locally, have become instruments of the leftist ilk of big government. Its all about freedom. Man's freedom is according to man's whims. God's freedom is based on righteousness. Galatians 5:1 says, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." That "yoke" is spiritually readied for all who would engage it.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
SUDAN REFERENDUM UPDATE
SUMMARY: Voting for the referendum in Sudan closes January 15. The turnout has surpassed the 60% needed for the vote to be accepted and the results will be announced on February 14.
Although there have been reports of violence during the referendum vote in Sudan (more than 46 people have been killed), there has been a high turnout and the event has been judged a success. The 60% voter mark required for the results to be accepted has been met.
"The independence vote is 'going extremely well,'" said one international observer. "We are pleased with the high level of turnout and the cooperation of officials in both north and south Sudan."
Worries about the outbreak of civil war have not been realized. However, the United Nations is calling for calm and Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has expressed concern that violence could threaten the vote.
Voting ends Saturday, January 15 and the results will be announced on February 14. The referendum is expected to lead to the secession of South Sudan from North Sudan. If that is the case, a new nation will be born.
PRAISE THE LORD FOR:
• a good voter turnout with limited violence.
• international attention and United Nations oversight of the voting.
• the Body of Christ worldwide interceding on behalf of Sudan - and for Christians inside this nation banding together and being kept safe by the Lord.
PRAY FOR:
• a strong finish to the voting - no violence, a good turnout, accurate recording, no rigging or corruption. (Psalm 103:6)
• peace and patience between North and South as they await the results. (Psalm 34:14)
• respect between Christians and Muslims. Pray for Christians to demonstrate God's love to their Muslim neighbors. (Matthew 5:43,44)
• President Omar al-Bashir to allow the South to secede from the North, if that is the choice of the voters. Pray for President al-Bashir to bless President Salva Kiir (South) and be supportive of the new government. Ask the Lord to keep this relationship free from manipulation and corruption. ( Proverbs 21:1;16:8)
• the Lord to give the leaders of South Sudan wisdom and direction in guiding the nation forward. Pray for Him to raise up people to help build an infrastructure. (Psalm 111:10)
• the planning and resources to provide schools and medical care in South Sudan. (Genesis 22:14)
• a fair decision on where to put the border between North and South. Pray for resources in this region to be shared without conflict. (Psalm 72:2)
• unity in the Church of Sudan. Pray for pastors and leaders to serve the Body of Christ with humility and selflessness. (Ephesians 4:3)
• Christians in North Sudan to be protected from Shari'a law. Ask the Lord to be their fortress and shield during this very volatile time. (Psalm 18:2)
• Christians in South Sudan to put their hope and trust in the Lord. Pray for Him to keep them safe and meet all of their needs. (Romans 15:13)
• the Kingdom of God to come to all of Sudan with great power. ( I Corinthians 4:20)
WIN PRAYER ALERT
SOURCES: Voice of the Martyrs, Christian Science Monitor, NPR. Sudan Tribune, allAfrica.com
A Closing Commentary for this Past Week
How to Remain Steadfast in the Face of Hard Times
by Jack Graham
Some of the most vivid memories I have from my childhood are from long road trips in the car. Back when I was growing up, we didn't have DVD players in the back to keep us quiet. So on those long trips, there was always one question I would ask over and over: "Are we there yet?"
Now that I've raised kids, I understand the plight of my parents on road trips. But in a way, you and I can ask that question all the time, can't we? We may not vocalize it, but when you and I go through troubles in this life. . . and we sense that longing for heaven deep down. . . we quietly ask, "Are we there yet?"
The Bible is clear that God has placed in the heart of every believer an eager anticipation for our heavenly home. And he did that for a very good reason! God wants you to long for that day and to use that longing as a motivation to finish well in your short time here on earth.
I love how the apostle Paul describes these feelings of longing in Philippians 3:14:
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
The day you and I, as believers, come face to face with Jesus in heaven will be glorious. There's great hope in what's to come if you know Jesus personally. In fact, we are to pray for his coming every day and should live as though his return will come at any second.
And it's so important to remember that this life is a temporary stop. As the Scripture says, life "is. . . a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."
But while you and I are here on earth, God wants us to lean into him when things get tough. The Scripture is full of exhortations for believers to remain steadfast in the face of hard times. In fact, you are even told to "Count it all joy. . . when you meet trials of various kinds" (James 1:2).
Even though a new year has just begun, you may be going through a difficult situation where you're asking, "Are we there yet?" Maybe you're struggling with divorce. . . the loss of a loved one.. . or perhaps you're desperate to regain control of your finances.
But it's in these difficult times that we need to cling to God and his promises. The hope that we have is that our present sufferings are temporary and, as the Scripture says, "are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Romans 8:18). So whatever it is in your life that's making you long for home, it's my prayer that you will stay strong in Christ and finish well!
Do you know what the best part of those long road trips was? It's when the car would stop and my dad would turn around and say, "We're here!" And one day when you as a believer in Christ reach heaven, your heavenly Dad will look at you and say, "You're here!"
You have the wonderful hope of spending eternity with Jesus-without pain and full of joy-if you are a believer in him. So until that day comes, push forward this year in sharing him with others and following him passionately in every aspect of your life!
The Good News Corner
Commissioner Urges Prayer Before All Meetings
(Colorado Springs, CO)-In her first public meeting as an El Paso County Commissioner, Peggy Littleton called for more prayer, saying, "I'd like to encourage my colleagues to have, at a minimum, prayer together every Tuesday and expand it to leaders, elected officials and citizens who would like to express their blessing over the board."
Littleton reportedly quoted Benjamin Franklin's 1787 plea to the delegates of a deadlocked Constitutional Convention: ". . . the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth-that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?"
"I'd like to have us abide by that principle," said Littleton, "and start out truly with God first, country second and service as our third most important item we do."
As reported in The Gazette, "because Littleton's appeal was not a policy item, informal agreement by at least three commissioners propelled it into motion, and because the commission chair has authority over agendas, it's a done deal."
New commission chairwoman Amy Lathen agreed. "I account to God first. I can't do this by myself; it's a big job we've got," she said.
Added Commissioner Darryl Glenn: "City Council opens all of its formal meetings with prayer. This is really the people's government, and it shows how open and diverse we are because we rotate it around. People try to paint us as an intolerant community, and I don't think we are. This is a perfect example." (Source: Debbie Kelley - The Gazette)
Reported by: Breaking Christian News
Worship with Us Today!
"There Is None Like You" by Don Moen
Indeed, Lord, there truly is none like You! Hallelujah!
