In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• Egypt Update: Part One
• Egypt Update: Part Two
• Egypt Update: Part Three
• Are You Ready for Blackouts?
• The Holocaust: Never Again
• THE MEANING OF "SHALOM"
• Worship with Us Today!
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The Daily Brief - Friday, January 28, 2011
"I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security." (Jeremiah 33:6)
The Daily Brief
1. Military takeover in Egypt aired as army holds fire against curfew violators - DEBKAFile
Egyptian President Mubarak Asks Cabinet to Resign
The possibility of the military taking control of the regime on the back of the popular uprising to end Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule was actively discussed Friday night, Jan. 28, after security forces failed to control anti-government riots for four days. Protesters in Cairo, Alexandria and Suez ignored the nationwide curfew imposed until 0700 Saturday and the soldiers who were called in to enforce it held their fire. Protesters overturning and burning security forces vehicles welcomed the military APCs.
The transfer of rule to the military even for an interim period would shake the entire Middle East to its foundations. The US stands to lose its senior Arab ally, whereas a new government in Cairo might modify or abandon Egypt's epic 1979 peace treaty with Egypt and turn away from the close relations between the two governments. Read more.
- Father, we pray that You would keep Your hand upon the people of Egypt, and restore order to her streets, for the safety of her people. We pray for You to orchestrate, protect, control, and intervene in every situation to bring about a righteous and democratic government in the nation of Egypt. We ask, too, that You grant Your wisdom to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak as he sees his government crumbling beneath his feet, and as he builds a new cabinet. May he choose wisely! Out of chaos, bring righteousness. Amen!
- "Ask Me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession." (Psalm 2:8) Amplified
2. Muslim Brotherhood Involved in Protests - IPT
The Muslim Brotherhood announced yesterday that it would join the protests, but at this time it is difficult to see who is participating or directing the rioting. Egypt has arrested many leaders of the MB, the nation's largest opposition group.
a) White House Responds . .
The White House has also taken to the micro-blogging site to comment on the developing situation. "Very concerned about violence in Egypt - government must respect the rights of the Egyptian people & turn on social networking and internet," said White House Spokesman Robert Gibbs.
- This situation could snowball throughout the Middle East and could impact Israel. People want a democratic government, but because of all of the chaos Muslim/Islamic terrorist groups could try to take charge. Please seek the Lord's will and ask Him to control the situation. If Egypt's government is overthrown and replaced with an Islamic government, it would not bode well for Israel. In addition, there is the situation in Lebanon. Israel is in the middle! We suggest that you turn on your TV's to keep up with what is going on and pray accordingly. CNN, FOX and MSNBC have reporters on the ground. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
- "Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven . . ." (Matthew 6: 9,10)
3. Egypt Blames Al-Qaeda Linked Group For New Year's Church Attack - Worthy News
Egypt on Sunday, January 23, blamed a Palestinian group with links to terror group Al-Qaeda of masterminding a New Year's church attack in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria that killed as many as 24 Coptic Christians.
- Oh God, we call out to You for retribution against this murdering group that will compel the guilty ones of Al-Qaeda to have a heart-changing experience and be brought to stand before the Lord giving an account of their evil deeds. Strip them of their evil power through the blood of Jesus. Stand before them until all justice has been satisfied. In Jesus Name.
- "When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting." (Proverbs 11:10)
4. Police nab Palestinian cell linked to murders of American tourist and Israeli teacher - Ha'aretz
The Jerusalem District Police released Wednesday details regarding its investigation into a cell of Palestinian militants suspected in two murders and 19 other security incidents since 1997. The cell is alleged to be behind the recent stabbing of an American tourist and her friend in the Jerusalem hills five weeks ago; the tourist, Kristine Luken, was killed, while her host, Susan Kaye Wilson, managed to flee her attackers with serious wounds. Seven members of the cell are currently being held in police custody; four of them are expected to be indicted on Wednesday. Read more.
- Your prayers for the capture of the perpetrators' of the brutal attack on the two believers near Jerusalem have borne fruit. Thank you so much, all of you, today the Jerusalem district police released this press statement below. Prayer works, it's a powerful tool to those who trust in the Lord. [From a friend in Israel]
- "Now what have you against me, Tyre and Sidon and all you regions of Philistia? Are you repaying me for something I have done? If you are paying me back, I will swiftly and speedily return on your own heads what you have done." (Joel 3:4) The answer to this scripture is yea!! Lord, we thank You that justice was served by Your Victorious Right Hand.
- Thank You, Lord God Almighty, for manifesting Your Great Justice in this matter, for we know You are the Justifier in all things. We Love You, we Adore You, and we Exalt Your name on High. "Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto Thy name; the upright shall dwell in Thy presence, ye thankful." (Ps. 140: 13) "The LORD hath done great things for us; [wherefore] we are glad." (Ps. 126: 3)
5. Russia's Missionaries Worried As Suicide Blast Rocks Moscow Airport - Worthy News
Christian missionaries in Russia expressed concerns this week about the future of the country after an explosion ripped through the international section of Moscow's busiest airport, killing at least 31 people and wounding about 130 others.
- God, nothing is beyond your knowledge and control. Call forth these people to cry out to the Lord in their dire need and be comforted of their grief. Deliver them from the bondage of corruption and bring them into the glorious liberty of the children who trust in God. Hold back the forces of evil and bring redemption out of chaos. In Jesus Name.
- "And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer: and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." (Isaiah 65:24)
6. Russia: Cyber attack on Iran could be risky - Ynet News
A recent cyber attack on Iran's nuclear program could have triggered a disaster comparable to the one in Chernobyl 25 years ago, Russia's envoy to NATO said Wednesday.
- As Sir Isaac Newton once said, "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." We pray for Your protection over all that occurs in the Middle East, as nations fight to stop Iran from deploying a nuclear weapon. We ask that You prevent a nuclear disaster that would contaminate and kill the people of the region.
- "Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and same me from bloody men." (Psalm 59:2)
7. India's Top Court Upholds Sentences In Killing Missionary - Worthy News
Human rights officials on Saturday, January 22, welcomed a decision by India's top court to confirm the life sentence given to a Hindu who burned to death an Australian missionary and his two young sons outside a church in eastern India over a decade ago.
- Father, the cry of the martyrs' blood cries out from the earth for divine intervention regarding their untimely deaths. Their righteous seed is planted and will bring forth an abundance of souls born into the kingdom of God. May Your Holy Spirit move among the Hindus in India so that all who have tender hearts will accept Jesus as their Messiah, and the fruit of these martyrs will be great. In Jesus Name.
- "The lamp of the righteous rejoices: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out." (Proverbs 13:9)
8. Himalayan glaciers not melting because of climate change, report finds - UK Telegraph
Himalayan glaciers are actually advancing rather than retreating, claims the first major study since a controversial UN report said they would be melted within quarter of a century.
- Father we praise You as the truth about "global warming" is continually revealed. We pray for the minds of those who have fallen victim to the deception of this idea, and ask that You pull down the scales that cover their eyes, granting them the ability to repent and see Your truth.
- "But You have saved us from our enemies, and have put them to shame that hated us." (Psalm 44:7)
9. Yellowstone Has Bulged as Magma Pocket Swells - National Geographic
Yellowstone National Park's supervolcano just took a deep "breath," causing miles of ground to rise dramatically, scientists report.
- God, the unusual signs and occurrences on earth are Your hands giving credence that You are God over all the world. We shall continue to see many unusual signs and wonders as You magnify Your power to get man's attention. May our hearts melt in obedience to Your will. In Jesus Name.
- "And God will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke." (Joel 2:30)
10. Hawaii Bill Would Release Obama's Birth Records - CBS News
In an attempt to end the "birther" myth that President Obama was not born in the United States (and thus not qualified to serve as president), five Democrats on the Hawaii state legislature have introduced a bill that would allow anyone to obtain a copy of President Obama's birth records for a $100 fee.
"If it passes, it will calm the birthers down," said Rep. Rida Cabanilla, the bill's primary sponsor, the Associated Press reports. "All these people are still doubting it because they don't want the birth certificate from Obama. They want it from our state office." Read more.
- Pray for passage!
- "The effectual, fervent prayer 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:
The LORD has prepared His throne in the heavens. His kingdom rules over all. (Psalm 103:19)
1. Tony Blair: Palestine papers harmful to Mideast peace process - Ha'aretz
The leaking of the so-called Palestine Papers was designed to be "extremely damaging" to the peace process in the Middle East, former British prime minister Tony Blair said Friday.
2. 'We're living on a volcano,' experts warn - Jerusalem Post
Israeli security experts are casting an uneasy eye at the civil unrest spreading through the region.
3. Israel, ESA to sign cooperation agreement - Ynet News
Israel on Sunday will sign a cooperation agreement with European Space Agency ESA.
Egypt Update: Part One
The Investigative Project:
Update on Egypt
Al-Jazeera English is showing live broadcasts from the Egyptian capital, where law and order appear to be breaking down.
Protestors have been ordered home under a 6 PM curfew. Al-Jazeera English is reporting that many people are trying to force themselves onto public transport to get home, while others are continuing the protests which are the most forceful in 30 years.
The headquarters of the NDP, President Hosni Mubarak's party, is on fire. The building is located near critical government facilities like the Interior Ministry and the Foreign Ministry, according to what Al-Jazeera English is reporting.
Protestors on the video appear to be trying to shove armored police vehicles into the Nile River, while video footage shows at least one police vehicle on fire. Explosions and gunfire can be heard in Cairo as the army has been called in to reinforce the curfew. An unconfirmed report from Al-Arabiya says that at least some police are taking off their uniforms and joining the protests, and there are early reports that a police station in Alexandria is on fire.
The Muslim Brotherhood announced yesterday that it would join the protests, but at this time it is difficult to see who is participating or directing the rioting. Egypt has arrested many leaders of the MB, the nation's largest opposition group.
PJ Crowley, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs, has posted a Twitter message stating "Reform is vital to #Egypt's long-term well-being. The Egyptian government should view its people as a partner and not as a threat."
The White House has also taken to the micro-blogging site to comment on the developing situation. "Very concerned about violence in Egypt - government must respect the rights of the Egyptian people & turn on social networking and internet," said White House Spokesman Robert Gibbs.
Egypt Update: Part Two
Joel Rosenberg:
REVOLUTION IN EGYPT? IS JORDAN NEXT?
Is Egypt about to erupt in a full-blown revolution that could lead to the fall of the Mubarak regime? Might Jordan's government be next?
One thing's for certain: no one predicted the demonstrations in Egypt would grow so big so fast. Momentum for the protests is growing. A Facebook page promoting the democracy protests grew from 20,000 members on Wednesday to 80,000 on Thursday. The government then reportedly shut down Facebook, and disrupted internet service in parts of the country. Twitter has been blocked. Police are beating protesters.
One key factor few are seeing at the moment: economics. Egyptians are suffering double-digit inflation and record food prices in recent years, and particularly in 2010. Most people are already dirt poor. Soaring food prices are causing them to fear they may not be able to feed their families. This is creating a "perfect storm" of anger against the Mubarak regime -- it's corrupt, authoritarian, anti-human rights, and resistant to all positive economic and political reform. It's been bad for the thirty years Mubarak has been in power. But with high inflation, especially for food, Egyptians are being pushed over the brink.
Calls for Mubarak to step down are growing. "Mohamed ElBaradei, the former head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog turned Egyptian reform campaigner, said he expected big demonstrations across Egypt on Friday, and that it was time for President Hosni Mubarak to go," reported Reuters. "ElBaradei, 68, left Vienna, where he lives, for Cairo on Thursday to join a growing wave of protests against Mubarak inspired by Tunisia's overthrow of their authoritarian president. He told Reuters he would not lead the street rallies, but that his role was 'to manage the change politically.'" On Friday, however, ElBaradei was placed under house arrest in Egypt.
In my 2009 non-fiction book, "Inside The Revolution," I described Mubarak as a "classic Resister" -- he doesn't want real change of any kind. He just wants to retain power, keep things stable, keep wealth and power for himself, and pass the keys to the kingdom on to his son, Gamal. But such resistance to positive change is inflaming the "rank-and-file," every day Egyptians who feel increasingly desperate, and see others in the region (Tunisia, Iraq and the people of southern Sudan) as changing their governments and having more say in the affairs of state. They are yearning for something better, and now they've taken to the streets in hopes of getting it.
Meanwhile, protests have mounted in recent days in Jordan. Reports the AP: "The [Jordanian] economy saw a record deficit of $2 billion this year, inflation rising . . to 6.1 percent just last month and rampant unemployment and poverty -- estimated at 12 and 25 percent respectively. 'The government buys cars and spends lavishly on its parties and travel, while many Jordanians are jobless or can barely put food on their tables to feed their hungry children,' said civil servant Mahmoud Thiabat, 31, a father of three who earns $395 a month."
In Egypt, I don't see the protests being driven primarily by the Muslim Brotherhood (which started in Egypt in the 1920s) or by Radicals in general, though they're certainly trying to take advantage. This would be a nightmare scenario we need to pray never happens. We don't want this to be another Iranian Revolution where an Islamic Radical madman takes over.
If Mubarak falls, we want to see a group of pro-democracy, pro-free market, serious Reformers come to power. In Jordan, there is a very high risk that Islamic Radicals would take over the regime. As I write in "Inside The Revolution": "It is precisely because the Jordanians have made such progress [with positive political and economic reforms in the past two decades] that I am worried by the Radicals' determination to launch a jihad there, seize the capital, and create a new anti-Israel, anti-Western base for Iran and al Qaeda. Therefore, I often pray for Jordan's peace, prosperity and continued progress. I pray for King Abdullah's health and safety, and I pray that the Lord would grant him the wisdom to know how best to move forward in such challenging times."
Please keep praying for Egypt's 80 million people -- for freedom, for safety, for courage, and for the gospel to be spread to an entire nation desperately needing God's love and plan for their lives. Pray, too, for the people of Jordan and all the nations of the region as instability rises rapidly. May the Lord have mercy on them, and on Israel, at this critical time.
Egypt Update: Part Three
Urgent Prayer Alert for the Middle East from Rick Ridings in Jerusalem
This is a very strategic moment for Egypt, Lebanon, and Israel. I have prepared a 12 minute video sharing visions I have had, and pertinent Scriptures to hopefully aid you as you pray for this region. As you are probably aware, today (Jan. 27) there are large-scale demonstrations scheduled against the government in Egypt. In addition, the past few days saw the announcement of a new Prime Minister for Lebanon (Najib Mikati), who is widely seen as a "puppet" under the control of Hizballah and Iran. Another ominous sign was Iran's declaration of Jan. 23 of it's intent to send warships into the Mediterranean. We have felt the Lord for over a year instructing us to pray protection over the coast of Israel from attacks coming from the Mediterranean.
To hear more on how we would encourage you to pray for this situation, click on the following link:
Paste into your browser: www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5T68W61hro
Thank you for your prayers.
Grace and shalom,
Rick Ridings
Succat Hallel (24/7 worship and prayer in Jerusalem)
http://www.jerusalempraise.com
Are You Ready for Blackouts?
In his State of the Union address Tuesday night, President Obama expressed his intention to mandate the use of alternative "green" energy sources when he said the following: "So tonight, I challenge you to join me in setting a new goal: By 2035, 80 percent of America's electricity will come from clean energy sources."
For the record, about half of our electricity currently comes from coal, but Obama wants to bankrupt coal companies. (His words, not mine.) Natural gas and nuclear power provide about 20% each. Coal, gas and nuclear power generate 90% of our electricity. Wind power provides about 2% and solar provides 1%.
Germany is often cited by liberals as a model of "clean energy investment," so how's that going for them? Not well at all. As Christopher Horner warns in the Daily Caller, the German Ministry of Economic Affairs is concerned that the country will experience blackouts because it is not able to meet European Union "clean energy" mandates of just 20%! Spain has also come up short in its pursuit of mythical "green jobs."
If the nations with the most "investments" in "clean energy" can't make them work, why should American taxpayers be forced to repeat their failures? Our economy will need fossil fuels for many, many years. Obama's attempts to deny reality are delusional. (Gary Bauer)
The Holocaust: Never Again
Sixty-six years ago yesterday, Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest of the Nazi death camps, was liberated by the Soviet Army. More than a million people, mostly Jews, were murdered there. In 2005, the United Nations designated January 27th as "International Holocaust Memorial Day" to honor the victims of the Holocaust and to inspire the nations of the world to make sure such genocide never happens again.
Speaking before the Knesset yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued an indictment against the "world community" for failing to condemn repeated calls for a new Holocaust. Here are excerpts of his remarks:
"I think one thing is clear: the fact that global anti-Semitism is renewing and expanding is obvious. If anyone thought that anti-Semitism stopped after World War II and the Holocaust, it is now evident that it was only a hiatus . . .
"There is an ayatollah regime . . . and it knowingly and openly calls for the elimination of at least another six million Jews, and yet nobody says a word. Here and there they mention it, but where is the fury, the rage, the international uprising that should have come from the advanced international community against clear statements calling for the destruction of the same people? It doesn't exist. . .
"There are many good-hearted people and countries around the world. They feel in their hearts what I think, but that's not enough. Facing a regime which calls for our destruction and which is arming itself with weapons of mass destruction, a stronger mobilization of countries should have emerged. . . (Gary Bauer)
"It is not only a threat against us, because it always begins with the Jews but never ends with the Jews. The hatred of Jews kindles an overall fire, and I expect that on this day, when I applaud the world for marking the most heinous crime in world history and the history of our people which was perpetrated against our people -- I hope others will also learn the lesson. We already have."
THE MEANING OF "SHALOM"
The prophecies pouring forth right now about the demise of America are nerve-shattering. Although itseems there has been some economic recovery and stabilization, the words of the prophets and the Word of God would say otherwise. I believe this will be a tumultuous year; and yet I also believe that for those who seek first the Kingdom of God, it will be a glorious year!
Are your worried about your 401K? Are you concerned about your job or perhaps looking for one without much success? Are you finding yourself feeling more and more nervous and anxious? This morning the Spirit of God instructed me to turn to the chapter in my book entitled Relaxing With God and re-print a piece of it here to share with you. I pray it will bring you shalom, as I describe for you the peace of God invading even a terrifying night in the Middle East:
Road blocks were set up everywhere by police and IDF soldiers. It took us over one and a half hours to get home, a drive that would normally have taken 15 minutes. It did not take us long to figure out that everything was gearing up for the infamous "Muslim Night of Power" when the Muslims all go to the mosques to pray and then often erupt into much violence. As their feast of Ramadan draws to a close, the Muslims reach fever pitch and the Israelis brace for the outbreaks of violence. On this particular night three of us gathered together in a small prayer room with huge windows that overlooked the city below. Rifle shots rang out everywhere and there was angry shouting and people running everywhere. Women grabbed their children and herded them frantically into houses.
As we began praying God's Word back to Him, He began to reveal a wondrous thing to us. He kept taking us to Scriptures speaking of the earth as His footstool and the enemy as being under His feet, such as Psalm 110:1: 'The LORD says to my LORD: sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.' Pretty soon one of the watchmen began exploring what posture God would be in to have His feet propped on a footstool. We began to see Him as relaxing in His recliner, and in this vision, God showed us a picture of His Rest. The Lord is not up there in heaven wringing His hands, wondering what to do about this AntiChrist spirit! He showed us another picture of Yeshua, asleep in the boat in the midst of the great storm on the Sea of Galilee.
That is God's Rest - His Shalom - amidst all the violence of the earth. He showed us His feet propped up on the earth, His footstool, and reassured us that His plan of redemption and restoration is secure. The Hebrew word shalom is comprised of four Hebrew letters; and since all Hebrew letters have a meaning associated with them, the literal translation of the word shalom spells this: DESTROY THE AUTHORITY THAT ESTABLISHES CHAOS. Truly, this is the meaning of peace in the Hebraic sense. Satan is the authority that establishes chaos; but when we are walking in Yahweh's shalom, Satan is under His feet!"
Taken from: "Relaxing with God," by Kelly Ferrari.
www.doorkeeperministries.blogspot.com
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