In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• CR and Abortion
• Update: Conscience Protections
• No Truce on the Hill
• Supreme Court Case to Watch
• UK High Court: Alert
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
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The Daily Brief - Friday, March 4, 2011
" . . . you are my refuge in the day of disaster." (Jer. 17:17b)
The Daily Brief
1. Yemen president blames Israel for Arab world unrest - Jerusalem Post
Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh on Tuesday accused Israel and the United States of fomenting anti-regime revolts throughout the Arab world and attempting to destabilize his country.
- Lord, we ask you to shut the mouths of those who speak lies about your people Israel. Reveal the hearts of those who do harm to others.
- "Be merciful, O LORD, unto thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood unto thy people of Israel's charge." (Deuteronomy 21:8)
2. US and EU states consider military option against Gaddafi - EU Observer
Fighter jets, aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean, a no-fly zone over Libya and arming the rebels are all options being weighed up by the US and its EU allies, as a defiant Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi is continuing to cling onto power and is ordering airstrikes on towns and arms depots.
- Lord, we thank you for options. We ask you to guide those decisions, and then make them effective. Bring about your perfect plan in Libya, and we humbly ask you to use the U.S., and our friends in Europe to bring this to pass.
- "As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it." (Isaiah 31:5)
3. Iran: Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi 'arrested' - BBC
Iranian opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, and their wives, have been taken from their homes by security forces, reports suggest.
- Father, we thank you for voices who speak the truth, and speak truth to power. We ask you to tear down strongholds and anything that keeps the people of Iran from trusting in you.
- "I will cut off the cities of your land and throw down all your strongholds." (Micah 5:11)
4. Rage against regimes spreads across Middle East - AFP
Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi insisted his people loved him but was slammed as "delusional" as the United States slapped a record-breaking $30 billion in sanctions on his brutal regime.
- Lord, we ask you for a humble Moamer Kadhafi who would honor You. We ask that You restore the years the locusts have eaten from the people of Libya.
- "And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation." (Daniel 4:34)
5. Islamist rebel urges 'total war' with Russia - AFP
The Chechen Islamist rebel leader who is Russia's most wanted man has issued an appeal for recruits for a "total war" against the Russian state, in a new video message posted on Thursday.
- Father, this group has been responsible for horrific crimes against the people of Russia for many years. We pray that You will rise up against them and dispel all the plans of the demonic forces which run the Chechen rebels.
- "If I whet My lightning sword, and My hand takes hold on judgment, I will wreak vengeance on My foes, and recompense those who hate Me." (Deuteronomy 32:41) Amplified
6. Christians Mourn Assassinated Pakistan Minister Bhatti; Muslim Militants Suspected - Worthy News
Pakistani Christians and leading rights groups mourned Pakistan's Minister for Minorities Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti, who was shot and killed Wednesday, March 2, by suspected Muslim militants after publicly criticizing controversial blasphemy legislation.
- Lord, this is yet another example of the evil perpetrated by Islamic extremists. We pray for the protection of Your people in Pakistan, and for an incredible move of Your Holy Spirit to bring repentance and conversion to that nation.
- "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
7. China's holdings of US debt larger than reported - AFP
China's holdings of US bonds reached $1.16 trillion at the end of December, almost $270 billion more than previously estimated, new data showed Monday.
- Lord, March is shaping up to be a fiscally consequential month in the United States of America. We ask for wisdom for our leaders, and determination for those who would bring about your glory. Please help us cut our spending and eliminate our debt.
- "They raise their voices, they shout for joy; They cry out from the west concerning the majesty of the LORD. Therefore glorify the LORD in the east, The name of the LORD, the God of Israel, In the coastlands of the sea." (Isaiah 24:14-15)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
" . . . I will contend with him who contends with you . . . " (Isaiah 49:25b)
1. Israel Weighs New Plan for a Provisional Palestinian State - Wall Street Journal
Israel is losing hope it can settle the outlines of a final peace accord with the Palestinians in coming months and instead is considering plans that would offer them a provisional state with temporary borders, according to several officials familiar with the deliberations.
2. Netanyahu told Abbas Israel demands to hold 40% of W. Bank - Jerusalem Post
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas some five months ago that Israel demands that 40 percent of of the West Bank remain under its control for an extended period, Fatah Central Committee member Nabil Shaat said on Friday, according to Israel Radio.
3. Mideast popular unrest may be rolling into the Palestinian territories - Ha'aretz
Just a week ago, most of the world's media outlets were reporting that Libya's regime was falling. But as of yesterday morning, Muammar Gadhafi was still clinging to power in parts of Tripoli and fighting his opponents. His rule will probably end, but there is no knowing when.
The Daily Jot
Clinton says al Jazeera is "real news"
Christians and Jews in America should be shocked and appalled at Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's comments that the terrorist-supporting, hate spewing propaganda arm for Islam provides better news than the free press in America. This love affair with Islam as portrayed by this White House is beyond pale. And the wave of anti-Judeo Christian sentiment as expressed by government policies and the courts is only the shaft of the spear now that the White House and the Administration have become its tip. The nation is being taken over with Islamic apologists. While Christianity and Judaism are trouble makers and hate mongers, Islam is chic despite its treatment of women, children and its global terrorism.
Clinton told a Congressional Hearing March 2, "You've got a global set of networks that Al Jazeera has been the leader in that are literally changing people's minds and attitudes...In fact viewership of al Jazeera is going up in the United States because it's real news. You may not agree with it, but you feel like you're getting real news around the clock instead of a million commercials and, you know, arguments between talking heads and the kind of stuff that we do on our news which, you know, is not particularly informative to us, let alone foreigners." That Clinton believes al Jazeera is "real news" and that the American approach to news "is not particularly informative" is a real jab at the First Amendment.
Clinton also noted that China and Russia are able to push their message overseas since they have started English-language networks. Clinton was decrying the ability of these nations to control their message and place their propaganda effectively. In a very subtle way, she was saying that the United States' freedom of the press was no match for the propaganda machines of Islam, China and Russia. And in the way that it was presented, Clinton was saying that the controlled media does a better job than the free press in getting their message across. The second message she was promoting is that the terrorist news network, al Jazeera, is better than America's news networks.
The American media has its problems largely because it has been inundated by leftists who do not know right from wrong and are unable to give a clear picture of the true news. But they are a far cry better than a Sharia law, pro-terrorist Islamic propaganda channel. Clinton's remarks express two themes: that Islamic media is better than American news media and that the First Amendment places the press at a disadvantage to propaganda networks. If ever the government acts on these theories, Islamic persecution of Jews and Christians will be commonplace in this country. Jeremiah 51:14 says, "I will fill thee with men as with locusts and the shall lift up a shout against thee." Are they coming?
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
CR and Abortion
Continuing Resolution and Abortion
In lieu of a budget, U.S. House Leaders have produced a revised Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the federal government for two weeks. While taxpayer funding for abortion in the District of Columbia and for Planned Parenthood were cut by the Republican majority in the previous CR, funding is back in this temporary CR. The rationale is that the House leadership wants to avoid a government shutdown. Yet any shutdown will result from liberals rejecting common sense and morality based budget cuts, which are necessary for the fiscal solvency of our nation, the financial health of our families, and the future of our children. A Rasmussen Poll says 58% of Americans would favor a partial shutdown to get the message across that spending must be cut now.
- May God give our House leaders courage to stand for Life and what is right!
- "Fight the good fight of the faith." (I Timothy 6:12) (Source: Family Research Council)
Update: Conscience Protections
On February 18th, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rescinded conscience regulations established during the Bush administration to protect health workers from being forced to perform procedures or dispense drugs against conscience. Health workers and organizations that refuse to prescribe Plan B, ella, or other abortifacient drugs will face sanctions. During the comment period over 187,000 people expressed opposition to the new rule. Rep. John Fleming (R-La.) has introduced H.R. 361, the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act. If passed, it will codify conscience rights for doctors and other health professionals.
- Pray for passage of H.R. 361, the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act. May God stop the murder of the unborn and the abuse of people of faith.
- "Ask, and ye shall receive . . ." (John 16:24)
(Source: Family Research Council)
No Truce on the Hill
Despite what some politicians say, there are leaders in Washington who recognize some issues are important enough to fight for. In an interview with CBN's David Brody on Sunday night from the National Religious Broadcasters convention in Nashville, House Speaker John Boehner made clear there will be no white flags on Capitol Hill when it comes to the social issues.
Asked whether or not Mitch Daniels was correct that "social issues should be put on the back burner," Speaker Boehner said, "Listen, I love Mitch. He's a friend of mine. He's got his hands full as do many Governors with a fiscal crisis in their states so I don't know what context he may have made that remark. All I know is that these are important issues to our country, and they are not to be ignored."
The Speaker's remarks are in keeping with not only his own record (as he represents one of the more socially conservative areas of the country), but also of the Republicans' pledge to voters in November to end taxpayer-funded abortion and defend traditional marriage. (Family Research Council)
Supreme Court Case to Watch
Supreme Court Hears Key Case Involving Parental Rights:
Camreta v. Greene
[Source: ParentalRights.org]
On Tuesday, March 1, the United States Supreme Court heard arguments in Camreta v. Greene, a case out of Oregon about whether or not a minor child has the right to be protected from seizure and interrogation by government officials without a warrant, emergency circumstances, or parental consent.
Eight years ago, a 9-year-old girl was pulled from her elementary school class and interrogated for two hours by a social worker and a police officer regarding allegations that her father was abusing her. These agents did not have a warrant or the permission of the child's mother, who was not accused of wrongdoing.
The girl repeatedly insisted her father was innocent, but finally incriminated him to give the interrogators what she became convinced was the only answer they were willing to hear. Ultimately, charges against the father were dropped and the girl was returned home, but the damage had been done.
The question now before the Court is whether the rights of both the girl and her mother were violated through the actions of these government agents. We believe the best protection for children and the best protectors of children's rights are fit and loving parents. No one will go further or give more to protect the interests of a child. This is another reason to support the Parental Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Camreta v. Greene is being heard concurrently with Alford v. Greene, a companion case. To learn more, read The Rutherford Institute's treatment of Alford v. Greene here.
We will be watching this case closely and keeping you apprised of any developments.
[Source: ParentalRights.org]
Prayer Request:
Pray that the rights of both mother and child will be upheld in this case, and that the intrusion of the state be stopped.
Scripture:
Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, But establish the just . . . (Psalm 7:9)
UK High Court: Alert
UK High Court Finds Christian Parents Unsuitable
The UN Convention of the Rights of a Child is causing major challenges for Christian parents in other countries and will cause the same here if it is ratified in the U.S. This treaty will devastate the rights of Christian parents to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The information below is submitted for your prayerful consideration.
The United Kingdom's High Court ruled yesterday (2/28) that Christians with traditional ethical views of sexuality are not suitable to serve as foster or adoptive parents. The judge held that Christian beliefs regarding homosexuality are harmful to children and violate a child's international human rights. Are these personal beliefs a good reason to deny children a home with a family who cares for them? And if exercising a protected religious liberty violates international child rights in this instance, who is to say what beliefs will be "unsuitable" next?
Those same rights are outlined in the United Nation's Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and would be binding on the United States should we ratify that treaty.
Fortunately, we expect a resolution opposing ratification of the CRC to be introduced in the U.S. Senate within the next week or so. Senator DeMint's office is currently gathering original cosponsors on the resolution (which is equivalent to SR 519 from the last Congress). [Source: ParentalRights.org]
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE U.N. COMMISSION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD (UNCRC) AND HOW YOU CAN TAKE ACTION AGAINST IT, VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR PARENTALRIGHTS.ORG BY GOING HERE. THANK YOU.
PRAYER REQUESTS
- PLEASE BE IN PRAYER THAT THIS UN TREATY ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD IS BLOCKED FROM EVER EVEN BEING CONSIDERED TO BE SIGNED IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE. [Note: Because this is a treaty, only the Senate - not the House - has jurisdiction here.]
- PRAY FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE FAMILY UNIT TO BE PRESERVED.
- PRAY THAT CHRISTIANS WILL NOT BE SINGLED OUT FOR THEIR BELIEFS.
SCRIPTURES
IT IS WRITTEN:
- "This far and no further, and here shall your proud waves be stopped." (Job 38:10)
- "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." (I Peter 3:12)
The Good News Corner
Tennessee bill would make following Shariah a felony
Tennessee is considering making it a felony to follow some versions of the Islamic code known as Shariah, the most severe measure yet put forth by a national movement whose members believe extremist Muslims want Shariah to supersede the Constitution.
The bill's sponsor, Republican Sen. Bill Ketron of Murfreesboro, said the proposal exempts the peaceful practice of Islam but seeks to condemn those "who take Shariah law to the other extreme." He said it would give state and local law enforcement officials "a powerful counter terrorism tool."
Ketron, who has successfully pushed through bills tightening restrictions on illegal immigrants, said he expects the Shariah measure will become law. (AP) Read more.
Worship with Us Today!
"Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" by Carman
Worship Him this weekend!!
