In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Obama Ignores Easter
• Impending Invasion of Israel
• Supreme Court Backs Religious School Aid
• Gas Prices Going Up
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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The Daily Brief - Tuesday, April 26, 2011
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. (Matthew 28:6)
The Daily Brief
1. Republicans Set Conditions for Debt-Limit Vote - Fox News
Two Illinois Republicans said Sunday they aren't buying the Obama administration's argument that the federal debt limit ought to be raised without a fuss.
- Father, we pray this administration will take ownership of the federal debt - and take action on reducing it - rather than seeking ways to increase the debt limit.
- In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty. (Proverbs 14:23)
2. Don't Like a Weak Dollar? Might as Well Get Used to It - CNBC
Weakness in the US dollar, which is causing everything to go up -- including gas prices, food and stocks -- is unlikely to go away soon as a selling frenzy hits the currency market.
- Father, we intercede for our economy. Give our leaders wisdom in federal finances, and the people wisdom in their personal finances. Give us wisdom and ability to save in plenty and in famine.
- I wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. 14) Counsel and sound judgment are mine. I have understanding and power. 18) With me are riches and honor; enduring wealth and prosperity. (Proverbs 8:12,14,18)
3. Texas firefighters race against clock to beat fires - Reuters
Hundreds of weary firefighters were racing against the clock on Sunday, pushing back massive brush fires that have destroyed near-record swatches of Texas countryside.
- Father, we intercede for Texas. Bring an end to these brush fires that are destroying the countryside. We speak peace to these destructive fires. Give strength and protection to the firefighters. In Jesus Name.
- Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. (Psalm 91: 3,5,6)
4. April 2011 Likely to Set Record for Most Tornadoes - AccuWeather
April 2011 has been a horrific month for severe weather so far with more than 550 reports of tornadoes, at least 39 tornado-related deaths and unthinkable destruction.
-Cry out to GOD for mercy for this nation. Between the fires, the floods, and the tornadoes, the day of wrath has come. May many come to know and to fear the Lord in His awesome power and come before His throne in repentance, leading to salvation.
- The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
5. California Judge's Partner Cited in Push to Uphold Same-Sex Marriage Ban - Fox News
The sponsors of California's same-sex marriage ban say the recent disclosure by the federal judge who struck down Proposition 8 that he is in a long-term relationship with another man has given them new grounds to appeal.
- Offer praise that grounds have now been found to challenge this judge's ruling striking down Proposition 8. Intercede that this case be reopened, and that justice be served. It is time to defend the traditional family in prayer and in action.
- "Ah, I will rid Myself of My adversaries, And take vengeance on My enemies. I will turn My hand against you, And thoroughly purge away your dross, And take away all your alloy. I will restore your judges as at the first, And your counselors as at the beginning. . . " (Isaiah 1:24-26)
6. At least 39 said killed and dozens wounded by Syria troops in Daraa - Ha'aretz
Witness says people were using mosque loudspeakers in Daraa to summon doctors to help the wounded as busloads of security forces conducted house-to-house searches.
- In this rapidly changing situation, please monitor all the news coming out of Syria closely, and pray for the protection of our brothers and sisters in Christ who live there. Thank you!
- For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways. (Psalm 91:11)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travails with child together: a great company shall return here. They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them - for I am a Father to Israel, and Ephraim is My firstborn. (Jeremiah 31:8-9)
1. Iranian ship loaded with poison gas seized at Port of Sinai - Jerusalem Post
An Iranian ship loaded with poison gas and headed towards Syria was seized at the Port of Sinai, Lebanese Arabic news daily the Beirut Observer reported Sunday.
2. Abbas says he was duped by US President Obama - Jerusalem Post
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas expressed disappointment in his American counterpart Barack Obama in an interview with Newsweek published on Sunday, saying the US president had led him on and then let him down by failing to keep pressure on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu for a moratorium on settlement building.
3. PLO official: PA prefers negotiations to unilateral declaration of Palestinian state - Ha'aretz
The Palestinian Authority will defer its attempts to unilaterally declare a Palestinian state at the United Nations if "real and serious" negotiations with Israel begin, an official was quoted saying Monday.
The Daily Jot
By their fruits you shall know them--The White House and Christ
In Matthew 7:15-16, Jesus warns, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits." He repeats again in verse 20, "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Jesus also told a parable about an evil sharecropper. The landowner sent his son to collect the fruits owed him from the land. The farmer killed the son. When he finished the parable, Jesus said in Matthew 21:43 "Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof." Both as individuals and as a nation we are known by our fruits. Now discern from this recent exchange at the White House.
Carney continued, "I'm glad you're asking these key important questions, guys. The fact is, Obama took his family to church in a very high-profile way to celebrate Easter. I think it was highly visible to most Americans. And he -- as a devoted Christian, he believes it's a very important holiday for him personally, for his family and for Christians around the country." The White House press office evidently is very defensive about this as at the top of its website, it notes that Obama delivered remarks about Easter at a breakfast last week. He said something about Easter last week, attended church for show--as he is not known for attending church--and he is a "devoted Christian."
Why do you suppose then, this guy has issued greetings for every Muslim holiday since he has been in office, but has shunned many Christian prayer events, and even, as the reporter said, "The highest Christian holiday"? Are these the actions of a "devoted" Christian? Incidentally, the last question of Monday's news conference was about Franklin Graham saying that Obama has some explaining to do regarding his birth record as well as The Muslim Brotherhood infiltrating every level of government. Carney replied: "I would just say I think it's unfortunate that a religious leader would choose Easter Sunday to make preposterous charges. And I'll leave it at that." And so will I.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
Obama Ignores Easter
Obama Ignores Easter; Recognizes Muslim Holidays
There is a report today noting that the Obama White House failed to issue a statement recognizing Good Friday or Easter. Yet the president did not fail to recognize at least three Muslim holidays last year with official White House statements.
Even the liberal media felt compelled to ask questions about the perceived slight to Christians at today's White House press briefing. Press Secretary Jay Carney tried to deflect the questions, but ultimately he had no explanation for why a statement wasn't issued.
Regardless of what the White House recognizes, most Americans believe their country is inextricably linked with Judeo-Christian notions of liberty, justice, and the relationship between government and man. That view of America is the subject of my Human Events column this week, which you can read here. (Gary Bauer)
Impending Invasion of Israel
A Time to Pray!
In late March, 2011, a battle cry was released in the Middle East as the Palestinian Authority recreated a Third Intifada page, which had previously been banned by Facebook. This page was calling for the destruction of the State of Israel and encouraging the gathering of millions to invade Israel's borders on May 15, 2011. Once the page was removed from Facebook, additional pages with the same call to action have been posted. Since their creation, these Facebook pages have gathered hundreds of thousands of "Likes," with similar pages gathering over 3,000,000 votes of support.
The "march into Israel" has been scheduled for May 15th-the date of the establishment of Israel's statehood and a day the Arab's refer to as "Nakba" or "Tragedy." These pages are gathering support and promoting the destruction of Israel with words like: "One billion Moslems for the destruction of Israel." "The historic march toward Palestine, 15.05.11." "Billion Muslims to exterminate Israel."
As Israel's neighbors are calling for her destruction, we are calling for Christians everywhere to take a stand to pray and fast for Israel in the days ahead. In order to facilitate this cause, we have created a group called One New Man United, which will exist as OneNewManUnited.org and under a Facebook page in order to raise awareness.
The One New Man United cause is looking for Christians around the globe who will unite in prayer and fasting on May 12, 13, 14 to Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem, all of Israel, and her neighbors.
On Friday, May 13th at 7:30 p.m. CT, One New Man United will be hosting a live prayer service, which will be streamed live from OneNewManUnited.org, allowing supporters of One New Man United to come together in prayer-2 days before the scheduled "march on Israel."
Will you consider joining us as an effective, unified Body-as One New Man United-lifting up Israel in support through prayer and fasting? If you would, and would like more information about One New Man United, please go online to OneNewManUnited.org.
Thank you for your support!
Curt and Christie Landry, Founders
Curt Landry Ministries
House of David Ministries
One New Man United
Supreme Court Backs Religious School Aid
SUPREME COURT BACKS RELIGIOUS SCHOOL AID
A divided U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday that taxpayers have no legal right to challenge a tax break worth millions to donors supporting private religious schools. The 5-4 decision left intact an Arizona tax subsidy that was enacted because the state constitution forbids direct aid to religious schools. The court's ruling put an implicit stamp of approval on similar laws in at least six other states that offer tax credits for those who support religious schools. And it is likely to encourage other states to do the same because tax credits are more politically acceptable than public aid to religious schools.
Justice Elena Kagan, in her first written dissent, spoke for the court's liberal bloc in saying the ruling "offers a road map - more truly, a one-step instruction" for those who seek public money to aid religion. Use tax credits, not cash grants, she advised.
The ruling goes further than ever before in shielding public subsidies for religion from a legal challenge. The First Amendment bars the government from promoting "an establishment of religion." And since the 1960s, the high court has invoked the First Amendment to strike down a series of state laws that send public money to parochial schools.
In all those decisions, taxpayers had sued in federal court, arguing the subsidy for religion violated the First Amendment. The Arizona case began the same way when several taxpayers sued to challenge the state's tax credits. They pointed out that some tuition support groups gave money only to children who attended certain church schools. And their ads told taxpayers they could support a child in a religious school and "it won't cost you a dime."
The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled this scheme an unconstitutional subsidy for teaching religion, but in Monday's decision Justice Anthony M. Kennedy threw out the entire lawsuit, holding that the objecting taxpayers had no standing to sue.
- Give thanks to the Lord for allowing justice to prevail in the freedom to educate children as parents deem prudent with their tax dollar credits. Thank the Lord for this nation's righteous judges who desire to see its citizens' educational needs and choices met with equity.
- "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6) [Reported by: Intercessors for America]
Gas Prices Going Up
GAS TOPS FOUR DOLLARS PER GALLON IN MANY STATES
The national average per gallon of gasoline has risen for 28 straight days, now at $3.83. According to USA Today's research, gasoline prices across the nation rose 33 cents a gallon on average the past two weeks.
New York has been added to the growing list of states where gas prices are topping $4 per gallon. This past Sunday, the Empire State became the sixth state to top $4 for the average price of a gallon of gas, joining Alaska, California, Connecticut, Hawaii and Illinois, according to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge. The average price of gas also rose to more than $4 per gallon in Washington, D.C. this past Saturday.
The next states to join the list could be Michigan, which has gas for $3.95 per gallon on average, and Indiana, where the average price is $3.94. Nevada, Washington and Wisconsin are close behind.
Hawaii has the highest price in the U.S. at $4.48 per gallon. As of this article, Wyoming has the lowest, at $3.54.
For American drivers, the $4 mark harkens back to the summer of 2008, when oil rose to $147 per barrel and gas prices topped out at $4.11 per gallon before the economy went into a tailspin. The rapid increase at the pump follows a parallel rise in oil. Since Labor Day, oil has risen 48 percent and U.S. gas prices have gone up 42 percent. The increases gained momentum in mid-February when a popular rebellion in Libya turned violent and shut down the country's exports. Crude has jumped 30 percent since then, with gas prices gaining 22 percent.
Rep. Doc Hastings (R-WA), who is chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, has catalogued ways he says the Obama administration has frustrated oil production, from suspended drilling leases to increased red tape. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) posted highlights of the list on his website.
"Since this administration has taken over, they have done everything to block energy development in this country," Hastings said.
Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, who may challenge Obama next year, suggested that Obama is quietly cheering for even higher prices at the pump.
"The Obama energy policy to me seems very clear. It's to increase the cost of energy so Americans will use less of it," Barbour said at a conference organized by the Wall Street Journal. "When you shut in the Gulf of Mexico, and American domestic oil production goes down, to me that is bad policy for our country."
But White House spokesman Jay Carney said there's one problem with this line of argument: Domestic oil production last year rose to its highest level since 2003.
According to the federal government's Energy Information Administration, U.S. oil production jumped nearly 3 percent last year, while oil imports fell. While the administration did suspend some Western drilling leases near national parks early on, the administration argues that oil producers still have 41 million acres in which to drill. (Contributors: Associated Press; USA Today; NPR; House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH))
- Pray that our national leaders would be given wisdom to stimulate oil production in ways that will benefit the consumer and promote effective use of our national resources. Ask for God's intervention into matters of wise conservation of our natural resources in order to be good stewards of His gifts.
- "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate." (I Timothy 6:17-18) (Reported by: Intercessors for America)
The Good News Corner
Rep. Giffords making Great Strides
Will Attend Her Husband's Shuttle Launch
Doctors have reportedly given Arizona congresswoman-and shooting victim-Gabrielle Giffords the green light to attend the launch of her husband Mark Kelly's space shuttle mission launch on Friday.
It will be the first time Rep. Giffords has traveled since being flown to the Houston rehab facility more than three months ago. Reports say Giffords is making remarkable progress in her recovery from the gunshot wound to her head on January 8th; she is now walking and talking in short sentences.
According to an AP report, Giffords has also been singing as a part of her music therapy, visiting with friends and family and asking for her Rabbi.
Mark Kelly is the commander of the Endeavor shuttle mission, which is set to launch at 3:47 PM EDT on Friday, April 29th from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The last time Rep. Giffords attended a shuttle launch that Kelly commanded was in 2008. (Source: Breaking Christian News)
Worship with Us Today!
My Redeemer Lives
YES!
My redeemer LIVES!!
