In This Issue• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• In Gaza: Enemies of Israel Join Forces
• Congress Responds to Gaza News
• In Virginia: A.G. Takes Action
• And in London Today . . .
• Remembering David Wilkerson
• Worship with Us Today!
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The Daily Brief - Friday, April 29, 2011
"Comfort ye, comfort ye my people," saith your God. (Isaiah 40:1)
The Daily Brief
1. Obama Tours Storm-Wracked Alabama as Survivors Pick Up Pieces - Fox News
Obama arrived in devastated Alabama to console victims whose emergency safety net has been so badly frayed, at least one town was begging for body bags. After witnessing the damage in storm-wracked neighborhoods, Obama promised help and remarked that he's "never seen devastation like this." Entire neighborhoods were obliterated in the city of more than 83,000 that's home to the University of Alabama. Read more.
- Pray over all the relief efforts now being amassed in the wake of these deadly tornadoes, both from private and public sources. When disaster strikes in other countries, the United States is always quick to offer help; it is now time to help our own.
- "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (Matthew 21:22)
2. Survivors Picking Up Pieces After Deadly Twisters Kill Over 300 - Fox News
In Phil Campbell, a small town of 1,000 in northwest Alabama where 26 people died, the grocery store, gas stations and medical clinic were destroyed by a tornado that Mayor Jerry Mays estimated was a half-mile wide and traveled some 20 miles. "We've lost everything. Let's just say it like it is," Mays said. "I'm afraid we might have some suicides because of this."
- This mayor is speaking the truth and telling it like it is. This is the heartcry of a "king" who must help his people cope with disaster. Bind the spirit of suicide that may be active throughout the states and towns where the tornadoes hit this week, and call forth the hope we have within. Let's not see more disasters follow the first ones. Read more.
- "I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth." (Job 19:25)
- " [Though my life suffers the loss of all things,] yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of the deer, He enables me to go to the heights." (Habakkuk 3:17-19)
3. Court Rejects Ban on Federal Stem Cell Funds - Fox News
Appeals court overturns decision that blocked White House from using taxpayer funds for stem cell research
- Father we lay our nation before You once again and plead for mercy. We are broken that our judges and leaders continue to shed the blood of innocents without remorse. We pray that You would release Your Spirit and grant us repentance from coast to coast.
- "And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment." (John 16:8)
4. Syria Baath Party members quit; military defections reported - LA Times
Cracks appeared in the Syrian regime Thursday with the resignations of members of the ruling Baath Party and continuing reports of divisions in the military before another showdown with protesters expected Friday.
- Father we pray for more and more cracks in the Syrian government, that their reign of terror will finally come to an end. We pray also that You will fill those cracks with Your Holy Spirit and not allow terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda to fill them.
- "Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap." (Isaiah 17:1)
5. Obama Under Pressure to Call for Syrian Leader's Ouster - Fox News
Obama is facing increased pressure to call for the ouster of Syrian President Bashar Assad, as Assad's government continues a violent crackdown on protesters that activists say has killed more than 450 people. While Obama has resisted those calls so far, on Friday he imposed financial penalties against three top Syrian officials, Syria's intelligence agency and Iran's Revolutionary Guard.
"We call on President Assad to change course now, and heed the calls of his own people," the White House said Friday evening in its strongest statement yet on the unrest in Syria, calling the Syrian government's actions "deplorable." Read more.
- Pray in the Spirit over this report. The LORD knows the plans He has in store for this people, and He is certainly keeping watch over His own. Ask that wisdom be granted to Mr. Obama in this delicate matter. May God's perfect will -- and only His perfect will -- be done in and through the nation of Syria.
- "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." (Matt. 6:10)
6. IAEA Confirms Syria Secretly Building Nuclear Reactor - VOA News
The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency has said for the first time that a target bombed in Syria in 2007 was a secretly built nuclear reactor.
- Lord we often wonder why it takes governments so long to speak truth when everyone else knows all along what is going on. We ask that in this shakeup in Syria You will stop any further nuclear arms production and protect Your people Israel from harm.
- "I will break also the bar of Damascus . . ." (Amos 1:5a)
7. NASA Postpones Space Shuttle Endeavour Launch at Least 72 Hours - Fox News
NASA has postponed the launch of space shuttle Endeavour by at least 72 hours, following the discovery of two failed heaters in an auxiliary power unit. "We will fly no orbiter before she's ready," said Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director, announcing the delay. "Today she just wasn't ready to go." Leinbach said the issue lay in the thermostat for one of the fuel lines tied to Auxiliary Power Unit 1 heaters, which provide hydraulic power to steer the craft during ascent and descent.
- Offer great praise for the wisdom demonstrated by these officials at NASA in delaying the launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavor. Pray that, before liftoff, any other hidden thing that may yet need to be corrected will be revealed and repaired. Praise God!
- For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. (Mark 4:22)
8. Obama Meets with Giffords, Husband in Florida - Fox News
Obama met with Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords at Kennedy Space Center Friday for about 10 minutes before meeting with her astronaut husband, Endeavour shuttle commander Mark Kelly. Obama still went on a planned trip to Cape Canaveral even after the mission was scrubbed due to technical difficulties.
Obama first toured part of Kennedy Space Center, and saw parts of the shuttle Atlantis before meeting with the Endeavour astronauts.
Giffords came to Florida from Houston, where she is recovering from a January assassination attempt. Obama saw her husband first and according to a readout from the White House Kelly said, "I bet you were hoping to see a rocket launch today." The president replied, "We were hoping to see you." They shook hands and embraced.
- We continue to be amazed at the reports of Rep. Giffords' miraculous recovery from the wounds she suffered during the failed assassination attempt in January. Let's not forget to lift her up in prayer, as long as it takes, until the full recovery of all of her faculties has been restored. Praise God!
- "(She) will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done." (Psalm 118:17)
9. WikiLeaks: Bin Laden watched 9/11 attacks on TV - Ynet News
Hundreds of new classified United States military documents shed light on the whereabouts of al-Qaeda terrorists after the September 11 terror attacks.
- God, sweep over the crowds of terrorists who played any part in the destruction of the twin towers in New York City. Speak to the evil spirits in these people that they are bound under the blood of Jesus. Take hold of their hearts by the righteous Holy Spirit and bring them to their knees in utter repentance by asking forgiveness for their evil deeds and save their souls by the blood of Jesus. In Jesus' Name we pray.
- "And behold the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands." (Acts 12:7)
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. Egypt FM: Gaza border crossing to be permanently opened - Ha'aretz
Egypt's foreign minister said in an interview with Al-Jazeera on Thursday that preparations were underway to open the Rafah border crossing with Gaza on a permanent basis.
2. US to reconsider PA funding following unity deal - Jerusalem Post
The Palestinian government remains in place despite a reconciliation deal between the two main Palestinian factions and US aid continues to flow to it, US State Department spokeswoman Heide Bronke-Fulton said on Thursday, saying it would review aid if a new one is formed.
The Daily Jot
The big wedding--are you invited?
There was a big wedding in England this week. Anybody who is anybody was invited. It was the beautiful people on earth all gathered to see Prince William wed Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey. The man who occupies the Oval Office was not invited. And the Ambassador to Syria, a terrorist sponsoring nation, was uninvited because he is not supporting the democratic revolution there sponsored by another terrorist group, the Muslim Brotherhood. So where does that put the President of the United States--somewhere between president of the most powerful nation in the free world and a front man for a terrorist sponsoring country? But there is going to be another wedding even bigger than the royals.
Not everybody will make the list on this wedding either. In fact, you will be most likely surprised who is there. Its been a long time in preparation. In typical Jewish tradition, the bridegroom has gone to prepare a place for his bride at his father's estate. When the father says that the abode is ready, the bridegroom will return for his bride. The bride is supposed to be spotless and ready, for she does not know at what day or time her groom will return. She should have her life in order, ready to leave with her husband on a moments notice. She has many, many who tend to her. They are also to keep watch for the return of the groom, as it may be like a thief in the night.
Unlike the royals' guestbook, the names of those who will attend this wedding are kept in a book away from the public's eye. In fact, not all who know the groom and have done many wonderful works in his name will be allowed to enter in. Some who have known the groom for a long time, others who have known him only a short time will be allowed to come. Its not a list of celebrities. In fact, a lot of common folk will make the list, to the great astonishment of others. Some might be those who work in the field, others in factories, still others who are fishermen. Some might have a lot of money, but most will not. Notwithstanding, this will be the most important of royal weddings in history.
By now you may have figured out that I am referring to the wedding of the Church with Jesus Christ. It is the wedding that nobody would want to miss. And its not going to matter whether you are the president of the United States or the ambassador to Syria. All that matters is your heart and whether you have accepted Jesus as your savior and have kept his commandments. While many may have wished and hoped they were in the guest book for the Will and Kate wedding, the one thing everyone should want to be sure of is to have your name written in the book of life. Revelation 20:15 says, "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Do you have an invitation?
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
In Gaza: Enemies of Israel Join Forces
ALERT!!
Abbas's Fatah Party Reaches Unity Government Deal with Hamas
In a move that could send shockwaves through Israel, Palestinian Authority [PA] head Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party and the terrorist Hamas group have agreed to form an interim national unity government, according to The Jerusalem Post.
The agreement, which still must be signed, includes plans to hold new elections in a year and poses a serious threat to obliterate any chance of a renewed peace process between Israel and the PA. Among other concerns, Hamas has refused to recognize Israel's right to exist, and one senior official has already dismissed joining peace talks.
In a response to the expected unity agreement, posted on the Prime Minister's Office Web site, Benjamin Netanyahu said, "The Palestinian Authority needs to choose between peace with Israel and peace with Hamas. Peace with both is impossible because Hamas aspires to destroy the State of Israel and says so openly. It fires missiles at our cities; it fires anti-tank rockets at our children."
Hamas is in agreement with Netanyahu's sentiment that they are opposed to a peace deal. Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Zahar said Hamas would not participate in peace talks with Israel, reported The Jerusalem Post. "Our plan does not involve negotiations with Israel or recognizing it," Zahar said. "It will be impossible for an interim government to take part in the peace process with Israel."
The Jerusalem Post noted in their coverage of the Palestinian reconciliation deal that the signing of a previous deal in 2009 fell apart at the last minute. However, that appears unlikely to happen here. The head of the Fatah negotiating delegation said regarding the current agreement that the sides have agreed on all the disputed issues.
The Israeli newspaper reported that a member of the Hamas delegation said the sides have signed initial letters of the deal, with a final signing still to come between the two factions' leaders. Zahar also has outlined several of the terms of the Palestinian unity deal, including forming an interim unity government made up of "professional" figures, each side releasing the other's prisoners and forming a security committee.
The Jerusalem Post did not detail how security cooperation would be handled, however, that could threaten the cooperation between Israel and PA security forces that has helped keep a lid on terrorism in the West Bank [Judea and Samaria]. In addition, a mass prisoner release could put Hamas terrorists back on the streets. (Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, April 27, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that this new cooperation between Hamas and Fatah does not result in increased violence and terror activity against Israel. Pray that the international community will recognize the danger this alliance presents for Israel and the region.
Scripture
"For I will not trust in my bow, nor shall my sword save me. But You have saved us from our enemies, and have put to shame those who hated us. In God we boast all day long, and praise Your name forever." (Psalm 44:6-8) [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]
Congress Responds to Gaza News
US Lawmakers Threaten to Halt Funds to Palestinians
As the international community started to respond to reports of an upcoming unity government deal between Palestinian Authority [PA] leader Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah party and the Hamas terrorist group, US lawmakers threatened to cut off financial aid to the Palestinian government.
Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen pointed out in a statement posted on the committee's Web site that US law forbids giving aid to a government that refuses to accept Israel's right to exist, a stance taken by Hamas.
"The reported agreement between Fatah and Hamas means that a Foreign Terrorist Organization which has called for the destruction of Israel will be part of the Palestinian Authority government," said Ros-Lehtinen. "US taxpayer funds should not and must not be used to support those who threaten US security, our interests, and our vital ally, Israel.
"According to existing US law, such a hybrid government cannot be a recipient of US taxpayer funds because the law stipulates that the PA government must recognize the Jewish state of Israel's right to exist, among other things. Therefore, in order to implement existing law, the US must end assistance to the Palestinian Authority."
Since 2007, Hamas has been excluded from the PA government in the West Bank [Judea and Samaria], following a violent split with Abbas's Fatah party that left Hamas in charge in the Gaza Strip. That has enabled the US to give the PA hundreds of millions of dollars.
Ros-Lehtinen, a Republican, wasn't the only concerned legislator. Rep. Gary Ackerman, a member of Obama's Democrat Party, also raised the prospect of withholding funds to the upcoming Palestinian government.
"As in prior cases, the United States will be compelled by both law and decency to withhold any assistance that could fall into the hands or control or even partial control of anyone reporting to, or belonging to a terrorist entity, as is Hamas. And in the current political climate, even assistance that would otherwise have gone to parts of the Palestinian Authority untainted by terrorism may no longer be salvageable," said Ackerman in a statement on his Web site.
"For months, President Abbas has refused partnership with Israeli Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu in pursuing peace negotiations. It now appears that he is writing off partnership with the United States in helping to govern and develop Palestinian society. It's certainly historic leadership. Just not the good kind."
In the region, Iran welcomed the Palestinian agreement. According to a report on the Fars News Agency Web site, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said he believed the move was a step towards Palestinian goals, presumably statehood. Fars paraphrased Salehi as hoping the unity deal would lead to the acquiring of "great victories in confrontations" with Israel. (Excerpts of an article by Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, April 28, 2011)
Prayer Focus
Pray that the international community will follow the lead of the United States in their reaction to this critical development, recognizing the danger this alliance presents for Israel and the region and refusing to support it.
Scripture
"For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6)
(Reported by: Bridges for Peace)
In Virginia: A.G. Takes Action
Virginia AG Ousts King & Spalding Over Defense of Marriage Act
Summary: Atlanta law firm dropped for its "obsequious act of weakness."
In a scathing letter to King & Spalding, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli terminated today his office's two-year relationship with the mega law firm -- a move that shocked the legal community. King & Spalding had been hired by the state in 2009, to provide outside counsel and help represent Virginia's numerous state agencies.
Paul Clement, the well-respected former solicitor general appointed by House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio to defend DOMA, abruptly resigned from King & Spalding on April 26, when the firm caved to gay activists' pressures over the case.
Citing a lack of trust, Cuccinelli wrote, "Virginia seeks firms of commitment, courage, strength and toughness, and unfortunately, what the world has learned of King & Spalding, is that your firm utterly lacks such qualities."
Jordan Lorence, senior counsel and senior vice-president of the Office of Strategic Initiatives for the Alliance Defense Fund, praised the Republican attorney general. "The language in the letter is refreshingly strong," he said, "and Cuccinelli is that way." (CitizenLink)
Read Cuccinelli's letter, obtained by The Washington Examiner.
And in London Today . . .
The Meaning Of Marriage Proudly Proclaimed
Earlier this week, I wrote about the effort to defend marriage in America. Sadly, one the nation's most prestigious law firms was unwilling to defend the law defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
While American politicians, judges, lawyers and activists debate the meaning of marriage, an estimated two billion people today tuned in to watch the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Those present in Westminster Abbey, and watching around the world, heard Dr. John Hall, Dean of Westminster Abbey, deliver the introduction to the royal wedding, explaining what all the "fuss" was about. Here is an excerpt of his remarks:
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God and in the face of this congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God himself, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and first miracle that he wrought, in Cana of Galilee, and is commended in Holy Writ to be honourable among all men . . .
"First, it was ordained for the increase of mankind according to the will of God, and that children might be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and to the praise of his holy name.
"Secondly, it was ordained in order that the natural instincts and affections, implanted by God, should be hallowed and directed aright; that those who are called of God to this holy estate, should continue therein in pureness of living.
"Thirdly, it was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity."
Listening to those words, I was struck by the contrast of a law firm unwilling to defend the law and a cleric boldly proclaiming the truth of God's law; the confusion of our courts versus the natural law written by the God of Abraham.
The left likes to claim that you cannot legislate morality. But all law is someone's concept of morality -- someone's decision that this is right and that is wrong. The culture war raging in America today is about who gets to decide; what concept of morality will prevail; whose values will our children and grandchildren inherit. Elections have consequences. That is why it is so important for men and women of faith to be fully engaged in the "good fight" for our values. (Gary Bauer)
Remembering David Wilkerson
As most of you are aware, we are not very interested in placing people on pedestals. We believe that all people should be treated with love and honor just like Jesus gave it to us. We aren't impressed by titles or position or fame. So it is with sadness that we have to say goodbye on earth to a man who gave the Lord's love to all regardless of their station in life--even though he was a "Big Deal" in the Christian world: David Wilkerson died in a tragic car accident yesterday.
His book "The Cross and the Switchblade" was instrumental in leading Rosalie to become who she is today. And I have to say the same thing. We saw in Mr. Wilkerson a man who wasn't interested in showing off for the camera or an audience - he simply gave the word as he heard it and agonized over its implications. He cared about people and he loved the Lord. Therefore the word he gave carried true weight- not showmanship, just truth.
The day before 9-11-01, Mr. Wilkerson's church was praying for a conference at their church, which was not far from the Trade Towers in New York. They all in one accord had a bad feeling. They told David and he cancelled the conference. How many pastors do you know would listen to prayer warriors closely enough to hear them from the Spirit of God?That one act alone probably saved the lives of hundreds of people.
Love breeds wisdom. Love purifies the heart so that God's Word is clear and true. Whenever selfish ambition dwells in a heart, then the word is tainted. As we say goodbye to a true man of God, let's endeavor to purge our hearts of selfish ambition, greed, and other sins. Then we will be able to hear the Lord clearly and make a real difference in the lives of those around us. Then when we see David Wilkerson in eternity we will celebrate together what God has done in our hearts!
Love,
Pastor Faye
Post Falls, Idaho
Worship with Us Today!
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