Today's Prayer News• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• OSW: What Do They Want?
• An Inconvenient Moment
• Democrats Protest Planned Parenthood Probe
• A Word of Warning
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
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Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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The Daily Brief - Friday, October 14, 2011
"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23 )
The Daily Brief
1. G20 finance ministers gather as time runs out - UK Telegraph
Global imbalances are as entrenched as they ever were. Budget deficits dominate the political agenda, with countries from the US to Italy to Greece still grappling unsuccessfully with their debts. Trade imbalances continue to warp economies, as consumer-heavy nations try to kick-start their manufacturing engines and exporters try to trigger a consumer boom.
B.) US-China Trade Deficit Hits Record High - VOA News
The U.S. trade deficit with China reached a record high in August. The gap between what China buys from U.S. companies and what the Chinese sell in the American market was $29 billion in August.
- Father, it surely seems the whole earth is "groaning and travailing", not only with earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and various "natural disasters", but also with rampant lawlessness, terrorism, and financial collapse worldwide. Clearly, You are removing all the "crutches" that so many have depended upon. Lord, we ask that, by Your Spirit, You will draw these people and nations to call upon You, and walk in Your wisdom, in order to bring stability and purpose to their world. You are our Rock, and Shelter in time of trouble. We ask for Your wisdom to be given to those in our government who make these trade agreements with China and other nations. We ask for equity, O Lord.
- "Now this I know: The LORD gives victory to His anointed. He answers him from His heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of His right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm." He that trusts in his riches shall fall; But the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf." (Psalm 20:6-8;) ( Proverbs 11:27)
2. Senate Republican jobs bill urges tax reform and cuts - Reuters
Senate Republicans, having rejected President Barack Obama's jobs bill, offered a sweeping and largely repackaged plan of their own on Thursday. Their "Jobs Through Growth Act" features a fresh call for tax reform and cuts as well as a number of components previously proposed, but stalled in the Democratic-led Senate.They include steps to: require a balanced budget; repeal Obama's overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system; lift prohibitions on offshore energy exploration and promote U.S. trade.
- Lord, we thank You that some of our lawmakers do have wisdom and sanity in matters of finance. We ask that You give them further wisdom on how to implement these ideas for the benefit of our nation and people. Please give them the courage of their convictions to hold firm, and the votes they need to bring about these necessary changes.
- "This is what the LORD says: Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know Me, that I am the LORD, Who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD." (Jeremiah 9:23,24)
3. US retail sales jump in September - Breitbart
Retail sales in the United States surged at their strongest pace in seven months in September, the US Commerce Department reported Friday. The September report showed sales were up 7.9 percent from September 2010; for the July-September third quarter, sales were up 8.0 percent. The gains were broad-based in September, Ryan Sweet at Moody's Analytics noted.
- We thank You, Abba, for this good news. We ask that the situation will continue to improve, and that it will also be reflected in jobs growth, especially for those who put their trust in You as their Provider and Source!
- "Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. And my God shall supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now unto our God and Father be the glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Matthew 6:8;) (Phil 4:19,20)
4. Applications for unemployment aid barely changed - AP
The number of people applying for unemployment benefits fell slightly last week, a sign the job market isn't getting much better. Applications ticked down by 1,000 to a seasonally adjusted 404,000, the Labor Department said Thursday.
- Lord, we thank You for even this small step in improvement of the job market. We again affirm our dependence on You and Your provision of wisdom and all that we need in this life. We thank You for wisdom and direction, as we know You guide our steps.
- "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue. A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps." (2 Peter 1:2,3;) (Proverbs 16:9)
5. Cain Surges to Lead in US Republican Presidential Race - VOA News
Georgia businessman Herman Cain is the surprise leader in the race for the Republican Party's presidential nomination, according to the latest poll. But some political analysts question whether Cain has enough staying power to remain a serious contender as the first caucus and primary votes approach early next year.
B.) Cain Plan's Reagan-era Roots - Wall Street Journal
Herman Cain's "9-9-9" plan might have been called the "Optimal Tax." The "9-9-9" plan would essentially scrap the existing tax code and replace it with just 9% tax rates on income, businesses and sales. Current taxes on investments would be eliminated or reduced, and payroll taxes also would be eliminated along with virtually all itemized deductions.
- O Lord, Most High, we come to You humbly, asking that You would give us godly leaders this coming election - men/women after Your own heart - as King David was. You delight in truth, and You are Truth! We ask that all political "rhetoric" will be unable to mask the truth concerning each candidate's beliefs and motives. We ask for Your wisdom in our evaluation of each candidate, and their various positions on the issues. We ask that godliness would prevail! We repent for looking to a man/woman, or a "party"; but rather we will look for integrity, godly wisdom, and integrity of heart. Have mercy on us, we pray, and may we elect Your choice for each office! In Yeshua's Name, we pray.
- "We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ." (I John 5:20;) (I Corinthians 2:16)
6. NYC "Occupy" showdown averted; Cleanup put off - CBS News
The cleanup of a plaza in lower Manhattan where protesters have been camped out for a month was postponed early Friday, sending cheers up from a crowd that had feared the effort was merely a pretext to evict them.
- Father, we thank You that an unpleasant confrontation was avoided in this situation. We ask for Your Divine wisdom and intervention on behalf of both sides in this conflict. We ask that these people not be of a "mob mentality", but would rather think for themselves, and do what is right, through legal challenges, not "brut force". It seems both sides are at an "impasse", so we ask that You would give creative ideas to those who would wish to mediate this dispute. We pray for peace to come. We know that almost half of American families are already dependent on U.S. government assistance of some kind. May they be motivated to work themselves out of this situation, rather than expect further "hand-outs"; and thereby restore their own self-respect and hope.
- "For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." ( 2 Chronicles 2:12;) (James 1:5)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity, and passes by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retains not His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will turn again; He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. You will perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which You have sworn unto our fathers from the days of old." (Micah 7:18-20)
1. Hamas refuses to abandon policy of IDF kidnappings - Jerusalem Post
Hamas did not agree to an Israeli request to abandon a policy of future IDF kidnappings as part of the prisoner-swap agreement with Israel, a Palestinian source told the London-based Al Hayat on Friday.
2. Missing Libya Missiles Find Their Way to Gaza Border - ABC News
Some of the thousands of surface-to-air missiles that have gone missing since the collapse of the Gadhafi regime in Libya have now turned up just miles from the Israeli border.
3. Egypt: Planes patrol Sinai without Israel's consent - Ynet News
Egypt's air force chief said on Thursday that Egyptian warplanes are patrolling Sinai without Israel's consent, despite a 1979 peace treaty limiting Egypt's military presence in the peninsula.
The Daily Jot
The truth of the lie
The Occupy Wall Street "movement" is akin to the ACORN group that in their support for the current president broke the law through voter fraud and many other violations. Occupy is the same ilk, only more publicly radical. It is a front group for the president's reelect campaign, espousing socialism and communism, wanting reform by dismantling the American free market system. It is devoid of any concept that inalienable rights are endowed by God and to secure those rights government is instituted, deriving its just power from the consent of the governed. The Occupation Declaration says "it is up to individuals to protect their own rights." This is the recipe for anarchy, the remaking of America.
As the insanestream media says Occupy is similar to the TEA Party and showers them with comparisons to the Founding Fathers, there are a handful that are gaining back some of their sanity. Reuters is finally following the money. These protesters are backed indirectly by communistic, America hating, revolution supporting billionaire George Soros. Reuters reports that Soros gave the leftist Tide Foundation $3.5 million. Tide is a clearing house for liberal non profits. And Tide gave $185,000 to Adbusters, a Canadian anti-capitalism non profit that started the "Occupy" protests in hopes of creating an "Arab Spring" in America. This is just one example of how money flows to undermine America.
The roots of this socialism reach the White House. WorldNetDaily reports that Soros funded economist Joseph Stiglitz, who taught a course to Occupy Wall Street protestors to help them better understand the global financial crisis. Stiglitz is a former chair of the Commission on Global Financial Issues of Socialists International and has lectured on "A New Economic World Order" where he called for a world not dominated by a single superpower. The Nobel Prize winner is an economic advisor to the current president, but has been critical because the stimulus did not go far enough. Stiglitz was also the Chairman of President Bill Clinton's White House Council on Economic Advisors.
Covetousness both from corporations and government has caused great harm to many American citizens. The problem, however, will not be solved by more government, more oppressive government, and by disbanding capitalism in deference to socialism or communism. The absence of God is at the root. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:13, "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." We have inherited a wonderful gift of freedom from God with this nation. Will our future be determined by how bright our light shines or by the foreboding darkness in the hearts of the Godless?
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
Occupy Wall Street:
What Do They Want?
(This is) . . . a mob that runs the risk of seriously embarrassing liberals. And the more the public sees of it, the less there is to like.
In fact, some liberals are now trying to distance themselves from this radical movement, which the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee recently compared to the great American middle class. Consider these excerpts from the liberal editors of The New Republic:
"But, to draw on the old cliché, the enemy of my enemy is not necessarily my friend. . . the volume of interviews, speeches, and online declarations associated with the protests does make it possible to arrive at some broad generalizations about what Occupy Wall Street stands for. And these, in turn, suggest a few reasons for liberals to be nervous about the movement.
"One of the core differences between liberals and radicals is that liberals are capitalists. They believe in a capitalism that is democratically regulated. But these are not the principles we are hearing from the protesters. Instead, we are hearing calls for the upending of capitalism entirely. And so, on the question of how liberals should feel about Occupy Wall Street, count us as deeply skeptical."
In a column today, George Will identifies some of the issues making the editors of The New Republic skeptical:
"Demands posted in OWS's name include a 'guaranteed living wage income regardless of employment'; a $20-an-hour minimum wage; ending 'the fossil fuel economy'; 'open borders' so 'anyone can travel anywhere to work and live'; $1 trillion for infrastructure; $1 trillion for 'ecological restoration' (e.g., re-establishing 'the natural flow of river systems'); 'free college education.' And forgiveness of 'all debt on the entire planet period.'"
Don't be fooled by the media's spin on these protests. They do not represent the middle class. This is the far left fringe. The applause and affirmation for the Occupy Wall Street movement that is coming from Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Al Gore and other leading Democrats speaks volumes about what a second Obama term could look like. (Gary Bauer)
An Inconvenient Moment
This week's news about the Iranian plot to assassinate Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States and to bomb Israel's Washington embassy has created an inconvenient moment for the Obama Administration. Manssor Arbabsiar of Corpus Christi, Texas, says he was "directed by high-ranking members of the Iranian government," including a relative who is believed to be a member of Quds Force, an elite unit of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. This is a stunning development that shows just how little Tehran fears America right now.
Obama spent the entire 2008 campaign bashing George W. Bush for having bad relations with the Islamic world and for refusing to talk to Iran. In a major speech not long after taking office, Obama said to the Iranians, "If you will unclench your fist, I will extend a hand of friendship." He sent the Iranian government greetings on Ramadan and the Persian new year.
The Iranian government responded by killing U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan through the use of roadside bombs. Now it has plotted to bomb Washington, D.C. Tapes in our possession reportedly indicate that these thugs had no concern about "collateral damage" from the bombings, i.e., dead Americans.
This administration argues that conservatives are dead wrong when we insist that the enemy is radical Islamists. When a Muslim involved with terrorism is arrested, the official line is that he doesn't understand his own religion. Obama's top counterterrorism official at the White House says jihad means self-improvement. Obama goes out of his way to sing the praises of Islam's contributions to America. (What are they?)
Are they seriously trying to tell us that Iran under a secular government would be acting no differently than the Islamic Republic is currently behaving under the radical Shiite mullahs? Of course it would be different! The mullahs believe they are paving the way for the Mahdi, an Islamic "messiah" that will cleanse the world of infidels. The Islamic Republic's behavior has everything to do with its religion.
What is the administration going to do in response? Next to nothing. ABC News reports that "Senior Obama administration officials said the U.S. . . . will pursue a path of response that would not include the possibility of an armed conflict with Iran." [Emphasis added.] Already we have taken our most potent option off the table.
Instead, administration officials tell us they are going to rally the world to toughen sanctions against Iran. I've got news for Obama and Secretary of State Clinton: The world won't rally. Russia and China just vetoed resolutions against Syria for slaughtering its own citizens. Only 30 countries walked out in protest of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's offensive rant at the U.N. Sadly, many in the world are disappointed that Iran failed to pull off this attack in Washington. But this is an inconvenient moment not only for the left-wing establishment that blames America for every evil in the world. It is also an inconvenient moment for isolationists like Ron Paul, who say that if we would just ignore the thugs of the world everything would be okay. Isolationism and passivism didn't keep us out of World War I or World War II, and it won't save us from Islamofascism either. (Gary Bauer)
Democrats Continue Blasting New Planned Parenthood Probe
More members of Congress - all Democrats - have come out in strong opposition to the impending investigation a House committee launched this week, when the head of an oversight committee requested numerous documents from the abortion business.
In a September 15 letter LifeNews.com obtained, Rep. Cliff Stearns, a Florida Republican who is the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Investigations, writes to Cecile Richards, the president of Planned Parenthood.
The letter requests any information related to improper billing related to federally-funded programs, proof that federal funds are not being improperly used to pay for abortions by PPFA or its affiliates, audits by state agencies of any Planned Parenthood affiliate, and documentation of how many affiliates currently receive Title X family planning funding. The Stearns letter also requests documents on standards and practices related to billing issues, written policies and procedures, and it requests information on how the abortion giant keeps its family planning abortion monies separate and segregated. (Christian Coalition of America)
- Father, we thank You that those involved in wicked commerce are being held accountable for funds taken from taxpayers, a majority of whom do not agree with the taking of life in the womb. We tell the voices in objection to this investigation to be silent. Thank You that we may speak life to our country's laws.
- "For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he saith." (Mark 11:23)
A Word of Warning
Financial Crisis Engulfs Europe and Could spread to US
Dear Friends:
All the hurricane warning flags are flying as this past week without warning, Lloyds, - the oldest insurance market suddenly announced that it has withdrawn all its money from European Banks! The reason, as the Finance Director declared, "If you're worried the government itself might be at risk, then you're certainly worried the banks could be taken down with them!"
Think about the severity of this move. When the world's oldest insurance company, a firm that is 323 years old who has made a successful living accurately predicting the odds of future disasters suddenly takes 100% of its money and runs from all the banks in Europe, it's a sign that they believe the beginning of the end of the EU is at hand. Nations are at risk of defaulting, banks are at risk, private corporations are at risk of failing.
The United States is facing a stark reality today that a massive default in the EU of sovereign nations and banks could bring down major banks, money market funds, and corporations here in the US as well. The major lender to EU banks has been the banks and money market funds here in the US. Understand, the world as we know it could change in the blink of an eye in the weeks ahead.
It is time to for each of us to pray and seek God's strategy if this calamity should suddenly come upon us and our nation. It is a time when each of us must seek the Lord, draw close to Him, hear His voice and obey what He tells us to do. Human wisdom will fail when panic grips the world. Remember, our God knows the end from the beginning, and what is coming is no surprise to Him.
Hearing God's voice and seeking wisdom and understanding from Him in a time such as this can mean the difference between life and death for you and your family. Do not take this lightly.
"The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing. The righteous cry, and the LORD hears And delivers them out of all their troubles."
(Psalm 34:10 & 17)
Shalom and blessings
Barry & Linda Battelstein
PLEASE NOTE:
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners, along with House of David Ministries will host Barry Battelstein at the end of the month as follows:
Date: Saturday, October 30th
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Church on the Rock
14310 Sullyfield Circle; #350
Chantilly, VA 20151
http://ChurchontheRockchantilly.com
Please mark your calendars now and plan to join us for an afternoon with Barry and Linda Battelstein. Welcome!
The Good News Corner:
ICEJ Live Streaming: The Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem!
The ICEJ's 2011 Feast of Tabernacles celebration will go live today, right here, at these times:
Oct 14 2011 6:30pm (Jerusalem)
Oct 15 2011 1.30am (Tokyo)
Oct 14 2011 5:30pm (London)
Oct 14 2011 1:30pm (New York)
The ICEJ's annual Feast of Tabernacles celebration will be streamed here live everyday from Oct 13-18, 2011.
To view the Feast of Tabernacles, go here.
BACKGROUND:
6000 Christians Gather In Jerusalem For Sukkot
The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem is welcoming more than 6,000 Christian pilgrims from up to 100 nations for its annual celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, which began Thursday evening at Jerusalem's International Convention Center.
Also called Sukkot or Feast of Booths, the Feast of Tabernacles is a biblical holiday and one of three mandated Jewish festivals to return to the temple in Jerusalem. The weeklong festivities mark Israel's largest annual tourist event and the largest solidarity mission to Israel this year, injecting an estimated $15 million to $18 million into the local economy.
"It is a privilege to build on the unmatched record we have established over the past three decades for Christian tourism and solidarity with Israel," says Dr. Juergen Buehler, the ICEJ's incoming executive cirector. "This year's gathering will again underline our message that Israel is not isolated but has millions of Christian advocates and admirers worldwide. Large delegations from some exciting new countries show this support is growing, and we all look forward to celebrating the joyous festival of Sukkot with our Jewish friends."
A number of Israeli dignitaries will address the gathering, including deputy foreign minister Daniel Ayalon, deputy minister Gila Gamliel, MK David Rotem, chairman of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus, and Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Tourism Stas Misezhnikov will deliver greetings by video.
Among this year's pilgrims are large delegations from Australia, Brazil, China, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Norway, Russia, South Africa, Thailand and the United States.
Featured speakers this year include Angus Buchan, a South African farmer-turned-evangelist whose inspiring story is told in the book and movie, Faith Like Potatoes. Pastor Werner Oder, the son of a Nazi war criminal from Austria who is a Christian minister in England and an outspoken friend of Israel, will also appear.
The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem was founded during the very first public Christian celebration of the Feast in September 1980, at a time when the last remaining 13 national embassies had just left the city for Tel Aviv. In response, some 1,000 pilgrims from 40 nations decided to open a Christian Embassy in Jerusalem as an act of comfort and solidarity with the 3,000-year-old Jewish claim and connection to this city. Today, the Christian Embassy is considered the world's largest pro-Israel Christian organization, with branches in 65 nations and a reach into over 130 nations around the globe.
Worship with Us Today!
Blessed Are You by Paul Wilbur
Praise be to His Holy Name!
