News for Prayer!• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• OWS Movement Turns Violent
• A Message from 1948
• In Alabama: Atheists Protest
• In N.C. - New Pro-Life Law Takes Effect
• Please Note
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
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The Daily Brief - Thursday, October 27, 2011
"Occupy till I come." (Luke 19:13b)
The Daily Brief
1. Federal Judge Temporarily Bars Florida's Welfare Drug-test Law - CNN
The law went into effect July 1, but a single father and the American Civil Liberties Union contend in a lawsuit that the new law is unconstitutional and violates Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure. Florida is not the first state to pass such legislation. Michigan passed a similar law that was found to be unconstitutional by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2003 for violating the Fourth Amendment.
"Research shows higher drug use among individuals receiving government assistance, and drug abuse also forces children into welfare assistance," Scott said while signing the bill into law. But Judge Scriven said in her ruling that based on the evidence, "there is a substantial likelihood" that Florida's law could be found unconstitutional.
• Lord, we pray the courts will not find this unconstitutional, but that the government has a valid reason to require a drug test on those applying for government assistance. Besides the danger to the children whose guardians might have drug problems, the state also has an obligation to balance the budgets in many states.
• Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle - Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him. (Psalms 32: 9, 10)
2. Christie Slams 'Elite' Judges in Pension Squabble - NewsMax
A superior court judge sparked a furor last week when she ruled that increases in the costs of pensions and healthcare benefits for members of the judiciary amount to pay cuts forbidden under the state Constitution. Christie appealed the ruling, but he also is calling for a state constitutional amendment that would force judges to pay more for their pensions.
"We are asking people who are paid the most to pay the most for the most generous pension benefits," the Republican governor said Tuesday during a campaign event at the Trenton War Memorial. "These are public servants, not kings and queens in black robes."
• Lord, our governing bodies are no longer working for the citizens, but instead they are working for themselves. Let our governments - including the courts, be replaced with people of honor and integrity who will not fatten themselves off the people. Let righteousness rise up in our nation, our courts, and our people.
• For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, But His secret counsel is with the upright. The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just. (Proverbs 3; 32, 33)
3. ACORN Playing Behind Scenes Role in 'Occupy' Movement - Fox News
The former New York office for ACORN, the disbanded community activist group, is playing a key role in the self-proclaimed "leaderless" Occupy Wall Street movement, organizing "guerrilla" protest events and hiring door-to-door canvassers to collect money under the banner of various causes while spending it on protest-related activities, sources tell FoxNews.com.
Sources said NYCC has hired about 100 former ACORN-affiliated staff members from other cities - paying some of them $100 a day - to attend and support Occupy Wall Street. Dozens of New York homeless people recruited from shelters are also being paid to support the protests, at the rate of $10 an hour, the sources said. Read more.
• Heavenly Father, as we enter more weeks of these demonstrations, we pray that order and sanity will prevail. We pray that everyone who is acting illegally will be revealed and punished. If there are any people in this group who will be a part of voter fraud eventually, we pray they will be bound from their evil plans.
• It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel. The lazy man will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing. (Proverbs 20:3, 4)
4. Rep. King: Iran's U.N. Reps are Mostly Spies - CBS
Speaking at a hearing Wednesday, the Democrat says such a move would send a clear signal after the recent alleged Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador in Washington. The U.S. and Iran have no diplomatic relations and thus there are no Iranian diplomats in the U.S. except those attached to the U.N. mission in New York. Although those diplomats are allowed to live in the U.S. for that purpose, the U.N. is an independent international body and the U.S. cannot simply kick out diplomats accredited there en masse.
While the chances of kicking out Iranian diplomats to the U.N. are unlikely at best, that didn't stop the lawmaker from piling on the Islamic republic over the alleged assassination plot. "So you have the assassination of a foreign ambassador, you have the willingness to kill hundreds of Americans - this is an act of war," King said, according to Radio Free Europe. "I don't think we can just do business as usual or even carry out sanctions as usual."
• Thank you Lord, for revealing these hidden plans and peoples who would harm our nation. We pray more of our officials will call boldly for increased vigilance where needed. Let them not be restrictive to those who are law-abiding, but only to those who would do us harm.
• The nations have sunk down in the pit which they made; In the net which they hid, their own foot is caught. The Lord is known by the judgment He executes; The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Meditation. Selah (Psalm 9: 15, 16)
5. General: Marine Corps Is the 'Cheap Force' - ABC News
Gen. James Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps, said today that in the face of a shrinking defense budget, the armed services would not turn against one another and fight for funds. Gen. James Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps, sold the Marine Corps as the "cheap force," and said America needs a military "that's not going to break the bank. You get a lot of bang for the buck with us . . . I will not ask for things that I want; I will only ask for things that I need," he said. "What is it that's good enough to get us through the next eight to 10 years?"
"For decades the Marine Corps was known as - in some circles as the cheap force," Amos said. "We were known to be the penny-pinchers. So to begin with, we're going back to that." Amos said the Marines Corps planned to go down to 186,000 personnel from 202,000 - cuts approved by former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. For those looking to join the Marines now, he said, there was such a backlog of those wanting to join that it would be at least eight months before being sent to boot camp. He added that there would also be some cuts in ground vehicles, from 40,000 to 30,000.In addition, he said, pay and housing, health and retirement benefits would be looked at.
• Lord, we pray these plans to downsize the military - while we still need a strong military, be not weakened, but strengthened. Help our troops not be put under undue duress because of all these decisions. Let all in authority have your wisdom and vision for improving the military, not handicapping it. Be gracious to them.
• The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You. (Psalms 9:9, 10)
6. Mexican Presidential Hopeful Vows Drugs War Shift - Reuters
A leading presidential candidate of Mexico's ruling party said on Wednesday he would break with government policy and withdraw the army from the fight against drug gangs if he wins the election in 2012. "The direct, frontal, expansive strategy is a strategy that should end with this administration," said Santiago Creel, a former interior minister belonging to the conservative National Action Party (PAN), who is seeking the PAN's nomination for the presidency. Instead, he said priority should be given to attacking cartels' revenue streams, cracking down on money laundering and cleaning up Mexico's prisons, where top criminals are often able to continue running their crime gangs on the outside.
Mexican President Calderon has endured withering criticism from victims of the drug war and opposition lawmakers for his U.S.-backed military approach but he has stood firm, arguing the cartels would have become too powerful if he had not acted.
• Father God, Mexico is not just our neighbor, but now it is our greatest importer of illegal drugs and other undesirable criminals. What goes on there, impacts our lives. Let their citizens choose a person with fortitude, and let them continue to fight the crimes there without relenting. Let our borders be truly secured.
• Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. (Proverbs 16:18,19)
7. Poll: 43 percent agree with views of "Occupy Wall Street" - CBS News
Forty-three percent of Americans agree with the views of the "Occupy Wall Street" movement, according to a new CBS News/New York Times poll that found a widespread belief that money and wealth should be distributed more evenly in America. While there are different agendas within the "Occupy Wall Street" movement, nearly all of the protesters say that wealth has become too concentrated among a relatively small group of Americans. The poll found that most Americans agree with that assessment.
Forty-six percent of Americans say "Occupy Wall Street" represents the views of most Americans, compared to 34 percent who say it does not. Asked specifically what they think about "Occupy Wall Street" as a movement - as opposed to the ideas behind it - Americans were more reticent to offer an opinion.
• Heavenly Father, we pray for the mind and heart of this nation. We pray for the leaders of this nation and everyone who has this greedy spirit mentality. Let integrity, honor, and responsibility be the mindset of the people. Take the coarseness out from our programs, TV shows, movies, and other places of influence. Replace them with shows worthy and inspiring to be viewed.
• It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel. The lazy man will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing. (Proverbs 3, 4)
8. Libyan leader's embrace of Sharia raises eyebrows - CNN
At a rally on Sunday in Benghazi, National Transitional Council leader Mustafa Abdul Jalil said, "As a Muslim country, we have adopted the Islamic Sharia as the main source of law. Accordingly, any law that contradicts Islamic principles with the Islamic Sharia is ineffective legally." That kind of talk could raise concerns among the fledgling government's Western backers.
"Islam is clearly going to play a much stronger role across the region," says Robin Wright, a Mideast expert at the U.S. Institute of Peace. "Whether it's Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, and beyond - as countries redefine their political systems, they are going to want to use the values of their faith to help define what they want next. But that doesn't mean necessarily they're going to be rigid Islamist regimes." Still, she says, Libyan women are very concerned about equal rights in the post-Gadhafi era.
* Lord, We pray that things will radically and quickly change so that the country does not go the way of having Sharia Law. Let the people protest. We pray that people will rise up quickly to turn things around. We pray that we will not be involved in skirmishes that are not necessary.
* They devise iniquities: "We have perfected a shrewd scheme." Both the inward thought and the heart of man are deep. But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; Suddenly they shall be wounded." (Psalms 64: 6, 7)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man. He shall stir up jealousy like a man of war. He shall cry, yes, roar. He shall prevail against His enemies. (Isaiah 42:13)
1. Hamas boosting anti-aircraft arsenal with looted Libyan missiles - Ha'aretz Shoulder-fired anti-aicraft missiles have been smuggled into Gaza in recent years at Iran's initiative, but the fall of Muammar Gadhafi's regime has enabled Hamas to bring in much higher quality missiles.
2. IAF retaliates: Gaza terrorism centers targeted - Jerusalem Post
The Israel Air Force targeted three centers of terrorist activity in the Gaza Strip and a weapons storage site in the South early Thursday morning, the IDF Spokesman's Office reported.
3. Three Grad rockets fired from Gaza at Ashdod, Bnei Aish - Jerusalem Post
Three Grad rocket were fired from the Gaza Strip at the Ashdod and Bnei Aish areas shortly before midnight Wednesday.
The Daily Jot
Of Imperialism and Democracy
I recently saw an article calling the American foreign policy thrust over the past decade "imperialism." Usually, these are the words of anti-American trouble makers, but this article was from a more well respected columnist that caught my attention. He was writing what I have been thinking for quite some time. The point that the United States has "garrisons" spread throughout the world, especially in the Middle East is just one telltale sign. Its one thing to respond to an enemy's attack on your own soil, its still another to consistently binge on spreading democracy and spend taxpayer money to build nations, especially when those nations have no intention of being democratic or westernized civilizations.
Our leaders promote democracy saying that it brings peace and stability to a nation. They say that democracies are nations that get along with the rest of the world through trade and cultural exchange. Nice idea. But George Washington looked at nation building a bit differently as indicated in his farewell speech. He said, "...a passionate attachment of one nation for another produces a variety of evils. Sympathy for the favorite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter without adequate inducement or justification."
Washington had a simple approach to foreign policy: "Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be, that good policy does not equally enjoin it - It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and at no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt that, in the course of time and things, the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary advantages which might be lost by a steady adherence to it? Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue?"
Washington saw a clear connection between God and country. He said that both foreign influence by nations on America and undue influence by America on foreign nations was a bad thing. He seemed to follow the rule expressed by Jesus Christ in Luke 6:31"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." Good faith and justice towards all nations, cultivating peace and harmony does not mean overthrowing governments and establishing Islamic Sharia Law through a vote called democracy. And it surely is not doing on to men as you would have them do to you--who but a tyrant would wish Sharia Law unto a people? Our nation needs repentance for the deeds of our leaders and our part in electing them. Its not a political party thing, its an obedience to God thing.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
OWS Movement Turns Violent
While the "mainstream" media desperately tries to portray the Occupy Wall Street movement as representative of middle America, there is more evidence today of the radical left-wing influences behind it. Fox News reports that the disgraced community organizing outfit ACORN is actively supporting the riffraff in Zuccotti Park -- even paying homeless people $10 an hour to join the protests.
Meanwhile, across the country, the movement is creating more problems than solutions. And in some cases it is turning violent. For example:
* In Boston and other cities, officials are increasingly worried about health hazards. This week Boston police arrested two occupiers for selling heroin.
* Today's New York Post reports that OWS organizers in Zuccotti Park are increasingly frustrated that their free food is attracting the homeless, gangs and ex-cons just released from prison. Evidently, they don't want to share their free food and free sleeping bags with "vultures." OWS "sanitation volunteer" Lauren Digioia complained, "We're talking about occupying. This group is squatting here and using our resources." Perhaps there is hope for Ms. Digioia yet! Millions of hardworking Americans feel the same way about free-loading socialists.
* In Oakland, California, riots broke out yesterday after the police evicted the occupiers from their camp. Numerous disturbing videos of the violence have been posted online. In one instance, a group of police officers was encircled by a mob and attacked with water bottles and paint bombs.
Next time you hear Barack Obama or some other left-wing politician praise the Occupy Wall Street movement, ask yourself how many Tea Partiers were arrested for selling drugs? How many Tea Partiers attacked cops? How many Tea Party events ended up in full-blown riots?
These radicals do not represent average Americans, and honest Democrats know it. While the left is occupying Wall Street, we need to devote all of our resources to occupying the White House in 2013! (Gary Bauer)
A Message from 1948
"Make Mine Freedom!"
1948 cartoon about saving the American dream!
MORE TRUE NOW THAN EVER . . .
This cartoon was produced by Harding College in 1948, to warn students of the dangers of society under Marxism or socialism. . .
The cartoon every American NEEDS to see! This Cold War propaganda short from 1948 shows how we all lose under big government. . . . including the business tycoons, politicians, unions, farmers and John Q. Public . And, what can happen if America loses it's individuality and entrepreneurship in favor of the collective and oppressive.
To view this amazing, nine-minute cartoon, go here.
In Alabama: Atheists Protest
Atheist Group Tries to Stop Prayers at High School Football Games That Include 'Jesus'
An Alabama school district has been accused of allowing prayers that invoke the name of Jesus during high school football games, according to a complaint filed by a national atheist organization. The Times Daily newspaper identified the complainant as Jeremy Green. In an email to the newspaper, Green said he was taking a stand for the so-called "separation of church and state in an effort to protect the constitutional rights of the non-religious. "It is not the job of the public school system to endorse religion," he wrote. The Freedom from Religion Foundation filed a similar complaint against a school in Arab, Ala. That school decided to end pregame prayers and instead offer a moment of silence.
School superintendent Bill Valentine said they haven't made any decision about prayers for Friday night's football game. He said the complaint has generated lots of telephone calls - mostly in support of keeping the prayers. Among those is David McKelvey, pastor of the nearby First Baptist Church, Killen. He discussed the controversy during his Sunday sermon. "It's very sad," McKelvey told Fox News. "I would think that any other prayer from another religion would not receive this kind of negativity." (Fox News)
* Father God, we pray that all our symbols of our faith will not be ruled out of public places, but that everyone will have the freedom to exercise their faith as guaranteed by our First Amendment. We pray that the courts will rule that this First Amendment includes gatherings such as games and other public functions.
* Thus says the Lord: "The labor of Egypt and merchandise of Cush And of the Sabeans, men of stature, Shall come over to you, and they shall be yours; They shall walk behind you, They shall come over in chains; And they shall bow down to you. They will make supplication to you, saying, 'Surely God is in you, And there is no other; There is no other God.' " (Isaiah 45:14)
In N.C. - New Pro-Life Law Takes Effect
Restrictive abortion law takes effect in North Carolina
One of the nation's most restrictive abortion laws went into effect Wednesday in North Carolina after a federal judge temporarily halted the law's most controversial requirement - that a woman getting an abortion must first view a narrated ultrasound image of the fetus. U.S. District Court Judge Catherine Eagles ordered a preliminary injunction late Tuesday, ruling that the ultrasound requirement likely violates patients' First Amendment rights. She upheld other sections of the law, including a 24-hour waiting period to provide information on abortion risks and alternatives.
The American Civil Liberties Union and four pro-choice groups contended in a lawsuit filed last month that requiring women to view ultrasound images and providing an opportunity to hear the fetal heartbeat promotes government-mandated ideology. Proponents of the law, passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature in July over the veto of Democratic Gov. Beverly Perdue, say the requirement would promote childbirth and protect women from emotional trauma. (AP)
* Lord, we pray that the courts will rule that this procedure is not about mandated ideology, but rather it is like any other surgical procedure that requires added information in order to have informed consent. As with every surgery, all risks must be considered, and this law ensures that a woman will know the risks before choosing whether to have an abortion.
* When He avenges blood, He remembers them; He does not forget the cry of the humble. Have mercy on me, O Lord! Consider my trouble from those who hate me, You who lift me up from the gates of death, (Psalms 9:12, 13)
Please Note
Rick Perry and Islam: Another Perspective
A note to our readers and prayer partners:
Recently, we prayed over a report from WorldNetDaily indicating the presidential candidate Rick Perry has had ties with various Islamic leaders in days past. That report can be found here.
Today, we want to report "the rest of the news" -- information that contradicts the first report, sent to us by Alice Patterson, President, Justice at the Gate in San Antonio, Texas. You will find her report below.
We want to thank Alice for her kindness in stepping forth on this vital issue, and we ask each of you to weigh this matter -- as well as all matters in this Election Cycle -- before the Lord. Amen.
(Is Perry) Aligning with Islamist Aga Khan?
One of the most insidious accusations against Gov. Perry concerns an alliance with a Muslim leader and cooperation with him in what goes into Texas textbooks insinuating that Perry is pro-Muslim, which presumes anti-Israel. You can find the truth in an article by David Stein here: http://www.countercontempt.com/archives/1945 called "Debunking the Rick Perry 'Pro-Sharia' School Curriculum Myth." This is very important. It's too long to cut and paste here, but please read through it, especially the verbatim excerpt from the textbooks about Israel.
The bottom line is that Aga Khan is a friend of Israel and of the United States. The textbook information about Israel is pro-Israel and pro-USA. Here is another article on the subject: http://www.americanthinker.com/2011/09/governor_perrys_islam_connection.html
Alice closes by saying:
God help us to discern and to make the right choice this time.
Appreciate you and your leadership to educate and call the nation to prayer.
With honor,
Alice Patterson
President
Justice at the Gate
PO Box 681148
San Antonio, TX 78268
justiceatthegate@aol.com
www.justiceatthegate.org
We agree!
God help us to discern and to make the right choice this time.
"The God of Israel said,
The Rock of Israel spoke to me:
'He who rules over men must be just,
Ruling in the fear of God.
And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises,
A morning without clouds,
Like the tender grass springing out of the earth,
By clear shining after rain." (2 Samuel 23:3,4)
The Good News Corner:
The Bible Goes to Occupy Wall Street
Bringing Biblical Principles and the Gospel to the Occupy Wall Street Crowd
"Some of the teachings of Jesus Christ are being taken out of context by the protesters. . . The first century Christians gave from their heart, not because they were forced by the government."
The Occupy Wall Street protesters were joined recently by the Christian evangelistic group, Go Stand Speak, which came armed with Bibles and street preachers adept at communicating to the large crowd.
While many of the protesters may not like it; this really is a wonderful opportunity for Christians to bring the Word to hundreds of people in one place, as the "occupiers" have made themselves a captive audience.
Pat Necerato, Overseer of Go Stand Speak Ministries, explained, "The ideas and solutions of the Occupy Wall Street movement have consequences. Unless they become Biblical solutions, this movement will come to naught, regardless of how much attention it gets. More entitlements, taking from the rich and giving to the poor, bigger government and other socialist concepts, are not Biblical solutions. God's standards must be the foundation for all solutions if they are to succeed."
While some who heard the message from Go Stand Speak members were less than receptive-a few physically hostile; many reportedly seemed to be open and interested.
Necerato noted that some protesters have incorporated Scripture into their declared stand; however, it is a pick-and-choose-to-make-your-point kind of application.
"Some of the teachings of Jesus Christ are being taken out of context by the protesters," he explained. "For instance, 'Jesus told us to help the poor' and the communal aspect of the first century Christians (Acts chapter 2) are often used by the protesters as support for the communistic/socialist tendencies of the movement. Jesus and the Apostles were speaking about personal dealings among individuals, not governmental mandated or controlled wealth/property redistribution. The first century Christians gave from their heart, not because they were forced by the government."
Necerato added that, "Many of the problems we have are 'symptoms' of a deeper problem-we have turned from God as a whole in this nation. In the Bible, when abortion, homosexual marriage, fiscal dishonesty and other related sins become prevalent in a nation, God lifts His blessing. As a result, you get the problems we see in our country. It starts with the individual-from the bottom up; not from the top down with the government."
The group intends to continue preaching their message of Biblical principles to the "Occupy" crowd as long as they remain. For information about joining up with Go Stand Speak Ministries, log onto: www.gostandspeak.com [Reported by Aimee Herd, Breaking Christian News, October 27, 2011]
Worship with Us Today!
"Because He Lives!"
In these perilous and challenging times, this old classic draws us back
to rest upon the Rock of our Salvation . . because He lives . . .
