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• Sunday: Pray for Persecuted Church
• URGENT! STOP FCC's POWER GRAB
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The Daily Brief - Monday, November 7, 2011
"Your watchmen shall lift up their voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion." (Isaiah 52:8)
Reminder!!
We are not going to publish "On Capitol Hill This Week" during the month of November. Please refer to the special Monday editions of the Daily Brief instead, for guidelines to prayer. Thank you!
The Daily Brief
1. FEMA HOLDS EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM NATIONWIDE TEST ON 11/9/11 - CHPP
At the Federal Communications Commission's June 9, 2011 Agenda meeting, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Chief Jamie Barnett, joined by representatives from FEMA and the National Weather Service, announced that the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) would take place at 2:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time) on November 9, 2011, lasting 3 ½ minutes. The purpose of the test is to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the EAS as a public alert mechanism. EAS Participants currently participate in state-level monthly tests and local-level weekly tests, but no top-down review of the entire system has ever been undertaken.
Update: the FCC has announced that this test will now last for only 30 seconds. For more information, go here.
- Lift up a prayer that, on Wednesday, November 9, the public be fully aware of the activities related to this FEMA exercise, so as not to cause unnecessary panic. Pray that those in authority inside FEMA and the FCC will move in perfect synchronicity with each other, so that all lines of communication will be working at 100% capacity. Pray, too, that at the end of the day, any lessons to be learned from this exercise will be duly noted and corrected. In His Name, amen.
- "The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous And His ears are open to their cry." (Psalm 34:15)
2. Congressional Leaders Jump in to Save 'Super Committee' - Townhall
Congressional leaders are trying to reverse the deadlock that has befallen the deficit "super committee" in much the same way the panel has operated: behind closed doors. The logjam is a familiar one that has doomed past budget battles. Republicans refuse to raise taxes to reduce deficits and Democrats are unwilling to carve deeply into Medicare and other entitlements unless the GOP gives on revenues. Failure to reach a compromise by Thanksgiving to slash $1.5 trillion from the nation's deficits over the next decade could send shock waves through the fragile economy, as happened during the summer debt ceiling standoff. Failure would also trigger automatic budget cuts that both parties want to avoid.
Boehner recently told reporters his greatest regret this year, his first as speaker, was that he and President Obama were unable to reach a similar deficit deal this summer. "It's the same conversation that's been going on all year," Boehner said. "They want more revenue than what we're willing to give and they're not willing to do as much entitlement reform as we'd like to do," Boehner told reporters Thursday in his office suite. "There clearly is a limit to the revenues that may be available."
• Lord, we are praying and believing that these members of the super-committee will be able to work together quickly and wisely. Do not let any defense appropriations be cut that are necessary. Let only the true excess pork be cut from the budget. Let them work wisely and quickly.
• He will not be rich, nor will his wealth continue, nor will his possessions overspread the earth. He will not depart from darkness . . . Let him not trust in futile things, deceiving himself, for futility will be his reward. (Job 15: 29, 31)
3. Thousands Protest at White House Over Pipeline - AP
The proposed pipeline by developer TransCanada would carry oil derived from tar sands in Alberta, Canada, to refineries in Houston and Port Arthur, Texas. Opponents say it would bring "dirty oil" that requires huge amounts of energy to extract and could cause an ecological disaster in case of a spill. They are calling on Obama to block the $7 billion project, which is currently being reviewed by the State Department. Obama missed most of the protest while he played golf at Fort Belvoir in Virginia during the afternoon.
TransCanada spokesman James Millar said the pipeline would help reduce American dependence on oil from the Middle East and Venezuela while creating thousands of new construction and manufacturing jobs. Dan Quigley, a freshman at St. Michael's College in Colchester, Vermont, traveled by bus with about 40 students to attend the protest. The 19-year-old said the pipeline could have an adverse effect on greenhouse gases and pose a hazard to water supplies.
• Lord, we pray that we will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and that you will give our leaders creative ways to secure fuel for our needs. If this pipeline is destructive for our future, we pray that You will open up a different place to obtain the necessary fuel for our nation.
• To do evil is like sport to a fool, But a man of understanding has wisdom. The fear of the wicked will come upon him, And the desire of the righteous will be granted. (Proverbs 10: 23, 24)
4. Weighing Pentagon Cuts, Panetta Faces Deep Pressures - NY Times
Under orders to cut the Pentagon budget by more than $450 billion over the next decade, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta is considering reductions in spending categories once thought sacrosanct, especially in medical and retirement benefits, as well as further shrinking the number of troops and reducing new weapons purchases. He said that meeting deficit-reduction targets might require another round of base closings, which could be highly contentious as members of Congress routinely fight to protect military deployments and jobs in their communities. Among other steps, Mr. Panetta said, Pentagon strategists were looking at additional cuts in the nuclear arsenal, with an eye toward determining how many warheads the military needed to deter attacks.
Mr. Panetta also held out the possibility of cutting the number of American troops based in Europe, with the United States compensating for any withdrawal by helping NATO allies improve their militaries. That effort would free up money so the United States could maintain or increase its forces in Asia, a high priority for the Obama administration, and sustain a presence in the Persian Gulf after the withdrawal from Iraq this year, he said.
Mr. Panetta spoke less than three weeks before a special bipartisan committee is supposed to produce a far-reaching deficit-reduction plan. If the committee deadlocks and fails to find $1.2 trillion in deficit reductions, then automatic cuts go into effect and the Pentagon could face an estimated $500 billion in additional reductions over the next decade.
• Heavenly Father, we pray that our leaders will come to an understanding that our enemies do not believe in peace but that they respect and recognize strength under control. May our leaders not cut the defense, but remove those who do not see the importance of a strong defense program for our nation. Replace them with those who do have your wisdom.
• So nation was destroyed by nation, and city by city, for God troubled them with every adversity. But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!" (2 Chronicles 15: 6, 7)
5. Boehner: Obama Wrong to Push 'Class Warfare' - CNN
Obama has crafted a campaign theme of Republicans defending the wealthy against tax cuts as part of a narrative that Boehner said was intended to pit segments of society against each other. "We are not going to engage in class warfare," Boehner said, adding: "Obama's clearly trying to do it, and it's wrong."
Republicans generally want to cut government spending and debt by shrinking the size of government and therefore oppose raising taxes or adding new tax revenue. However, Boehner and some other Republicans advocate the possibility of increasing government revenue through a revised tax code that lowers rates but expands the number of taxpayers. During negotiations with Obama this year on a possible comprehensive deficit reduction deal, Boehner reportedly agreed to as much as $800 billion in additional revenue as part of the package. The talks broke down over differences on the tax issue and entitlement cuts, and Boehner said in the interview that the specific trade-offs discussed then with Obama appeared out of reach now.
• Lord, we pray the impasse will come to an end and both parties will see there is no more money that can be spent considering our current financial problems. We pray they will have your wisdom and creative ideas as to how they can cut the over-spending and get some serious tax reforms that both can agree on.
• The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor; Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised - The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts. (Psalms 10: 2, 4)
6. US Wealth Gap Between Young and Old is Widest Ever - AP
The wealth gap between younger and older Americans has stretched to the widest on record, worsened by a prolonged economic downturn that has wiped out job opportunities for young adults and saddled them with housing and college debt. The typical U.S. household headed by a person age 65 or older has a net worth 47 times greater than a household headed by someone under 35, according to an analysis of census data released Monday. The 47 - to - 1 wealth gap between old and young is believed by demographers to be the highest ever, even predating government records.
"It makes us wonder whether the extraordinary amount of resources we spend on retirees and their health care should be at least partially reallocated to those who are hurting worse than them," said Harry Holzer, a labor economist and public policy professor at Georgetown University who called the magnitude of the wealth gap "striking." In all, 37 percent of younger-age households have a net worth of zero or less, nearly double the share in 1984. But among households headed by a person 65 or older, the percentage in that category has been largely unchanged at 8 percent.
• Lord, we pray Your provision for those who are struggling during this high unemployment time. We pray for churches to supernaturally have enough goods and aid to help these people. Stretch their supplies so that we will hear of miracles, signs, and wonders as people reach out to the churches. May they not take away the help for the older and sick people.
• The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the Lord tests the hearts - He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished. (Proverbs 17: 3, 5)
7. Holiday Hiring Plans on Hold for Many Small Businesses - USA Today
For small business owners, at this time of year thoughts usually turn to hiring. Whether it's part-time help or paying the regular workers overtime, it's a holiday tradition to put that "Help Wanted" sign in the window. But this year, concerns about depressed consumer sentiment are translating into weak hiring trends. How important is small business to the indicators for holiday hiring?
According to the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy, small businesses employ half of U.S. workers. They also pay 43% of total U.S. private payroll, and have generated 65% of new jobs over the past 17 years. For holiday hiring to show a bump, small business must be a part of it.
• Father God, it is a great sorrow to not have the resources to provide for your family; and many are experiencing this trial. We pray that people will supernaturally make it through the holiday, and that you will get the glory. Let small businesses thrive and flourish in spite of this time of hardship. Let everyone be encouraged by your Spirit.
• Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. (Psalm 42:11)
8. Despite Tough Times, Big-city Mayors Expected to be Re-elected - Reuters
Voters on Tuesday will select mayors in eight of the nation's 25 largest cities -- including Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Baltimore -- with incumbents expected to win in most cases. But that doesn't mean voters are happy with their leaders, said Rice University political science professor Bob Stein. Across the country, there is widespread discontent because of the economic downturn, he said. Low turnouts are expected in cities across the country in this fall's off-year elections.
In Houston, the nation's fourth-largest city, Mayor Annise Parker is expected to win her second term in a landslide despite tepid approval ratings. A credible candidate would have been a challenge, Stein said, but Parker didn't draw one. The first openly gay mayor of a major U.S. city, Parker was elected in 2009 in a runoff with fellow Democrat Gene Locke.
• Lord, we are praying for a total change of leadership across America where there have been people who do not support Your laws. We are suffering because of these leaders who do not honor You. Remove them quickly and replace them with God-fearing and God honoring people of strong faith and convictions.
• Therefore he said to Judah, "Let us build these cities and make walls around them, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us, because we have sought the Lord our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side." So they built and prospered. (2 Chronicles 14:7)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
There's no one like your God, Jeshurun! He rides through the heavens to help you. In majesty he rides through the clouds. The eternal God is your shelter, and his everlasting arms support you. He will force your enemies out of your way and tell you to destroy them. So Israel will live securely. Jacob's spring will be left alone in a land of grain and new wine. Dew will drip from Israels skies. You are blessed, Israel! Who is like you, a nation saved by the Lord. He is a shield that helps you and a sword that wins your victories. Your enemies will come crawling to you,and you will stomp on their backs. (Deuteronomy 33:26-29)
1. Israel's Peres Warns Attack on Iran Getting 'Closer' - NewsMax
"The possibility of a military attack against Iran is now closer to being applied than the application of a diplomatic option," Peres told the Israel Hayom daily. "I don't think that any decision has already been made, but there is an impression that Iran is getting closer to nuclear weapons." In recent days, speculation in Israel has grown about the possibility of a pre-emptive strike against Iranian nuclear facilities, with Haaretz newspaper reporting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Ehud Barak were seeking cabinet support for an attack.
In France meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe warned that an attack on Iran would be disastrous. "We have imposed sanctions that continue to expand, we can toughen them to put pressure on Iran," Juppe told Europe 1 radio. "We will continue on this path because a military intervention could create a situation that completely destabilizes the region," he said. "Everything must be done to avoid the irreversible."
On Sunday, Haaretz reported that US officials had failed to secure a commitment from Israel that it would coordinate any attack plans with Washington. Still, media reports suggested no final decision has been taken and that a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear watchdog on November 8 or 9 would have a "decisive effect" on decision-making.
• Lord, we pray that tensions will ease, and that you will give the leaders of Israel your wisdom in order to prepare for the possibility of Iran's attack on Israel. We pray a thick hedge of protection around Israel, and that the United States will stand with her and not work against the nation. Block greatly and supernaturally all the plans Iran has to go forward in building nuclear weapons.
• Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand - The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. (Psalm 121:4, 7)
2. Israeli Websites Down in 'Technical Malfunction' - MSNBC
Many of Israel's official websites have gone down in what the government says is a broad technical malfunction.
The sites include that of the Mossad and Shin Bet intelligence services, the military spokesman, the Interior Ministry and others. In response to speculation that the shutdown was the result of a cyber attack by pro-Palestinian hackers, the Israeli government released a statement saying the problem "was not a cyber attack but only a technical malfunction." Sunday's statement said the problem was "currently being dealt with by experts."
• Father God, we pray protection over Israel so that nothing will be able to penetrate her defenses. Let her leaders continue to be vigilant and the nation be greatly blessed in spite of all the threats from Iran and other Muslim nations. We pray for the technicians to develop programs that will aid and protect Israel completely.
• Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught. (Proverbs 3:25, 26)
3. Abbas: We 'don't care,' we're going for statehood - Jerusalem Post
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said Sunday he was determined to go ahead with his statehood bid in the UN Security Council despite Israeli "escalation against the PA leadership and the Palestinians."
4. Navy intercepts Gaza-bound boats, nobody injured - Jerusalem Post
The Navy successfully boarded two Gaza-bound boats attempting to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip on Friday and lead them to Ashdod Port, the IDF spokesman's office said.
5. U.S. officials: Israel refused to commit to withhold surprise attack on Iran - Ha'aretz
In a recent conversation with U.S. Secretary of Defense Panetta, Netanyahu and Barak reportedly gave only vague responses on Israel's intentions regarding Iran's nuclear facilities and possibility of independent action.
The Daily Jot
The UN peace charade and Iran's nukes
The Daily Jot has reported since 2003 that Iran was developing a nuclear weapon. Mohamed El Baradei, an Egyptian-born Islamist was the head of the United Nation's International Atomic Energy Agency, the agency charged with stopping nuclear proliferation. Throughout the years, El Baradei repeatedly said that he saw no evidence that Iran was developing a nuclear weapon. El Baradei even won a Nobel Peace Prize for his work in preventing nuclear proliferation, although during his tenure on the job, Pakistan, India, Iran North Korea, and even Syria either developed nuclear weapons or made serious progress toward having them. El Baradei, you might recall, is now a leader in the Egyptian Islamic rebellion.
I have written all along that El Baradei was covering for Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. He was the linchpin in managing the information out of Tehran and how the "smart" people at the UN were receiving it. He consistently said that Iran was developing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, blatantly ignoring the parallel process of developing missile delivery systems to deliver a nuclear payload. Russia, China, and North Korea were all assisting Iran in both the nuclear technology and how to deliver it. Now the United Nations, after Iran is nearly complete with its nuclear weapons development, is on the eve of releasing a report that all sources say will confirm Iran's nuclear weapons development.
Of course, the man who occupies the Oval Office is on edge because Israel might make a preemptive strike on Iran to prevent the nuclear program from advancing to its final outcome. Diplomatic sources for the White House are saying that an Israeli strike would be against American interests in the region. The UN Security Council has issued sanctions from time to time against Iran. But sources are now saying that it will take months to get China and Russia to cooperate with further sanctions. Who are we trying to fool here? Russia and China are protecting their long term financial interests in keeping Iran's program moving forward. This is a charade with extremely dangerous consequences.
In 2006 meetings I had with both Israeli Knesset members and officials within Israel's foreign ministry said that they could not wait beyond a certain point before taking action against Iran's nuclear program. After all, Iran's leaders have been adamant that Israel should be wiped off the earth. The White House support of Islam and its subsequent radicalization of the Middle East has created an even more hostile environment for Israel. We have seen how the one world order (the UN) fails to deliver peace. We have also seen that the US has failed to keep the peace. Now Israel is somewhat cornered. Psalm 122:6 says, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love you." This is wisdom.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
Sunday: Pray for Persecuted Church
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
Sunday, November 13, 2011
12-hour prayer chain will observe this day via a nationwide conference call
The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) on November 13th is a global day of intercession for persecuted Christians worldwide. Its primary focus is to encourage intercessory prayer on behalf of persecuted communities of the Christian faith.
A coalition of ministries are working together to host a 12-hour, marathon conference call to pray for Christians who are being persecuted worldwide.
Dial: 712.432.0031
Access is 452614#
Time: 8 am - 8 pm (EST)
Hosted by The Persecution Watch in collaboration with Capitol Hill Prayer Partners (CHPP) - Mission America Coalition (MAC) - International Orality Network (ION) - Greater Calling Ministry
PLEASE NOTE: THE IDOP TEAM HAS ASSEMBLED A ONE-PAGE FLYER, TO BE PRINTED OUT OR SHARED WITH OTHERS ONLINE. THIS INCLUDES A VALUABLE GUIDE TO PRAYER, WITH SCRIPTURES, FOR THE CHURCH IN PERSECUTION.
TO VIEW AND TO ACCESS THIS BEAUTIFUL, ONE PAGE ANNOUNCEMENT & PRAYER GUIDE, go here.
(Please allow one minute for this guide to download into your computer.)
IDOP Official Website:
http://www.persecutedchurch.org/
URGENT! STOP FCC's POWER GRAB!
This week, the United States Senate is expected to finally vote on overturning the most brazen of all of the Obama administration's regulatory power grabs. The FCC's outrageous net neutrality order is set to take effect on November 20.
Fortunately, the Senate is poised to vote on blocking it.
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, the lead sponsor of S.J.Res.6, the vehicle for stopping this power grab, and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell have brilliantly used the procedural tools available to them to force a Senate floor vote that cannot be filibustered. All 47 Republicans are likely to vote yes, with Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine - who supports network neutrality - signing on as a cosponsor because she objects to the FCC attempting an end-run around Congress.
The question now is whether just four Democrats will vote to stop this power grab, and force Obama to use the veto pen and take personal responsibility if he insists on regulating the Internet.
This is crunch time. If the FCC can get away with this, then federal bureaucrats can disregard the Congress and the courts and do almost anything they want. Our representative form of government is at stake.
Please click here to tell your senators to VOTE YES on S.J.Res.6 and to STOP the FCC's net neutrality power grab.
[Note: there is NO FEE for this service.]
Yours truly,
Phil Kerpen
VP Policy, AFP
Chairman, Internet Freedom Coalition
(Source: Americans for Prosperity)
The Good News Corner:
Special Report from Israel: The Hand of the Lord Protects His People
Just over a week ago, on Shabbat, a terrorist rocket hit an empty school here in Israel. People were thinking, "how lucky it was that it hit on a weekend, when school was not in session." That is not the reality here. Every Shabbat for 40 years, a congregation of Jews, has used that building as its synagogue. Last week, they didn't meet for the first time in 40 years. The man, who opens the building for the congregation, has a sudden medical emergency and was unable to appear that day. No one else had a key, so the meeting was not held.
If the meeting had taken place, the school would have been packed with worshipers, and many Jewish casualties would have occurred. Without a doubt, the hand of the Lord moved on behalf of His people. We need to praise Him for that, even as this Jewish community is praising Him.
We must remember that the Lord is always watching over His people. He is asking each of us to co-labor with Him for Israel's protection and advancement. I thank each one of your for your faithful prayers of intercession. One day we may fully know how vital these prayers have been during this difficult time. Until then, stay well, and STAY IN HIM!
Blessings,
Kathleen
Worship with Us Today!
Amazing Grace with Bagpipes
Yes, Lord . . . amazing Grace, indeed!
