News for Prayer!• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Israel in Danger
• Komen Reverses Its Stand
• American Hero Silenced
• 6th Circuit Upholds Religious Freedom
• Good News in MT
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Israel in Danger
• Komen Reverses Its Stand
• American Hero Silenced
• 6th Circuit Upholds Religious Freedom
• Good News in MT
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Friday, February 3, 2012
"The righteous shall inherit the land, And dwell in it forever." (Psalm 37:29)
MAJOR HEADLINES TODAY:
• Israel in Danger: Facing 200,000 Enemy Missiles
• FRC Responds to Susan G. Komen's Reconsideration of Abortion-Neutral Stance
• American Hero Silenced
• Sixth Circuit ruling: university should not have dismissed student for religious beliefs
• U.S. Forest Service allows Jesus statue to remain
The Daily Brief
1. Iranian Supreme Leader: U.S. will be overthrown, just like Soviet Union in due time - JP
Khamenei stressed that "U.S., who threatens Iran with war, will eventually harm itself". "If a war comes after all the threats, the U.S. will suffer ten times more," Khamenei said. "The U.S. is weak, both politically and economically," Khamenei said. "Their political failures in Middle East, Palestine and Iraq prove it". "The West threats Iran, while we have some threats of our own, and if necessary, we will reveal them, when the time is right," Khamenei said. "The U.S. will be overthrown, just like Soviet Union in due time".
- "O Lord of Hosts, we thank You that You are our "Supreme Leader", and there is no god like You in all the earth!! You keep Covenant and show mercy to all who worship You! We thank You that You are our Protection, our Shield and High Tower! We do not fear, we put our trust in You! Lord, as this man breathes out these threats, we ask that Americans will not fear him, but will turn to You as their Defender! We ask You to bring confusion upon those who wish to do harm to Your Land of Israel, and to America, as we stand toe-to-toe with the Israelis! We bless You, Lord! Amen!"
- " Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.' This they shall have for their pride, because they have reproached and made arrogant threats against the people of the Lord of hosts.The Lord will be awesome to them, for He will reduce to nothing all the gods of the earth; people shall worship Him, each one from his place, indeed all the shores of the nations." (I Peter 3:13,14; Zephaniah 2:10,11)
2. Nuke inspectors focus on 'unusual' wear on tubes - Fox News
The integrity of some equipment installed in 2009 at Southern California's San Onofre Unit 2 nuclear plant is drawing concern after unusual wear was found on hundreds of tubes that carry radioactive water. According to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, more than a third of the wall had been worn away in two tubes at Unit 2, which will require them to be plugged and taken out of service. At least 20 percent of the tube wall was worn away in 69 other tubes, and in more than 800, the thinning was at least 10 percent."The amount of wear that we are seeing on these tubes is unusual for a new steam generator," NRC spokesman Victor Dricks said. "If you have that kind of thinning anywhere along the length of the tube, you have a problem because it degrades the integrity of the tube, which can contribute to leaks."
- Lord, we thank You for bringing this problem to the attention of those who need to know this, before any leaks have compromised the integrity of the water supply. We ask for wisdom to those who will be making decisions to repair, or replace these unusually worn tubes. We pray the manufacturing company making these tubes will learn from this situation, and produce better quality tubes that will not degrade as quickly. Thank You! Amen.
- "These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." (Mark 16:17,18)
3. Contraception mandate outrages religious groups - AP
Workplace health plans will have to cover all forms of contraception with Food and Drug Administration approval starting next year, and religious groups are putting up a fight.
- Father, we ask that our Constitutional rights to the free expression of our "religious freedom" will be acknowledged, and respected, by this administration. We know there are religions who believe it is wrong to practice various methods of contraception - including abortion, which some now see as a form of contraception. We pray for righteousness to prevail, and that our lawmakers would be given a sensitivity to such issues, and not force employers to provide services that are against their religious beliefs. People should not have to decide whether they will obey God and their consciences, vs the law of the land. Give wisdom, grace, and mercy, to all those who must make these decisions, and we pray for a repeal of this provision in the healthcare bill. Amen.
- "But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29)
4. Sen. DeMint: 'A Balanced Budget Amendment Would Effectively Put the Democratic Party Out of Business - CNS News
Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) said Tuesday that the Democratic Party would "effectively" be "put out of business," if Congress were to pass a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
- "Abba, we thank You that we do have some Senators and Congressmen, who realize that we cannot continue to spend money we do not have. We ask You to give this same "revelation" to all those who do not yet realize that. Lord, we ask wisdom for our Legislators- and regardless of political party, would seek to cut back on unnecessary expenditures. We do ask for a bi-partisan supported amendment to our Constitution, to live within a balanced budget. We pray for sanity and righteousness to rule. Amen."
- "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Matthew 6:24)
5. Unemployment drops to 8.3 pct. after hiring burst - Huffington Post
In the most impressive surge for the job market since early last year, the United States added 243,000 jobs in January, far more than economists expected. The unemployment rate dropped to 8.3 percent in January, from 8.5 percent in December. But if workers who have dropped out of the labor force were included, some economists estimate, the unemployment could be higher than 10 percent.
"This report is encouraging, but it still underscores how far a distance we have to go and how many people are still long-term unemployed and disconnected from the workforce," said Harvard economist Lawrence Katz. "Even if we were willing to say that the scars of the great recession mean a couple of million people drop out permanently, we still have many years to go before we get back to where we were."A recent study by Washington, D.C. consulting firm Hamilton Place Strategies estimates that there may be three million long-term unemployed people who are currently not being counted by the Labor Department because they have simply given up looking for work.
- Lord, we come to You, and call upon Your mercy, grace, and Your compassion. We thank You for the new jobs that are becoming available to those who are looking for work (243,000); but we are saddened to hear of the 3,000,000 who have given up looking for work. We can only assume that they are going on welfare, which will increase the tax burden on those who are working. We ask, firstly, that You would encourage the unemployed and give them hope and renewed courage to continue to look for work - and that You will give them divine guidance to the right companies. Secondly, we ask Your forgiveness for our nation in creating this crisis. We repent, and ask for mercy and healing for our land, and our people. Amen.
- "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going." (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
6. Bankrupt American Airlines announces 13,000 job cuts - Arab Herald
The parent company of bankrupt American Airlines has said it would slash 13,000 jobs around 15 per cent of its workforce - as part of a cost-cutting strategy necessary to compete with rivals. AMR, which filed for bankruptcy protection in November, said Wednesday the lay off would reduce spending by $2 billion and raise revenue by $1 billion a year.
- Father, we are saddened to hear this news, as so many families will be affected by these cut-backs. We thank You that You have promised to meet the needs of all Your children - those who know You and follow You. Many of these jobs are for skilled laborers, and we do ask that You would give them the knowledge they need to use their skills in other companies that need workers. We also pray that these cut-backs will not harm the safety of the aircraft or their passengers. Amen.
- "Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." (2 Corinthians 9:10,11)
7. US No-Fly List of Terror Suspects Doubles in 1 Year - NewsMax
Even as the Obama administration says it's close to defeating al-Qaida, the size of the government's secret list of suspected terrorists who are banned from flying to or within the United States has more than doubled in the past year, The Associated Press has learned.
- Lord, we thank You for those who are seeking to protect us from known terrorists. We ask that You would prosper the efforts to protect American citizens from this type of warfare. Reveal that which needs to be uncovered, and bring the plans of our enemies to nothing! We also ask that You would thwart the efforts of any terrorists from crossing any of our borders - whether by land, sea or air. We cover our borders with the blood of Jesus, and declare that this land is Yours. Amen!
- "For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light." (Mark 4:22)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly." (Psalm 84:11)
1. 'Panetta believes Israel will strike Iran soon' - Ynet News
US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta believes that Israel is likely to strike Iran in the coming months, Washington Post columnist David Ignatius said Thursday.
2. Shin Bet chief: Iran trying to hit Israeli targets in response to attacks on nuclear scientists - Ha'aretz
Iran is trying to strike Israeli targets around the world in a bid to stop the assassinations of its nuclear scientists, the head of the Shin Bet security service, Yoram Cohen, said Thursday.
3. Quartet to PA: Resume talks, develop gas reserves - Ynet News
Wassel Abu-Youssef, a member of the PLO's executive committee and the Palestinian representative to the exploratory talks with Israel in Jordan said Thursday that the Quartet has put together an incentives package that would build trust between the sides and jumpstart the stalled peace process.
The Daily Jot
Bombshell: Wycliffe insiders admit allah used in Bible translations as "cultural bridge"
Verified sources within Wycliffe have contacted The Daily Jot confirming that Wycliffe has replaced God the Father with allah in many Arabic translations of the Bible and Bible resources. The sources, who took great care to remain unidentified due to fears of harsh retribution, collectively are "torn as to what they should do.
Do they stay and try to stand for right or resign in protest?" One source summed up the situation, writing, "many of the intellectuals in Wycliffe are convinced that this is just cultural bridge building and Western Christians are not sophisticated enough to understand what they do. Therefore, they are keeping it as secret as possible."
Missionaries from around the world have confirmed that Wycliffe has indeed replaced God the Father with allah in many translations. Most are thankful for the Jot exposing the error. Some have been been critical, nonetheless, they confirmed that allah is used instead of God the Father. One wrote: "I am sorry to say that you haven't a clue of what you speak. Had you asked anyone with even the faintest familiarity with the millions of Arab Christians...you would have discovered that Allah is the word used in every Arabic Bible translation ever produced; and that millions of Arab Christians pour out their hearts in worship and intercession to Allah, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." It's worse than we thought!
Pastors in Turkey are urging that a new translation replacing God the Father and Son of God with Moslem-friendly words is "a very, very, very serious error and mistranslation." A missionary there said: "This is a big controversy here in Turkey. All the Turkish pastors oppose this new translation. They have asked Frontiers to not distribute this book in Turkey, but Frontiers refused.
They refused to stop working on it. This is very arrogant. This is being done to "reach" Moslems. We should preach the Gospel to Moslems in power with signs following' using the example of the Apostle Paul. This method works and is scriptural." One missionary said Wycliffe reps fought to leave out some 100 verses of another translation.
2 Peter 2:1 says, "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." Multiple independent sources confirm that Wycliffe leadership believes it knows best about how to translate the Bible and how to treat the Muslim issue regarding the Holy Scriptures. Even some missionaries are convinced that using allah for YHVH is the right thing to do. There has been a tremendous compromise of the Word of God.
One proponent of changing names of God to Moslem friendly terms told World Magazine in a May 2011 article, "On the day of judgment, will those who might have heard and believed the Gospel stand up to accuse such Christians of hindering their salvation? Only God knows." I would be among the last to knowingly hinder someone's true salvation, but I hope to be counted as among the first to stand for the Word of God, which includes that allah is not YHWH.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
Read more.
-- A note to our own Prayer Partners:
Thank you for claiming this verse over this controversy this week. Only the truth can set us free; and only the pure Word of the Gospel can lead one to salvation through the Blood of Yeshua -- Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Israel in Danger
IDF Intel Chief: 200,000 Missiles Aimed at Israel
IDF Intelligence head Aviv Kochavi gave a chilling presentation Thursday morning at the Herzliya Conference on Israeli policy, telling listeners that Israel's enemies had 200,000 rockets and missiles pointed at the country, and could reach all parts of Israel - even the ostensibly safe "center" of Tel Aviv and its suburbs.
Most of the missiles have a range of about 40 kilometers - the range of Qassam and most Katyusha rockets - but thousands of missiles have ranges of hundreds of kilometers, making every location in Israel within their reach. Not only that - but the missiles are more lethal now than ever before. "The warheads on these missiles contain hundreds of kilograms of explosives, not dozens, as in the past. And their firing precision and ability to hit specific targets is also greater," Kochavi said. The rockets are largely located in Lebanon and Syria, with a smaller amount in Gaza - and in Iran, as well, which has thousands of missiles that could reach Israel. "Every tenth house in Lebanon is now a weapons depot," Kochavi said . . . (Read more)
[Source: Unity Coalition for Israel]
Komen Reverses Its Stand
FRC Responds to Susan G. Komen's Reconsideration of Abortion-Neutral Stance
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council responded today to news reports that Susan G. Komen for the Cure may be loosening its grant eligibility requirements and also reconsidering its abortion-neutral stance. The Komen statement released today doesn't promise new funding for Planned Parenthood but does make future funding an open question.
Jeanne Monahan, Family Research Council's Director for the Center for Human Dignity, had the following to say:
"The Susan G Komen Foundation made two policy changes this week to ensure money would be better spent to save women's lives. The first policy change ensured that grants are more directly focused on results. Planned Parenthood does not perform mammograms. The second new requirement is that Komen will not award money to organizations that are under federal investigation. Both of these policy decisions ensure money would be better spent to save women's lives while also making Susan G. Komen abortion-neutral.
"It would be heartbreaking for women who suffer from breast cancer if Planned Parenthood has bullied Komen into loosening their higher standards. Women deserve the best. Komen should stay focused on saving lives, not supporting the nation's largest abortion provider.
"It is truly unbelievable that the nation's largest abortion provider has been able to take what has been considered one of America's most well respected and beloved organizations and demonize it overnight for simply making their grants results-oriented. Planned Parenthood is putting their abortion ideology above the health of women," concluded Monahan.
(Source: Family Research Council)
- Stand in the gap and cry out for divine justice to be rendered in this case. The blood of the innocent cries out in this nation for that justice. Pray that the leaders of the Susan G. Komen Foundation will re-visit their second opinion, and reverse their position, as before. Pray.
- "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37)
American Hero Silenced
American Hero Silenced at West Point
It's happened again.
In a move that's reflective of the Obama Administration's continuing track-record of hostility toward Christianity, Lt. Gen. William Boykin (USA, Ret.), was recently pressured to withdraw from speaking at the United States Military Academy at West Point. General Boykin had been preparing to speak at the West Point Prayer Breakfast about the importance of prayer in a leader's life. The Academy moved Boykin to pull out of the event when a handful of atheist and Muslim cadets complained about Boykin's beliefs. The message to this elite, three-star warrior was obvious: You and your faith aren't welcome.
General Boykin is an American hero. There are few who would be more qualified to speak at a West Point prayer event. A former Delta Force leader who has faced danger for his country on missions in places like Iran, Somalia, and Grenada, General Boykin is also a man of deep Christian conviction. It is his outspoken faith that has made him a target of groups like the Council on American Islamic Relations, who lodged a complaint with West Point, which led to Boykin not speaking at the event.
This isn't the first time that an outspoken Christian has been booted from military events. Just over a year ago, I was disinvited from an event at Andrews Air Force base because of my biblical views. Before that, evangelist Franklin Graham's invitation to a Pentagon prayer service was rescinded because he too spoke the truth about his faith. These high-profile snubbings of religious expression are only the tip of the iceberg. The Obama Administration is advancing an environment of religious disarmament among the military -- and it must be stopped quickly for the sake of our soldiers' spiritual lives.
You can help the brave men and women of our military. Please join with me in signing our petition that calls on Congress and the Obama Administration to take action to ensure that America's brave warriors have access to free and full expression of their faith.
Sincerely,
Tony Perkins, President
Family Research Council
6th Circuit Upholds Religious Freedom
Sixth Circuit ruling: university should not have dismissed student for religious beliefs
6th Circuit to EMU: 'Tolerance is a two-way street'
CINCINNATI - The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit ruled Friday in favor of Julea Ward, an Eastern Michigan University graduate student represented by Alliance Defense Fund attorneys who was expelled from a counseling program for her beliefs. In a strongly worded opinion, the court reversed a district court decision in favor of the university and sent the case back for trial, saying "a reasonable jury could conclude that Ward's professors ejected her from the counseling program because of hostility toward her speech and faith . . .."
"Public universities shouldn't force students to violate their religious beliefs to get a degree. The court rightly understood this and ruled appropriately," said ADF Legal Counsel Jeremy Tedesco, who argued before the court in October of last year. "Rather than allow Julea to refer a potential client to another qualified counselor--a common, professional practice to best serve clients--EMU attacked and questioned Julea's religious beliefs and ultimately expelled her from the program because of them." (Alliance Defense Fund) Read more.
- Offer praise for this decision. Praise the Lord!
- "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people." (Prov. 14:34)
Good News in MT
U.S. Forest Service allows Jesus statue to remain;
Freedom From Religion Foundation plans to sue
This week, the U.S. Forest Service announced that it will allow a World War II memorial statue of Jesus to remain in Montana's Flathead National Forest, despite challenges from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. From the announcement: "The permit is reauthorized for ten years and is for the display of a statue of Jesus Christ on a 25 foot by 25 foot parcel of land near the top of Chair Two at Whitefish Mountain Resort. . . . The statue's historic value and eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places is in part directly linked to the current physical location of the statue." The Knights of Columbus erected the statue in the early 1950s on the small plot of land and have a special-use permit that must be renewed every ten years. The Forest Service refused to renew the permit late last year, citing concerns about potential litigation. The announcement this week came after the Forest Service received approximately 95,000 comments on the matter.
Freedom From Religion Foundation announced that it will sue the Forest Service in federal court in Montana.
The Good News Corner:
Legislative Caucuses Form in Kentucky and Maine
Your leaders are taking a stand across America! Tuesday, January 10th was a historic day in Kentucky as over 60 legislators and nearly 350 eager citizens crowded the Rotunda of the State Capitol to announce the formation of the Kentucky Legislative Prayer Caucus - some even hours before the event began!
The event was hosted by the members of the Kentucky Legislature; and emceed by the Prayer Caucus chairman, Rep. Jeff Hoover. Throughout the ceremony the Rotunda was filled with spontaneous clapping as citizens showed their support. During the reading of the Proclamation by Rep. Tim Moore, a resounding voice of unity became apparent as the crowd joined in the reading of 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and heal their land." It was evident that those in attendance believed that God can and will change America, if His people will pray.
One week later, on January 17th, the Maine Legislative Prayer Caucus was officially launched! The snowy weather and bitter cold temperatures did not deter legislators and citizens from filling the State House to answer the Call to Pray for Maine. Local news stations, pastors, leaders, and praying citizens came to join the Governor, Attorney General, Senate President, Speaker of the House, and over 50 other legislators to implore our Creator to watch over this nation and the freedom that only comes from Him.
(Source: Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation) Read more.
Worship with Us Today!
"Salvation is Here"
Hillsong Chapel
God above all the world in motion,
God above all my hopes and fears,
Well I don't care what the world throws at me now,
It's gonna be alright!
Hear the sounds of the generations,
Making loud our freedom song,
All in all that the world will know Your name,
We're gonna be alright!
Cause I know my God saved the day,
And I know His word never fails,
And I know my God made a way for me,
Salvation is here.
Missionaries from around the world have confirmed that Wycliffe has indeed replaced God the Father with allah in many translations. Most are thankful for the Jot exposing the error. Some have been been critical, nonetheless, they confirmed that allah is used instead of God the Father. One wrote: "I am sorry to say that you haven't a clue of what you speak. Had you asked anyone with even the faintest familiarity with the millions of Arab Christians...you would have discovered that Allah is the word used in every Arabic Bible translation ever produced; and that millions of Arab Christians pour out their hearts in worship and intercession to Allah, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." It's worse than we thought!
Pastors in Turkey are urging that a new translation replacing God the Father and Son of God with Moslem-friendly words is "a very, very, very serious error and mistranslation." A missionary there said: "This is a big controversy here in Turkey. All the Turkish pastors oppose this new translation. They have asked Frontiers to not distribute this book in Turkey, but Frontiers refused.
They refused to stop working on it. This is very arrogant. This is being done to "reach" Moslems. We should preach the Gospel to Moslems in power with signs following' using the example of the Apostle Paul. This method works and is scriptural." One missionary said Wycliffe reps fought to leave out some 100 verses of another translation.
2 Peter 2:1 says, "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." Multiple independent sources confirm that Wycliffe leadership believes it knows best about how to translate the Bible and how to treat the Muslim issue regarding the Holy Scriptures. Even some missionaries are convinced that using allah for YHVH is the right thing to do. There has been a tremendous compromise of the Word of God.
One proponent of changing names of God to Moslem friendly terms told World Magazine in a May 2011 article, "On the day of judgment, will those who might have heard and believed the Gospel stand up to accuse such Christians of hindering their salvation? Only God knows." I would be among the last to knowingly hinder someone's true salvation, but I hope to be counted as among the first to stand for the Word of God, which includes that allah is not YHWH.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
Read more.
-- A note to our own Prayer Partners:
Thank you for claiming this verse over this controversy this week. Only the truth can set us free; and only the pure Word of the Gospel can lead one to salvation through the Blood of Yeshua -- Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Israel in Danger
IDF Intel Chief: 200,000 Missiles Aimed at Israel
IDF Intelligence head Aviv Kochavi gave a chilling presentation Thursday morning at the Herzliya Conference on Israeli policy, telling listeners that Israel's enemies had 200,000 rockets and missiles pointed at the country, and could reach all parts of Israel - even the ostensibly safe "center" of Tel Aviv and its suburbs.
Most of the missiles have a range of about 40 kilometers - the range of Qassam and most Katyusha rockets - but thousands of missiles have ranges of hundreds of kilometers, making every location in Israel within their reach. Not only that - but the missiles are more lethal now than ever before. "The warheads on these missiles contain hundreds of kilograms of explosives, not dozens, as in the past. And their firing precision and ability to hit specific targets is also greater," Kochavi said. The rockets are largely located in Lebanon and Syria, with a smaller amount in Gaza - and in Iran, as well, which has thousands of missiles that could reach Israel. "Every tenth house in Lebanon is now a weapons depot," Kochavi said . . . (Read more)
[Source: Unity Coalition for Israel]
Komen Reverses Its Stand
FRC Responds to Susan G. Komen's Reconsideration of Abortion-Neutral Stance
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council responded today to news reports that Susan G. Komen for the Cure may be loosening its grant eligibility requirements and also reconsidering its abortion-neutral stance. The Komen statement released today doesn't promise new funding for Planned Parenthood but does make future funding an open question.
Jeanne Monahan, Family Research Council's Director for the Center for Human Dignity, had the following to say:
"The Susan G Komen Foundation made two policy changes this week to ensure money would be better spent to save women's lives. The first policy change ensured that grants are more directly focused on results. Planned Parenthood does not perform mammograms. The second new requirement is that Komen will not award money to organizations that are under federal investigation. Both of these policy decisions ensure money would be better spent to save women's lives while also making Susan G. Komen abortion-neutral.
"It would be heartbreaking for women who suffer from breast cancer if Planned Parenthood has bullied Komen into loosening their higher standards. Women deserve the best. Komen should stay focused on saving lives, not supporting the nation's largest abortion provider.
"It is truly unbelievable that the nation's largest abortion provider has been able to take what has been considered one of America's most well respected and beloved organizations and demonize it overnight for simply making their grants results-oriented. Planned Parenthood is putting their abortion ideology above the health of women," concluded Monahan.
(Source: Family Research Council)
- Stand in the gap and cry out for divine justice to be rendered in this case. The blood of the innocent cries out in this nation for that justice. Pray that the leaders of the Susan G. Komen Foundation will re-visit their second opinion, and reverse their position, as before. Pray.
- "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37)
American Hero Silenced
American Hero Silenced at West Point
It's happened again.
In a move that's reflective of the Obama Administration's continuing track-record of hostility toward Christianity, Lt. Gen. William Boykin (USA, Ret.), was recently pressured to withdraw from speaking at the United States Military Academy at West Point. General Boykin had been preparing to speak at the West Point Prayer Breakfast about the importance of prayer in a leader's life. The Academy moved Boykin to pull out of the event when a handful of atheist and Muslim cadets complained about Boykin's beliefs. The message to this elite, three-star warrior was obvious: You and your faith aren't welcome.
General Boykin is an American hero. There are few who would be more qualified to speak at a West Point prayer event. A former Delta Force leader who has faced danger for his country on missions in places like Iran, Somalia, and Grenada, General Boykin is also a man of deep Christian conviction. It is his outspoken faith that has made him a target of groups like the Council on American Islamic Relations, who lodged a complaint with West Point, which led to Boykin not speaking at the event.
This isn't the first time that an outspoken Christian has been booted from military events. Just over a year ago, I was disinvited from an event at Andrews Air Force base because of my biblical views. Before that, evangelist Franklin Graham's invitation to a Pentagon prayer service was rescinded because he too spoke the truth about his faith. These high-profile snubbings of religious expression are only the tip of the iceberg. The Obama Administration is advancing an environment of religious disarmament among the military -- and it must be stopped quickly for the sake of our soldiers' spiritual lives.
You can help the brave men and women of our military. Please join with me in signing our petition that calls on Congress and the Obama Administration to take action to ensure that America's brave warriors have access to free and full expression of their faith.
Sincerely,
Tony Perkins, President
Family Research Council
6th Circuit Upholds Religious Freedom
Sixth Circuit ruling: university should not have dismissed student for religious beliefs
6th Circuit to EMU: 'Tolerance is a two-way street'
CINCINNATI - The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit ruled Friday in favor of Julea Ward, an Eastern Michigan University graduate student represented by Alliance Defense Fund attorneys who was expelled from a counseling program for her beliefs. In a strongly worded opinion, the court reversed a district court decision in favor of the university and sent the case back for trial, saying "a reasonable jury could conclude that Ward's professors ejected her from the counseling program because of hostility toward her speech and faith . . .."
"Public universities shouldn't force students to violate their religious beliefs to get a degree. The court rightly understood this and ruled appropriately," said ADF Legal Counsel Jeremy Tedesco, who argued before the court in October of last year. "Rather than allow Julea to refer a potential client to another qualified counselor--a common, professional practice to best serve clients--EMU attacked and questioned Julea's religious beliefs and ultimately expelled her from the program because of them." (Alliance Defense Fund) Read more.
- Offer praise for this decision. Praise the Lord!
- "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people." (Prov. 14:34)
Good News in MT
U.S. Forest Service allows Jesus statue to remain;
Freedom From Religion Foundation plans to sue
This week, the U.S. Forest Service announced that it will allow a World War II memorial statue of Jesus to remain in Montana's Flathead National Forest, despite challenges from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. From the announcement: "The permit is reauthorized for ten years and is for the display of a statue of Jesus Christ on a 25 foot by 25 foot parcel of land near the top of Chair Two at Whitefish Mountain Resort. . . . The statue's historic value and eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places is in part directly linked to the current physical location of the statue." The Knights of Columbus erected the statue in the early 1950s on the small plot of land and have a special-use permit that must be renewed every ten years. The Forest Service refused to renew the permit late last year, citing concerns about potential litigation. The announcement this week came after the Forest Service received approximately 95,000 comments on the matter.
Freedom From Religion Foundation announced that it will sue the Forest Service in federal court in Montana.
The Good News Corner:
Legislative Caucuses Form in Kentucky and Maine
Your leaders are taking a stand across America! Tuesday, January 10th was a historic day in Kentucky as over 60 legislators and nearly 350 eager citizens crowded the Rotunda of the State Capitol to announce the formation of the Kentucky Legislative Prayer Caucus - some even hours before the event began!
The event was hosted by the members of the Kentucky Legislature; and emceed by the Prayer Caucus chairman, Rep. Jeff Hoover. Throughout the ceremony the Rotunda was filled with spontaneous clapping as citizens showed their support. During the reading of the Proclamation by Rep. Tim Moore, a resounding voice of unity became apparent as the crowd joined in the reading of 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and heal their land." It was evident that those in attendance believed that God can and will change America, if His people will pray.
One week later, on January 17th, the Maine Legislative Prayer Caucus was officially launched! The snowy weather and bitter cold temperatures did not deter legislators and citizens from filling the State House to answer the Call to Pray for Maine. Local news stations, pastors, leaders, and praying citizens came to join the Governor, Attorney General, Senate President, Speaker of the House, and over 50 other legislators to implore our Creator to watch over this nation and the freedom that only comes from Him.
(Source: Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation) Read more.
Worship with Us Today!
"Salvation is Here"
Hillsong Chapel
God above all the world in motion,
God above all my hopes and fears,
Well I don't care what the world throws at me now,
It's gonna be alright!
Hear the sounds of the generations,
Making loud our freedom song,
All in all that the world will know Your name,
We're gonna be alright!
Cause I know my God saved the day,
And I know His word never fails,
And I know my God made a way for me,
Salvation is here.
