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The Daily Brief - Friday, April 13, 2012
"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." (Romans 10:16)
The Daily Brief
1. North Korea's rocket launch condemned - UPI
North Korea's failed long-range rocket launch Friday was condemned by the Group of Eight nations' foreign ministers.The G8 -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States and Russia -- said firing the rocket, which broke into pieces before reaching space, was a violation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1695, 1718, and 1874.
South Korea's Defense Ministry first reported the launch, which is seen as defying international warnings and widely viewed as a provocation from the rogue state. The U.N. Security Council will meet Friday to discuss a response to the North's attempted launch. South Korea Defense Ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok told reporters in a nationally televised news conference that the rocket was fired at 7:39 a.m, local time Friday. "We suspect the North Korean missile has fallen as it divided into pieces minutes after liftoff."However, most observers say the launch is actually tied to the country's missile program. Japan has already given its military clearance to shoot down the rocket if it crosses into Japanese airspace. (Read more)
- Father, we thank You for the failure of this missile launch by a rogue state without regard for its neighbors. It seems that anarchy and chaos are erupting worldwide, at an alarming pace. We thank You that our trust is in You alone, under the shadow of Your wings! Lord, we ask for cool heads to prevail, and that, along with the condemnations coming against North Korea, You would cause those who make these kinds of decisions to make rational choices to protect themselves and the world. We pray for protection of South Korea, one of our allies, and strengthening of their defenses against their enemy to the north. In Jesus Name, Amen.
- "Woe to the many nations that rage- they rage like the raging sea! Woe to the peoples who roar- they roar like the roaring of great waters! Although the peoples roar like the roar of surging waters, when he rebukes them they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like tumbleweed before a gale." (Isaiah 17:12,13)
2. Economy: Beware the Coming 'Taxmageddon' - CBN News
If you thought your tax bill was big this year, just wait till you see what's coming next year. A tax increase so massive is headed America's way Jan. 1, some congressional aides are calling it "Taxmageddon." Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke warns these tax hikes, along with simultaneous spending cuts, could lead to major problems for the weak economy."There's going to be a massive fiscal cliff of large spending cuts and tax increases," the Fed chief recently told a congressional panel."It's $500 billion of higher taxes just in 2013 alone," Curtis Dubay, a senior policy analyst for the Heritage Foundation, told CBN News."A tax hike of that size for just one year is simply unprecedented," he said. "It's going to take an enormous chunk of the economy out of the hands of the businesses and people and families that earned the income and give it to Congress to spend."
- Abba, we cry out to You, as our Forefathers did, against "taxation without representation". We ask that our Congressional Representatives will be alerted to this excessive burden on the people, and rein-in these exorbitant tax increases. May our legislators see, that in order to recover from the economic depression we've been experiencing, we need less taxes, not more. May sanity and fiscal conservatism return to our nation, for the good of the people. Lord, make this known to all the voters, we pray. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
- "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." (Psalm 68:19)
3. Arizona governor signs law banning most late-term abortions - Reuters
Arizona Republican Governor Jan Brewer signed into law on Thursday a controversial bill that bans most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, giving Republicans a win in ongoing national efforts to impose greater restrictions on abortion.
- Lord, we thank You for the courage of Arizona Governor, Jan Brewer, in signing this piece of legislation into law. We thank You for the lives that will be saved as a result. We pray Your blessings, and protection over her, and all those who voted for this bill. In Jesus Name, Amen.
- "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants." (Deuteronomy 30:19)
4. Obama State Department set to cede oil-rich Alaska islands to Russia - World Tribune
Obama's State Department is giving away seven strategic, resource-laden Alaskan islands to the Russians. Yes, to the Putin regime in the Kremlin. The seven endangered islands in the Arctic Ocean and Bering Sea include one the size of Rhode Island and Delaware combined. The Russians are also to get the tens of thousands of square miles of oil-rich seabeds. surrounding the islands. The Department of Interior estimates billions of barrels of oil are at stake.
The State Department has undertaken the giveaway in the guise of a maritime boundary agreement between Alaska and Siberia. Astoundingly, our federal government itself drew the line to put these seven Alaskan islands on the Russian side. But as an executive agreement, it could be reversed with the stroke of a pen by President Obama or Secretary Clinton. The agreement was negotiated in total secrecy. The state of Alaska was not allowed to participate in the negotiations, nor was the public given any opportunity for comment. This is despite the fact the Alaska Legislature has passed resolutions of opposition - but the State Department doesn't seem to care. Read more
- Father, we are amazed and distressed at this news! Why would our President and State Department give our oil-rich land to a sworn enemy of democracy? We ask that You would bring this forth into the light, and to the awareness of all the voters in this country . . . so this can be turned around and cancelled. Even Alaska's States rights are being ignored, despite this country being 50 United States. Giving this land away, not only endangers are own oil reserves, but also compromises the security of Alaska. We ask that You would protect Alaska, and please cause there to be a collective outcry against this plan to cede our land to our enemies . . . we ask You in Yeshua's precious Name. Amen.
- "Give heed to Him, listen to and obey His voice; be not rebellious before Him or provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgression; for My Name is in Him.But if you will indeed listen to and obey His voice and all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries." (Exodus 23:21,22)
5. Alarms over Obama coup against Constitution surging - Fox News
There always have been those few who have launched diatribes over the dictatorial actions of any given U.S. presidential administration, over civil rights, foreign affairs, the economy, the draft or a dozen other topics - even though the Constitution was written specifically to prevent the collection of too much power by one branch of government.
The issue recently was brought into the headlines by comments from Judge Andrew Napolitano, a Fox News analyst who said, "I think the president is dangerously close to totalitarianism. A few months ago he was saying the Congress doesn't count. The Congress doesn't mean anything. I am going to rule by decree and by administrative regulation. Now he's basically saying the Supreme Court doesn't count. It doesn't matter what they think. They can't review our legislation."That would leave just him as the only branch of government standing," Napolitano said.
- Father, again we cry out to You for mercy and balance in our Federal Government. We thank You that this nation was founded on Your Godly principles, and we have declared these states to be our 50 United States of Christ. We ask You to expose the subversive things done in this country to undermine our Constitution, and rule of Law. We thank You that our forefathers specifically set up the system of checks and balances to prevent this domination of one branch of government over the others.
We pray that all duly elected offices on the federal level, will indeed remember their sworn oaths to uphold that Constitution. Even the Supreme Court Justices, though not elected by the people, must also swear to uphold that Constitution. We pray for equal balance and authority and power to be operative in our Executive Branch, Legislative Branch, and the Judicial Branch of our government. Thank You, Abba!! You are the Righteous Judge, and we plead our Case before You! In Your Name, Amen.
- "He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." (Psalm 9:8,9)
- "For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us." (Isaiah 33:22)
6. As weather gets biblical, insurers go missing - MSNBC
As weather disasters strike with more frequency, homeowners first get hit with the destruction or total loss of property. Many are then hit with the unexpected loss of homeowners insurance policies as insurance companies re-evaluate their financial liabilities.
- Abba, we are amazed at the increase of "natural" disasters, across our nation, although You did tell us this would be the case, shortly before Your return to earth. We do pray for the many citizens who are impacted by these incidents, and we pray for their protection of their lives, families, and property. We ask that somehow these expenses would be covered for those who have insurance.
We ask for wisdom for the insurance companies, and those insured, to be able to meet the financial needs of repairs, etc. Surely, this is a financial dilemma for insurance companies as well. We ask that You would enable them to make wise decisions, we pray. Amen.
" Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it." (Ecclesiastes 7:12,13)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for at his command they were created, and he established them for ever and ever- he issued a decree that will never pass away." (Psalm 148:1,2,5,6)
1. US Says Israel Likely To Target Iran's Nuclear Program Before June - VOA News
The outcome of talks set to begin Saturday between world powers and Iran over its disputed nuclear program could be a determining factor in whether Israel carries out threatened airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.
2. Abdullah seeking divorce from Palestinians - Jerusalem Post
King Abdullah is seeking to complete the divorce proceedings between Jordan and the Palestinians which his late father, King Hussein, began in 1988.
3. Israel holds secret talks on involvement in Mideast nuclear disarmament conference - Ha'aretz
Finland's Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs visited Jerusalem secretly last week for talks with Israeli counterparts about Israel's involvement in a conference to ban nuclear arms from the Middle East. Two years ago Israel voiced opposition to such a conference.
The Daily Jot!
American Crossroad: Wring hands or ring Liberty bell
Many people have written The Daily Jot expressing concern, anxiety, confusion, anger, hopelessness, some a sense of doom over the prospective presidential elections. As a former political consultant, I, too, am dismayed, even chagrined over the choices we have at the moment--a man whose theology is laced with class warfare and social justice in the form of socialism and a man who believes he is an actual son of God and that the Bible needed to be "restored" by the Book of Mormon to reveal this truth. It's not much of a choice. In fact, this election is a reminder of how a fallen people are conquered by their own doing and yet even in this reality, they choose to blame YHVH for the condition of the nation.
There can be a great debate as to whether this nation is under the judgment of YHVH for turning from Him. But think about it. The laws of YHVH in nature are such that if you fail to, as Paul says in Romans 12:21, "overcome evil with good," there are consequences to that failing. One increases the chances of bad things happening by not acting to make the right thing happen. There are those who would just pray, for example, and say that is what they do and they are amazed that the nation keeps getting worse. There are those who "command in the name of Jesus" all these things to right themselves and the nation just keeps going down the wrong track. Is YHVH not answering your prayers? Or is there more to it?
First and foremost, a man is not going to "command" YHVH to do anything. Neither is man going to "command" the spirit world to obey him. We are physical flesh and blood beings. There is a unique blend of our prayers and our actions that determine our condition. Prayer without action may not be effective. As James 1:22 says, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." Verse 25 says, "But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continue therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." There is an inextricable link between faith, prayer, hearing and doing. Any one of those things missing, the result will reflect it.
This nation has turned away from YHVH. So are the bad times we face because of YHVH's judgment upon us or is it because we brought it on ourselves? Or is it both? Does one result in the other? Are we awaiting a miracle from YHVH to clean up the mess created by our own doing (or lack of doing)? We are going to have to act as well as pray to right this ship. James 2:26 says, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." The Bible shows us that nations are judged as well as the people who live in them. America is at a crossroad. Are we going to sit and wring our hands, or are we going to rise up and ring the bell of perfect Liberty? We are going to have to reach for it first.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
An Interview with Rick Santorum
Yesterday, Tony Perkins interviewed Rick Santorum, to learn his thoughts now that he is standing down from campaigning for president.
This interview gives us insight not only about Rick and his wife, Karen, and what they feel the future may hold for them, but also about the new positioning of values voters across America in this ever-changing election year.
To listen to this interview, go here.
To read a transcript of this interview, go here.
- We continue to offer prayer for the Santorum family as they recover from the pressures of this campaign season, and for Rick as he moves forward from here. Amen.
- "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him." (Psalm 28:7)
Israel Braces for another "Flytilla"
Is a second fly-in underway? Hundreds, possibly thousands, of foreign pro-Palestinian activists are set to arrive in Israel via the Ben Gurion International Airport on Sunday [April 15] ahead of a trip to the Palestinian Authority. The measure is perceived as having volatile potential, and police sources said Monday that security forces are gearing to stop the activists at the airport should they cause a public disturbance - something authorities believe is very likely. The "flytilla," titled the "Welcome to Palestine 2012" campaign, is expected to consist of activists from the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand who plan to go to Bethlehem, before travelling to other Palestinian cities.
Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch, who will coordinate the government's efforts vis-à-vis the fly-in, has already held several meetings on the matter, as well as a survey of the airport. Aharonovitch's team consists of officials from the police, the Immigration authority, the Israel Aviation Authority and various other branches in the defense establishment.
Sunday, which will see the end of the Passover break in Israel, is considered one of the busiest days in Ben Gurion Airport. Aharonovitch stressed that airport security, which will be reinforced, has been instructed to exercise restraint while maintaining order. Israel's efforts to stop the first "flytilla," in July 2011, were somewhat successful, as many European nations stopped the activists from boarding their flights.
Jerusalem sources said that those who will arrive in Israel will not be granted entry and will be deported. The fly-in's organizers said that unlike last year, European airlines are not expected to blacklist activists.
Dr. Mazin Qumsieh, one of the organizers, said that some 1,500 people are expected to arrive in Israel as part of the "flytilla," adding that some may arrive before Sunday. "The airlines won't obey an Israeli demand to blacklist activists this time. After last year's events, some groups sued the airlines.
"I don't know how Israel plans to deal with this, but what would it look like if it deports 1,500 people?" he said. Qumsieh stressed that the activists have been instructed to tell the truth about their reason for traveling to Israel.
The Palestinian Authority, he added, is aware that even if the activists arrive in Israel - they will be promptly deported. The Palestinians are aware of the fact the regardless of the fly-in's end result, they are likely to have the upper hand - PR [Public Relations] wise.
But Qumsieh insisted that is not the "flytilla's" goal: "We're not trying to make Israel look bad. I want Israel to let them in. "Israel shouldn't isolate us from the international community," he concluded. "I hope Israel does the right thing." (By Yair Altman, Ynetnews.com, April 10, 2012)
Prayer Focus
Pray that this will turn into the same "non-event" as last year. Pray for peace and order at the airports and checkpoints.
Scripture
"It is God who avenges me, and subdues the peoples under me; He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man." (Psalm 18:47-48)
Joel Rosenberg on Iraq
IRAQ REBUILDING ITS MILITARY AND ECONOMY, EVEN AS THEY REBUILD BABYLON
Prophetic significance?
Joel C. Rosenberg
Bible prophecy indicates that in the End Times, the nation we know today as the Republic of Iraq -- known variously in Scripture as Babel, Bablyon, Babylonia, Mesopotamia and Shinar -- will emerge as the global center of wealth, power and terrible evil. Eventually Iraq will pose a direct and existential threat to the State of Israel, particularly during the Tribulation.
Since the fall of Saddam Hussein and his regime in 2003, Iraq has not been a regional threat, much less a danger to Israel. Some have assumed, therefore, that Iraq would no longer play a major role in Middle Eastern or global affairs in the future. But such a conclusion would be a mistake. As I wrote about in my first non-fiction book, Epicenter, those who read, understand and believe Bible prophecy have been watching for Iraq to: 1) begin rebuilding its offensive military capability; 2) begin rebuilding its economy; 3) continue rebuilding the ancient city of Babylon into a major center of commerce and tourism.
Interestingly, all three developments are currently underway. A few details (much more on the blog):
* The Iraqis are buying 140 state-of-the-art American M1A1 combat tanks.
* The Iraqis are buying 36 advanced American F-16 fighter jets.
* In 2010, the Iraqis embarked on a $13 billion weapons spending spree.
* Iraq's GDP is set to grow by more than 10% for the next few years.
* Iraq's Planning Ministry says Iraq's economy will grow by upwards of 47% by 2017 when the oil starts flowing fast and furious.
* In 2011, ExxonMobil -- the world's largest oil company -- signed a major deal to help develop the oil industry in Iraq's northern region of Kurdistan.
* The U.S. government is helping finance the rebuilding of the city of Babylon
* "The American reconstruction team has refurbished a modern museum on the site, as well as a model of the Ishtar Gate that for decades served as a visitors' entrance," reports the New York Times. "Inside the museum is one of the site's most valuable relics: a glazed brick relief of a lion, one of 120 that once lined the processional way into the city. The museum, with three galleries, is scheduled to open this month, receiving its first visitors since 2003 . . ."
[To read the rest of this article, and find more news and analysis of events and trends in the U.S., Israel and the Middle East, please go here.]
GOOD NEWS FROM SANFORD, FLORIDA
Submitted by Kim Johnson, Executive Director, Watchmen Arise International and Southeast Region Leader, HAPN/USRPN State Leader, FL-APN, SPAN
Dear Friends,
Sanford, Florida continues to be in the forefront of the news headlines these days. In the wake of the tragic death of Trayvon Martin and the circumstances leading to George Zimmerman's arrest, the atmosphere in Florida weighs in the balance - the balance of the justice system that is.
On April 12, 2012, I was invited to attend a meeting for pastors and ministry leaders in Lake Mary, Florida. This gathering, hosted by Pastor Paul Benjamin of the Dream Center in Sanford, was held to discuss how to facilitate healing in the central Florida region in light of the Martin/Zimmerman case. How should the Christian community come together to bring healing to this wound that has national repercussions? In four hours, the process of healing and reconciliation began to unfold before our eyes. History was made yesterday.
Dr. Raleigh Washington, President of Promise Keepers led the charge to create an environment of repentance and forgiveness in the community. He shared how this incidence has caused something that needs to be addressed in the Body of Christ. We must address division. He stated a few statistics about our problem: There are 34,000 denominations worldwide, 7% of people read their Bible on a regular basis, and 4% of the 15-30 year olds having a Biblical foundation. We are not unified.
"Sanford can cause awakening to the Body of Christ," Dr. Washington stated. "God has called us in this hour to be radical spiritual leaders." The question is this: What does oneness and one accord look like? Better yet, is central Florida willing to do whatever is necessary? He posed the question, "What if 12-15 pastors of the' lighter hue' asked for forgiveness?" Then he stated, "The 'darker hue' has to have a heart of forgiveness."
Bishop Harry Jackson spoke about the Florida his father lived in as a young man. In 1954, a state trooper fired a shot at his father. The bullet went past him. This incident caused his father to flee the state to get away from the racial pressure. Bishop Jackson reminded us that on April 29, 2012 it will be the 20 year anniversary of the Rodney King incident that sparked the 1992 Los Angeles Riots.[1] This one volatile moment in history caused 13,212 arrests, 2,383 human injuries and 54 deaths according to Jackson.
Here we are 20 years later with an atmosphere ready to ignite again. Why? Because we haven't dealt with the injustice in our land. For the "darker hue" community, deaths like Trayvon Martin's. We should take the hint that there is still a hits close to the heart. large gaping hole in the fabric of unity in our nation. We must work together to bring healing to hurting in our land.
The historical moment I witnessed was when a 32-year-old pastor from Sanford stood up to lead the charge of unity amongst the Sanford clergy. Derrick Gay, by no choosing of his own, received a phone call from a local government official to attend a meeting following Martin's death. Much to his surprise, he found himself in a room with a few select individuals in the community and the Martin family. He was able to minister to this hurting family in the midst of lawyers swarming around them. In a day, he became part of the answer to a pressing problem. Today, he volunteered to lead a movement that will heal his community.
One by one the Sanford pastors stood up next to Pastor Derrick. "We will be the Aaron and Hur to you," they stated (Exodus 17:10). It was beautiful. It was multi-denominational. It was multi-colored. God's healing team for Sanford was birthed in that moment. The wound of racial tension in Florida and our nation is being dressed once again. My prayer is that our land will be reconciled and restored.
How to pray:
- Pray for this new formed alliance in Sanford.
- Ask the Lord to reveal strategies to bring healing and reconciliation to this hurting community.
- Pray for God's hand of protection to be upon each minister, his/her home, family, ministry, etc.
- Pray that the Lord fills their mouths with the words to speak to their churches, neighbors and media.
- Declare Proverbs 3:5,6 over this team.
- Ask the Lord to direct their path and that they will not lean on their own understanding.
- Pray for the Sanford community.
- Ask the Lord to healing the hearts of both families involved, the Martins and the Zimmermans.
- Declare peace to the streets of the city.
- Ask the Lord to bring healing to those who have been wounded by racial injustice.
- Pray for the wound that has been deepened by media coverage, that the Lord will soothe the hurts and foster an atmosphere of healing in the city.
Thank you for standing on the wall in prayer for Florida and our nation!
Blessings to you,
Kim Johnson
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodney_King
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• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot!
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• Israel Braces for another "Flytilla"
• Joel Rosenberg on Iraq
• Good News from Sanford, Florida!
• Worship with Us Today!
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The Daily Brief - Friday, April 13, 2012
"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." (Romans 10:16)
The Daily Brief
1. North Korea's rocket launch condemned - UPI
North Korea's failed long-range rocket launch Friday was condemned by the Group of Eight nations' foreign ministers.The G8 -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States and Russia -- said firing the rocket, which broke into pieces before reaching space, was a violation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1695, 1718, and 1874.
South Korea's Defense Ministry first reported the launch, which is seen as defying international warnings and widely viewed as a provocation from the rogue state. The U.N. Security Council will meet Friday to discuss a response to the North's attempted launch. South Korea Defense Ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok told reporters in a nationally televised news conference that the rocket was fired at 7:39 a.m, local time Friday. "We suspect the North Korean missile has fallen as it divided into pieces minutes after liftoff."However, most observers say the launch is actually tied to the country's missile program. Japan has already given its military clearance to shoot down the rocket if it crosses into Japanese airspace. (Read more)
- Father, we thank You for the failure of this missile launch by a rogue state without regard for its neighbors. It seems that anarchy and chaos are erupting worldwide, at an alarming pace. We thank You that our trust is in You alone, under the shadow of Your wings! Lord, we ask for cool heads to prevail, and that, along with the condemnations coming against North Korea, You would cause those who make these kinds of decisions to make rational choices to protect themselves and the world. We pray for protection of South Korea, one of our allies, and strengthening of their defenses against their enemy to the north. In Jesus Name, Amen.
- "Woe to the many nations that rage- they rage like the raging sea! Woe to the peoples who roar- they roar like the roaring of great waters! Although the peoples roar like the roar of surging waters, when he rebukes them they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like tumbleweed before a gale." (Isaiah 17:12,13)
2. Economy: Beware the Coming 'Taxmageddon' - CBN News
If you thought your tax bill was big this year, just wait till you see what's coming next year. A tax increase so massive is headed America's way Jan. 1, some congressional aides are calling it "Taxmageddon." Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke warns these tax hikes, along with simultaneous spending cuts, could lead to major problems for the weak economy."There's going to be a massive fiscal cliff of large spending cuts and tax increases," the Fed chief recently told a congressional panel."It's $500 billion of higher taxes just in 2013 alone," Curtis Dubay, a senior policy analyst for the Heritage Foundation, told CBN News."A tax hike of that size for just one year is simply unprecedented," he said. "It's going to take an enormous chunk of the economy out of the hands of the businesses and people and families that earned the income and give it to Congress to spend."
- Abba, we cry out to You, as our Forefathers did, against "taxation without representation". We ask that our Congressional Representatives will be alerted to this excessive burden on the people, and rein-in these exorbitant tax increases. May our legislators see, that in order to recover from the economic depression we've been experiencing, we need less taxes, not more. May sanity and fiscal conservatism return to our nation, for the good of the people. Lord, make this known to all the voters, we pray. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
- "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." (Psalm 68:19)
3. Arizona governor signs law banning most late-term abortions - Reuters
Arizona Republican Governor Jan Brewer signed into law on Thursday a controversial bill that bans most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, giving Republicans a win in ongoing national efforts to impose greater restrictions on abortion.
- Lord, we thank You for the courage of Arizona Governor, Jan Brewer, in signing this piece of legislation into law. We thank You for the lives that will be saved as a result. We pray Your blessings, and protection over her, and all those who voted for this bill. In Jesus Name, Amen.
- "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants." (Deuteronomy 30:19)
4. Obama State Department set to cede oil-rich Alaska islands to Russia - World Tribune
Obama's State Department is giving away seven strategic, resource-laden Alaskan islands to the Russians. Yes, to the Putin regime in the Kremlin. The seven endangered islands in the Arctic Ocean and Bering Sea include one the size of Rhode Island and Delaware combined. The Russians are also to get the tens of thousands of square miles of oil-rich seabeds. surrounding the islands. The Department of Interior estimates billions of barrels of oil are at stake.
The State Department has undertaken the giveaway in the guise of a maritime boundary agreement between Alaska and Siberia. Astoundingly, our federal government itself drew the line to put these seven Alaskan islands on the Russian side. But as an executive agreement, it could be reversed with the stroke of a pen by President Obama or Secretary Clinton. The agreement was negotiated in total secrecy. The state of Alaska was not allowed to participate in the negotiations, nor was the public given any opportunity for comment. This is despite the fact the Alaska Legislature has passed resolutions of opposition - but the State Department doesn't seem to care. Read more
- Father, we are amazed and distressed at this news! Why would our President and State Department give our oil-rich land to a sworn enemy of democracy? We ask that You would bring this forth into the light, and to the awareness of all the voters in this country . . . so this can be turned around and cancelled. Even Alaska's States rights are being ignored, despite this country being 50 United States. Giving this land away, not only endangers are own oil reserves, but also compromises the security of Alaska. We ask that You would protect Alaska, and please cause there to be a collective outcry against this plan to cede our land to our enemies . . . we ask You in Yeshua's precious Name. Amen.
- "Give heed to Him, listen to and obey His voice; be not rebellious before Him or provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgression; for My Name is in Him.But if you will indeed listen to and obey His voice and all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries." (Exodus 23:21,22)
5. Alarms over Obama coup against Constitution surging - Fox News
There always have been those few who have launched diatribes over the dictatorial actions of any given U.S. presidential administration, over civil rights, foreign affairs, the economy, the draft or a dozen other topics - even though the Constitution was written specifically to prevent the collection of too much power by one branch of government.
The issue recently was brought into the headlines by comments from Judge Andrew Napolitano, a Fox News analyst who said, "I think the president is dangerously close to totalitarianism. A few months ago he was saying the Congress doesn't count. The Congress doesn't mean anything. I am going to rule by decree and by administrative regulation. Now he's basically saying the Supreme Court doesn't count. It doesn't matter what they think. They can't review our legislation."That would leave just him as the only branch of government standing," Napolitano said.
- Father, again we cry out to You for mercy and balance in our Federal Government. We thank You that this nation was founded on Your Godly principles, and we have declared these states to be our 50 United States of Christ. We ask You to expose the subversive things done in this country to undermine our Constitution, and rule of Law. We thank You that our forefathers specifically set up the system of checks and balances to prevent this domination of one branch of government over the others.
We pray that all duly elected offices on the federal level, will indeed remember their sworn oaths to uphold that Constitution. Even the Supreme Court Justices, though not elected by the people, must also swear to uphold that Constitution. We pray for equal balance and authority and power to be operative in our Executive Branch, Legislative Branch, and the Judicial Branch of our government. Thank You, Abba!! You are the Righteous Judge, and we plead our Case before You! In Your Name, Amen.
- "He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." (Psalm 9:8,9)
- "For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us." (Isaiah 33:22)
6. As weather gets biblical, insurers go missing - MSNBC
As weather disasters strike with more frequency, homeowners first get hit with the destruction or total loss of property. Many are then hit with the unexpected loss of homeowners insurance policies as insurance companies re-evaluate their financial liabilities.
- Abba, we are amazed at the increase of "natural" disasters, across our nation, although You did tell us this would be the case, shortly before Your return to earth. We do pray for the many citizens who are impacted by these incidents, and we pray for their protection of their lives, families, and property. We ask that somehow these expenses would be covered for those who have insurance.
We ask for wisdom for the insurance companies, and those insured, to be able to meet the financial needs of repairs, etc. Surely, this is a financial dilemma for insurance companies as well. We ask that You would enable them to make wise decisions, we pray. Amen.
" Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it." (Ecclesiastes 7:12,13)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for at his command they were created, and he established them for ever and ever- he issued a decree that will never pass away." (Psalm 148:1,2,5,6)
1. US Says Israel Likely To Target Iran's Nuclear Program Before June - VOA News
The outcome of talks set to begin Saturday between world powers and Iran over its disputed nuclear program could be a determining factor in whether Israel carries out threatened airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.
2. Abdullah seeking divorce from Palestinians - Jerusalem Post
King Abdullah is seeking to complete the divorce proceedings between Jordan and the Palestinians which his late father, King Hussein, began in 1988.
3. Israel holds secret talks on involvement in Mideast nuclear disarmament conference - Ha'aretz
Finland's Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs visited Jerusalem secretly last week for talks with Israeli counterparts about Israel's involvement in a conference to ban nuclear arms from the Middle East. Two years ago Israel voiced opposition to such a conference.
The Daily Jot!
American Crossroad: Wring hands or ring Liberty bell
Many people have written The Daily Jot expressing concern, anxiety, confusion, anger, hopelessness, some a sense of doom over the prospective presidential elections. As a former political consultant, I, too, am dismayed, even chagrined over the choices we have at the moment--a man whose theology is laced with class warfare and social justice in the form of socialism and a man who believes he is an actual son of God and that the Bible needed to be "restored" by the Book of Mormon to reveal this truth. It's not much of a choice. In fact, this election is a reminder of how a fallen people are conquered by their own doing and yet even in this reality, they choose to blame YHVH for the condition of the nation.
There can be a great debate as to whether this nation is under the judgment of YHVH for turning from Him. But think about it. The laws of YHVH in nature are such that if you fail to, as Paul says in Romans 12:21, "overcome evil with good," there are consequences to that failing. One increases the chances of bad things happening by not acting to make the right thing happen. There are those who would just pray, for example, and say that is what they do and they are amazed that the nation keeps getting worse. There are those who "command in the name of Jesus" all these things to right themselves and the nation just keeps going down the wrong track. Is YHVH not answering your prayers? Or is there more to it?
First and foremost, a man is not going to "command" YHVH to do anything. Neither is man going to "command" the spirit world to obey him. We are physical flesh and blood beings. There is a unique blend of our prayers and our actions that determine our condition. Prayer without action may not be effective. As James 1:22 says, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." Verse 25 says, "But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continue therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." There is an inextricable link between faith, prayer, hearing and doing. Any one of those things missing, the result will reflect it.
This nation has turned away from YHVH. So are the bad times we face because of YHVH's judgment upon us or is it because we brought it on ourselves? Or is it both? Does one result in the other? Are we awaiting a miracle from YHVH to clean up the mess created by our own doing (or lack of doing)? We are going to have to act as well as pray to right this ship. James 2:26 says, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." The Bible shows us that nations are judged as well as the people who live in them. America is at a crossroad. Are we going to sit and wring our hands, or are we going to rise up and ring the bell of perfect Liberty? We are going to have to reach for it first.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
An Interview with Rick Santorum
Yesterday, Tony Perkins interviewed Rick Santorum, to learn his thoughts now that he is standing down from campaigning for president.
This interview gives us insight not only about Rick and his wife, Karen, and what they feel the future may hold for them, but also about the new positioning of values voters across America in this ever-changing election year.
To listen to this interview, go here.
To read a transcript of this interview, go here.
- We continue to offer prayer for the Santorum family as they recover from the pressures of this campaign season, and for Rick as he moves forward from here. Amen.
- "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him." (Psalm 28:7)
Israel Braces for another "Flytilla"
Is a second fly-in underway? Hundreds, possibly thousands, of foreign pro-Palestinian activists are set to arrive in Israel via the Ben Gurion International Airport on Sunday [April 15] ahead of a trip to the Palestinian Authority. The measure is perceived as having volatile potential, and police sources said Monday that security forces are gearing to stop the activists at the airport should they cause a public disturbance - something authorities believe is very likely. The "flytilla," titled the "Welcome to Palestine 2012" campaign, is expected to consist of activists from the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand who plan to go to Bethlehem, before travelling to other Palestinian cities.
Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch, who will coordinate the government's efforts vis-à-vis the fly-in, has already held several meetings on the matter, as well as a survey of the airport. Aharonovitch's team consists of officials from the police, the Immigration authority, the Israel Aviation Authority and various other branches in the defense establishment.
Sunday, which will see the end of the Passover break in Israel, is considered one of the busiest days in Ben Gurion Airport. Aharonovitch stressed that airport security, which will be reinforced, has been instructed to exercise restraint while maintaining order. Israel's efforts to stop the first "flytilla," in July 2011, were somewhat successful, as many European nations stopped the activists from boarding their flights.
Jerusalem sources said that those who will arrive in Israel will not be granted entry and will be deported. The fly-in's organizers said that unlike last year, European airlines are not expected to blacklist activists.
Dr. Mazin Qumsieh, one of the organizers, said that some 1,500 people are expected to arrive in Israel as part of the "flytilla," adding that some may arrive before Sunday. "The airlines won't obey an Israeli demand to blacklist activists this time. After last year's events, some groups sued the airlines.
"I don't know how Israel plans to deal with this, but what would it look like if it deports 1,500 people?" he said. Qumsieh stressed that the activists have been instructed to tell the truth about their reason for traveling to Israel.
The Palestinian Authority, he added, is aware that even if the activists arrive in Israel - they will be promptly deported. The Palestinians are aware of the fact the regardless of the fly-in's end result, they are likely to have the upper hand - PR [Public Relations] wise.
But Qumsieh insisted that is not the "flytilla's" goal: "We're not trying to make Israel look bad. I want Israel to let them in. "Israel shouldn't isolate us from the international community," he concluded. "I hope Israel does the right thing." (By Yair Altman, Ynetnews.com, April 10, 2012)
Prayer Focus
Pray that this will turn into the same "non-event" as last year. Pray for peace and order at the airports and checkpoints.
Scripture
"It is God who avenges me, and subdues the peoples under me; He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man." (Psalm 18:47-48)
Joel Rosenberg on Iraq
IRAQ REBUILDING ITS MILITARY AND ECONOMY, EVEN AS THEY REBUILD BABYLON
Prophetic significance?
Joel C. Rosenberg
Bible prophecy indicates that in the End Times, the nation we know today as the Republic of Iraq -- known variously in Scripture as Babel, Bablyon, Babylonia, Mesopotamia and Shinar -- will emerge as the global center of wealth, power and terrible evil. Eventually Iraq will pose a direct and existential threat to the State of Israel, particularly during the Tribulation.
Since the fall of Saddam Hussein and his regime in 2003, Iraq has not been a regional threat, much less a danger to Israel. Some have assumed, therefore, that Iraq would no longer play a major role in Middle Eastern or global affairs in the future. But such a conclusion would be a mistake. As I wrote about in my first non-fiction book, Epicenter, those who read, understand and believe Bible prophecy have been watching for Iraq to: 1) begin rebuilding its offensive military capability; 2) begin rebuilding its economy; 3) continue rebuilding the ancient city of Babylon into a major center of commerce and tourism.
Interestingly, all three developments are currently underway. A few details (much more on the blog):
* The Iraqis are buying 140 state-of-the-art American M1A1 combat tanks.
* The Iraqis are buying 36 advanced American F-16 fighter jets.
* In 2010, the Iraqis embarked on a $13 billion weapons spending spree.
* Iraq's GDP is set to grow by more than 10% for the next few years.
* Iraq's Planning Ministry says Iraq's economy will grow by upwards of 47% by 2017 when the oil starts flowing fast and furious.
* In 2011, ExxonMobil -- the world's largest oil company -- signed a major deal to help develop the oil industry in Iraq's northern region of Kurdistan.
* The U.S. government is helping finance the rebuilding of the city of Babylon
* "The American reconstruction team has refurbished a modern museum on the site, as well as a model of the Ishtar Gate that for decades served as a visitors' entrance," reports the New York Times. "Inside the museum is one of the site's most valuable relics: a glazed brick relief of a lion, one of 120 that once lined the processional way into the city. The museum, with three galleries, is scheduled to open this month, receiving its first visitors since 2003 . . ."
[To read the rest of this article, and find more news and analysis of events and trends in the U.S., Israel and the Middle East, please go here.]
GOOD NEWS FROM SANFORD, FLORIDA
Submitted by Kim Johnson, Executive Director, Watchmen Arise International and Southeast Region Leader, HAPN/USRPN State Leader, FL-APN, SPAN
Dear Friends,
Sanford, Florida continues to be in the forefront of the news headlines these days. In the wake of the tragic death of Trayvon Martin and the circumstances leading to George Zimmerman's arrest, the atmosphere in Florida weighs in the balance - the balance of the justice system that is.
On April 12, 2012, I was invited to attend a meeting for pastors and ministry leaders in Lake Mary, Florida. This gathering, hosted by Pastor Paul Benjamin of the Dream Center in Sanford, was held to discuss how to facilitate healing in the central Florida region in light of the Martin/Zimmerman case. How should the Christian community come together to bring healing to this wound that has national repercussions? In four hours, the process of healing and reconciliation began to unfold before our eyes. History was made yesterday.
Dr. Raleigh Washington, President of Promise Keepers led the charge to create an environment of repentance and forgiveness in the community. He shared how this incidence has caused something that needs to be addressed in the Body of Christ. We must address division. He stated a few statistics about our problem: There are 34,000 denominations worldwide, 7% of people read their Bible on a regular basis, and 4% of the 15-30 year olds having a Biblical foundation. We are not unified.
"Sanford can cause awakening to the Body of Christ," Dr. Washington stated. "God has called us in this hour to be radical spiritual leaders." The question is this: What does oneness and one accord look like? Better yet, is central Florida willing to do whatever is necessary? He posed the question, "What if 12-15 pastors of the' lighter hue' asked for forgiveness?" Then he stated, "The 'darker hue' has to have a heart of forgiveness."
Bishop Harry Jackson spoke about the Florida his father lived in as a young man. In 1954, a state trooper fired a shot at his father. The bullet went past him. This incident caused his father to flee the state to get away from the racial pressure. Bishop Jackson reminded us that on April 29, 2012 it will be the 20 year anniversary of the Rodney King incident that sparked the 1992 Los Angeles Riots.[1] This one volatile moment in history caused 13,212 arrests, 2,383 human injuries and 54 deaths according to Jackson.
Here we are 20 years later with an atmosphere ready to ignite again. Why? Because we haven't dealt with the injustice in our land. For the "darker hue" community, deaths like Trayvon Martin's. We should take the hint that there is still a hits close to the heart. large gaping hole in the fabric of unity in our nation. We must work together to bring healing to hurting in our land.
The historical moment I witnessed was when a 32-year-old pastor from Sanford stood up to lead the charge of unity amongst the Sanford clergy. Derrick Gay, by no choosing of his own, received a phone call from a local government official to attend a meeting following Martin's death. Much to his surprise, he found himself in a room with a few select individuals in the community and the Martin family. He was able to minister to this hurting family in the midst of lawyers swarming around them. In a day, he became part of the answer to a pressing problem. Today, he volunteered to lead a movement that will heal his community.
One by one the Sanford pastors stood up next to Pastor Derrick. "We will be the Aaron and Hur to you," they stated (Exodus 17:10). It was beautiful. It was multi-denominational. It was multi-colored. God's healing team for Sanford was birthed in that moment. The wound of racial tension in Florida and our nation is being dressed once again. My prayer is that our land will be reconciled and restored.
How to pray:
- Pray for this new formed alliance in Sanford.
- Ask the Lord to reveal strategies to bring healing and reconciliation to this hurting community.
- Pray for God's hand of protection to be upon each minister, his/her home, family, ministry, etc.
- Pray that the Lord fills their mouths with the words to speak to their churches, neighbors and media.
- Declare Proverbs 3:5,6 over this team.
- Ask the Lord to direct their path and that they will not lean on their own understanding.
- Pray for the Sanford community.
- Ask the Lord to healing the hearts of both families involved, the Martins and the Zimmermans.
- Declare peace to the streets of the city.
- Ask the Lord to bring healing to those who have been wounded by racial injustice.
- Pray for the wound that has been deepened by media coverage, that the Lord will soothe the hurts and foster an atmosphere of healing in the city.
Thank you for standing on the wall in prayer for Florida and our nation!
Blessings to you,
Kim Johnson
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodney_King
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