• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Santorum Stands Down (Part One)
• Santorum Stands Down (Part Two)
• There is no justice . . .
• Today's Legislative Focus
• The Week of Passover Begins
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
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The Daily Brief - Wednesday, April 11, 2012
"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." (Romans 10:16)
The Daily Brief
2. Rick Santorum suspends GOP presidential campaign - Washington Examiner
Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum on Tuesday suspended his presidential campaign, avoiding a potentially embarrassing primary loss in his home state and clearing the way for front-runner Mitt Romney to claim the GOP nomination. Santorum's improbable campaign defied expectations, growing from an afterthought at the onset of the GOP nominating contest in Iowa to victories there and in 10 other states since January. Santorum built his candidacy around fervent support from evangelical and rural voters who embraced his message of faith and family even while the issues of the economy and jobs dominated the campaign.
- Dear Lord, we lift our prayers to You knowing that our nation's Help is in You, and You alone. We ask for a turning in our nation - may all that has happened in recent years serve to draw America to its knees in humility, repentance, and faith in You. We pray in the mighty Name of Jesus that You would show Yourself strong on behalf of Your people in the sight of those who are enemies of the Cross. Guide this coming election and prosper the righteous.
We pray, too, for Rick and Karen Santorum, and their family in this difficult hour. May they find comfort and strength in You, in whom they trust; and may they know Your will for their family in the days ahead. Amen.
- "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
2. America's Debt Is Greater than Entire Eurozone's (and U.K.'s) Combined Debt - Weekly Standard
America's debt is currently $15.1 trillion, while the Eurozone (which includes France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, the U.K., and others) has a combined debt of $12.7 trillion. The Eurozone is larger than the United States, so America's debt per capita also exceeds the Eurozone's. According to the Census Bureau, the U.S. has a population of 313 million, whereas the Eurozone has a population in excess of 331 million.
- Dear Lord, considering the enormity of America's debt burden, we ask You to mercifully intervene by bringing to leadership fiscally conservative individuals who have the wisdom to stop out of control spending and to pay back debts. Remove leaders who are spending tax payer dollars like water, while growing their own personal wealth off the backs of the American people. Without Your wisdom and intervention we will perish as a nation at this spending rate. Help us O Lord, in Jesus' Name!
- "A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, And does not consider that poverty will come upon him." (Proverbs 28:22)
3. Plunging birthrate of U.S. teens 'amazing' - Washington Times
In 16 states, teen birthrates tumbled by at least 20 percent in recent years, the federal government said in a report. "More teens are delaying sexual activity, which is a good and responsible thing to do. And those teenagers who are having sex are using contraception better," said Bill Albert, chief program officer for the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. The teen birthrate peaked in 1991 and has fallen almost without interruption since. As a result, an estimated 3.4 million babies were not born to teen mothers since 1991, the report said.
- Lord, thank You for these statistics. We pray for teenagers who are strong in You Lord - and in the power of Your might - and who live among their peers in the power of Your Spirit. Raise up a generation of Christian teens who bring many to Christ, and who move so powerfully in the kingdom that they bring about a godly shift in America's current culture. Anoint the parents of teenagers with strength, wisdom, patience and insight to teach and model Your love. Anoint and prosper every Christ based organization working with our nation's youth, in Jesus' Name we pray.
- " Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth." (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
4. Huge quakes off Indonesia stir panic, but no big tsunami - Reuters
A powerful 8.6 magnitude earthquake and a series of strong aftershocks struck off Indonesia on Wednesday, sending people scurrying from buildings as far away as southern India, but there seemed little risk of a disastrous tsunami as in 2004. Indonesia said it was checking for damage and casualties but remarkably, no such reports had been received for several hours after the quakes, including in Aceh, the closest province and the area decimated by the disaster eight years ago. Indonesian television showed people gathering in mosques in Banda Aceh. Many others were on the streets, holding crying children. Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India were all badly hit in 2004. At least 230,000 people in 13 Indian Ocean countries were killed in the Boxing Day disaster that year, including 170,000 in and around Aceh alone.
Updates: More quakes are now occurring in our continent, with a 6.2 reported off the coast of Oregon this afternoon, and a 7.0 off the coast of Mexico early this evening. PRAY! - Heavenly Father, we thank You that we are not reading today about another mega-disaster in Indonesia! We pray these powerful threats from the forces of nature will serve to turn the great Islamic population of Indonesia to Jesus Christ. We pray that you will encourage the Christian population who surely prayed for an averted disaster, and strengthen them in the power of Your might. In Jesus' Name.
- " The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will thrust out the enemy before you" (Deuteronomy 33:27)
5. Russian Spies Employ Genies - Turkish TV
Genies, or jinns, are one of the three sentient races created by Allah along with humans and angels, according to the Quran. Belief in genies remains widespread throughout the Islamic world; in 2011, several close allies of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad were detained on accusations of sorcery and conspiring with genies.
- In the authority of Jesus' Name, we bind the powers of witchcraft in high places, and pray that those engaging in such activities will be replaced by Christian leaders.
- "There shall not be found among you anyone who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord" (Deuteronomy 18: 10,11) " For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. " (1 Samuel 15:23)
6. Iran uncovers Israel-linked 'major terrorist group' - BBC
The Iranian intelligence ministry has identified a "major terrorist group" linked to Israel and arrested some of its members, state media report. Bombs, machine-guns and military communications equipment were reportedly seized in operations in Iran's "border and central provinces". In March, NBC News quoted two senior US officials as confirming that the assassinations of Iranian scientists had been carried out by members of a dissident group, People's Mujahideen of Iran (PMOI) or Mojahedin-e Khalq, who were financed and trained by Israel's secret service, Mossad.
- Lord, we ask for divine protection for those who covertly infiltrated and worked against the nuclear programs of Iran. As they have placed their own lives on the line in the defense of our ally Israel, we ask You to divinely intervene to protect and deliver them from their imprisonment, in Jesus' Name.
- Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon speaking: " For He is the living God - He delivers and rescues, and He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, who has delivered (Daniel) from the power of the lions. " (Daniel 6:26, 27)
7. Russia Is Massing Troops On Iran's Northern Border And Waiting For A Western Attack - Business Insider
The Russian military anticipates that an attack will occur on Iran by the summer and has developed an action plan to move Russian troops through neighboring Georgia to stage in Armenia, which borders on the Islamic republic, according to informed Russian sources."Iran is our neighbor. If Iran is involved in any military action, it's a direct threat to our security." said Rogozin, deputy Russian prime minister and regarded as anti-Western. Russian Defense Ministry sources say that the Russian military doesn't believe that Israel has sufficient military assets to defeat Iranian defenses and further believes that U.S. military action will be necessary. This latest information comes from a series of reports and leaks from official Russian spokesmen and government news agencies who say that an Israeli attack is all but certain by the summer.
- Heavenly Father, as we watch our world prepare for war, we come to You in Jesus' Name. Defend us Lord Almighty, and raise up righteous leaders in the U.S. and our allies who are anointed with wisdom to direct matters of international diplomacy and matters of military action. We ask for leadership that calls on You in times of trouble. Rather than bringing fear, may these dangerous situations serve to enlarge Your kingdom with souls who find refuge in You, the living God.
- "I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." (Psalm 27: 13)
8. Zimmerman charged with 2nd degree murder by Florida special prosecutor, in custody - Fox News
Florida special prosecutor Angela Corey says George Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of unarmed teen Trayvon Martin, and Zimmerman is now in custody after turning himself in. Read more.
- Father, we thank You that the truth has been revealed in this case, and that George Zimmerman is now in custody. May this nation always be one that is governed by law, rather than by the emotions of man. Protect this case by not allowing the media to "stir up" dissension, after the fact. We rest our case before the Court of Heaven, in Jesus' Name, amen.
- "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10)
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. Israel holds secret talks on involvement in Mideast nuclear disarmament conference - Haaretz
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 Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty conference is scheduled to be held in Helsinki in December but could be deferred until 2013.
2. Lebanese targets fair game in war with Hezbollah - Jerusalem Post
Israel will attack Lebanese government targets during a future war with Hezbollah, senior defense officials said amid speculation that a war could erupt in the North following a future strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.
3. 'Flytilla' organizers: Israel won't determine who enters Palestine - Ynet News
Israel vowed Tuesday to prevent the entry of hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists from Europe and North America expected to arrive in the country this weekend, calling them provocateurs who are intent on disturbing public order.
4. Quartet to meet in DC, but peace process expectations low - Jerusalem Post
Senior Quartet representatives will meet in Washington on Wednesday amid little expectation that they will have more luck this time kick-starting direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
5. Palestinians gather for popular resistance conference - Ynet News
"The non-violent popular resistance is showing results and the whole world supports us on this issue," declared Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad at the International Conference for Popular Resistance in Bilin. This is the seventh year the conference is being held.
The Daily Jot
America's Turning--Electing leaders from a cult
With the all but certain nomination of Mitt Romney as the Republican candidate for President of the United States, America has turned. This is the greatest example in contemporary times where it is a certainty that America will not be led by a Christian president. The two candidates running for President worship a different Jesus than Yeshua Ha Mashiach. On October 12, 1816, Supreme Court Justice John Jay said, "Providence has given our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as privilege and interest, of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers." America's privilege and interest as defined by Jay will be officially abandoned in November.
Presidents have been masquerading as Christians for a long time. Jimmy Carter was considered devout, but his actions proved him. Bill Clinton made a big show of carrying a Bible to church on Sundays, but his actions proved him as well. George W. Bush really fooled Americans by saying he was a Christian, but the truth came out when he admitted his belief that there was more than one way to heaven. Yeshua said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me." This is a central doctrine of Christianity. If someone believes there is more than one way to the Father, they are rejecting the truth of Yeshua Ha Mashiach. They are not his followers.
The man who occupies the Oval Office says he is a Christian. The Jesus he follows, however, is not Yeshua. On April 4, he told a prayer breakfast that Christ was "a Son of God." In direct response to a question "Who is Jesus to you" on March 27, 2004, he said: "Jesus is an historical figure for me, and he's also a bridge between God and man, in the Christian faith, and one that I think is powerful precisely because he serves as that means of us reaching something higher. And he's also a wonderful teacher." In the same interview, he said that his god would not send to hell those who do not believe in Jesus. [Boy does he have a surprise coming if he does not repent.] He also believes in Black Liberation Theology, a cult that says Jesus is black and white people are devils.
Mitt Romney is a Mormon. Mormons say they believe in Jesus Christ, but he is not the same as Yeshua Ha Mashiac. Mormons believe they are literally sons and daughters of the god in heaven and have attained physical bodies to come to earth with Jesus as their example. If they do well in following this example, they will become gods after their life on earth. They believe that Joseph Smith "restored" the true church on earth. Perhaps for the first time in American history, Americans will choose their leaders from two known cults who do not follow Yeshua Ha Mashiac. Proverbs 29:2 says, "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked bears rule, the people mourn." True Christians be forewarned of the times ahead.
Have A Blessed And Powerful Day,
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
A note from CHPP:
Once again, we appreciate today's Daily Jot for its insight and depth of understanding of this very key issue. The Jot continues to shine the light of truth in a time of ever- increasing darkness.
We note, too, however that this election is not over until it's over . . and that nothing is too difficult for God! PLEASE JOIN US IN CALLING FORTH THE MAN OR WOMAN OF GOD'S CHOOSING, WHO WILL LEAD OUR NATION IN THE YEARS AHEAD. Thank you.
"Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties,and rulers of tens. . ." (Exodus 18:21)
Santorum Stands Down (Part One)
FRC Action Statement on Rick Santorum's Decision to Suspend Presidential Campaign
April 10, 2012
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council Action President Tony Perkins made the following comments after GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum announced his decision to suspend his presidential campaign:
"Rick Santorum's historic run for president achieved remarkable success because his campaign was based not on money spent but on the message of faith, family and freedom that he carried. I commend his courage, boldness and tenacity in fighting for the values that made America great, and are fundamental to returning America to greatness.
"Millions of voters flocked to Rick not because he was a Republican, but because he passionately articulated the connection between America 's financial greatness and its moral and cultural wholeness. He realizes that real problem-solving starts with an understanding that the economy and the family are indivisible.
"This values message generated enthusiasm and drew many new voters into the process. If the Republican establishment hopes to generate this same voter intensity in the fall elections, Santorum voters must see it demonstrate a genuine and solid commitment to the core values issues," concluded Perkins.
Santorum Stands Down (Part Two)
Santorum Suspends
By Gary Bauer
Senator Rick Santorum suspended his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination just a few hours ago in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The decision came after another weekend at the bedside of his daughter Bella, who faced another medical crisis. Watching this wonderful family and its commitment to the sanctity of life has been an incredible blessing.
As you know, I endorsed Senator Santorum and helped rally conservative leaders to his banner. I am saddened that he has not prevailed. But I am as sure today as I was when I endorsed him that his unambiguous message of smaller government, lower taxes, a strong national defense, pro-family and pro-life values is a the winning message for the conservative movement and the right message for America's future.
Those who believe we should drop values issues in this campaign are dead wrong. If the GOP and its nominee fall into the trap of believing that these issues are an impediment to victory, they will ensure that the Obama nightmare lasts for another four years.
I urge Governor Romney to accept Senator Santorum's advice and counsel in the weeks ahead and to be magnanimous in reaching out to the senator, as well as to other conservative favorites who have competed in this contest. A united Republican Party can prevail.
To Senator Santorum and his family I say, God bless you! Thank you for defending our values in the political arena against long odds. We are proud of you. And we look forward to continuing to fight the good fight with you!
There is no justice . . .
Project Veritas Video: Imposter Can Vote as Attorney General
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder's Justice Department has made a practice of attacking states that pass voter-identification laws, saying they unfairly "discriminate" against minorities and the poor, while asserting that the problem of voter fraud simply "doesn't exist."
A video released yesterday from the nonprofit organization Project Veritas may not change his opinion, but it definitely got his attention: In it, a young white man walks into Holder's own voting precinct in Washington, D.C., asks if there's "an Eric Holder" on the list, gives Holder's home address to the worker - and is promptly offered Holder's ballot on primary day, no identification required.
Rather than focusing attention on the holes in the system Project Veritas Founder James O'Keefe uncovered, the District of Columbia Board of Elections announced today it was launching an investigation to possibly bring charges against the group. (CitizenLink) Read more.
Today's Legislative Focus
From The Madison Project
www.madisonproject.com
Obamacare Defies Rules of Economics Once Again
Normally, as demand for a service decreases, the price drops precipitously. Thanks to Obamacare, that is not the case with healthcare services. Despite the sharp decline in usage due to the recession, health insurance premiums are skyrocketing.
How bad is Obamacare? This bad.
The most basic rule of economics is that a decrease in demand for a product or service will result in downward pressure on the cost of that product or service. Well, it has become clear that the bad economy is taking a toll on health services. Many people have lost their jobs, and due to the anti-free-market government tax policy, their health insurance is tied to their place of employment. Without any employment, many of the unemployed are stuck without insurance. That has led to a decline in doctor's visits and usage of some prescription drugs, according to the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics. This, from the New York Times:
The number of prescriptions issued to patients declined by 1.1 percent compared with 2010, and visits to the doctor fell by 4.7 percent, the report said. Visits to the emergency room, by contrast, increased by 7.4 percent in 2011, an increase that the report's authors said was linked to the loss of health insurance resulting from long-term unemployment.
So with the decrease in demand, you would expect the price of health insurance premiums to decline, or at the very least, to increase at a slower rate. Well, not with Obamacare and its costly mandates on insurance companies.
How destructive are these meddlesome mandates on the private sector? They distort the market to such an extent that, despite the decrease in demand for healthcare, premiums still skyrocketed to record highs. Kaiser Family Foundation recently reported that the average family premium has increased $2,200 since 2009. The facts are straightforward: private insurance companies are recouping the front-loaded costs they will incur under Obamacare mandates, even before they take effect. This is exactly what happened in Massachusetts with Romneycare.
Sadly, this is all an insidious plan to impose single-payer healthcare on us. Obama is banking on the fact that people will not realize the culprit of their high insurance premiums, blaming it instead on the free-market - even though there is no free-market in healthcare. Then, people will start clamoring for single-payer European style healthcare. This is why we must fight to defund and repeal Obamacare as soon as possible, even if the Supreme Court strikes down the individual mandate. (Read more)
The Week of Passover Begins
(Published by Bridges for Peace; Friday, April 6, 2012)
Passover, this year April 6-14, is one of three pilgrimage festivals during which all the men of Israel were to come up to Jerusalem. Celebrated on the days 14-21 of the Hebrew month of Nisan (generally in April), Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is an eight-day holiday.
The holiday begins with a special meal called the seder (meaning "order," referring to the order of the evening's story-telling) on the eve of the first day of Passover, called Erev Pesach. The meal often takes four to six hours. During the seder, the story of God delivering the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt is told in detail with song, symbolic foods, and liturgy. In virtually every Jewish home this holiday is observed, to some degree, as families gather together to remember God's protection and provision.
Leviticus 23:5-8 says that during this holiday, no leaven is to be eaten. For eight days, no bread is eaten, or anything else with a leavening agent in it. In the days leading up to Passover, the nation has spring cleaning on a scale most of us have never heard of.
Every crumb of leaven must be found and removed from the home. For example, every item of clothing is taken out of the closets, pockets turned inside out, and everything washed. Pots and pans are taken to communal centers where they are boiled in large vats to ensure no leaven remains. On the last day before Passover begins, the last vestiges of bread or other leavened products are gathered up and ceremoniously burned.
This holiday is rich in significance for both Christians and Jews. The Apostle Paul tells us that leaven is symbolic of sin. Oh, that we were as diligent about removing sin from our lives as the Jewish people are about removing every crumb from their homes.
In biblical times, a spotless, perfect lamb was sacrificed for the Passover meal. Many Christians do not realize that the Last Supper was a Passover meal. Our celebration of Resurrection Day (Easter) commemorates the resurrection of Jesus, and it actually was during Passover.
Bridges for Peace extends a warm Hag Sameach (happy holiday) to all our Jewish friends here in Israel and around the world and pray that our Christian friends will enjoy a special Resurrection Day during this Passover week.
Prayer Focus
Many Jewish people outside of Israel are living in the midst of anti-Semitism, such as in France. Pray that God will touch their hearts through the seder story to make a personal "exodus" home to Israel.
Scripture
"Therefore say to the children of Israel: "I am the LORD; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments." (Exodus 6:6)
The Good News Corner:
Golf Champ Bubba Watson Credits God for Success
Bubba Watson, 33, is the latest golfer to put on the iconic green jacket after winning the Masters tournament Sunday, his first major championship win.
Earlier this year, Watson told CBN Sports he gives God all the credit for his success in the sport. But he added that winning isn't what's most important to him.
"Knowing that God has a purpose for me, no matter what, he has a purpose. And for some reason he has chosen golf for me," he said.
"There are so many great Bible verses that mean a lot to me and they all have behind them the message, 'Jesus loves me,'" he said.
So what's next for golf's newest star?
Watson said he's going home to change some diapers. He and his wife adopted a baby boy just two weeks ago. (CBN News) Read more and watch the video of this interview here.
Worship with Us Today!
"All Rise" by Voices of Lee
"All rise! All rise! Stand before the throne,
in the presence of the Holy One
As we worship our Messiah, all rise!"
Listen here:
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• Santorum Stands Down (Part One)
• Santorum Stands Down (Part Two)
• There is no justice . . .
• Today's Legislative Focus
• The Week of Passover Begins
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
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P.O. Box 5152
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The Daily Brief - Wednesday, April 11, 2012
"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." (Romans 10:16)
The Daily Brief
2. Rick Santorum suspends GOP presidential campaign - Washington Examiner
Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum on Tuesday suspended his presidential campaign, avoiding a potentially embarrassing primary loss in his home state and clearing the way for front-runner Mitt Romney to claim the GOP nomination. Santorum's improbable campaign defied expectations, growing from an afterthought at the onset of the GOP nominating contest in Iowa to victories there and in 10 other states since January. Santorum built his candidacy around fervent support from evangelical and rural voters who embraced his message of faith and family even while the issues of the economy and jobs dominated the campaign.
- Dear Lord, we lift our prayers to You knowing that our nation's Help is in You, and You alone. We ask for a turning in our nation - may all that has happened in recent years serve to draw America to its knees in humility, repentance, and faith in You. We pray in the mighty Name of Jesus that You would show Yourself strong on behalf of Your people in the sight of those who are enemies of the Cross. Guide this coming election and prosper the righteous.
We pray, too, for Rick and Karen Santorum, and their family in this difficult hour. May they find comfort and strength in You, in whom they trust; and may they know Your will for their family in the days ahead. Amen.
- "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
2. America's Debt Is Greater than Entire Eurozone's (and U.K.'s) Combined Debt - Weekly Standard
America's debt is currently $15.1 trillion, while the Eurozone (which includes France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, the U.K., and others) has a combined debt of $12.7 trillion. The Eurozone is larger than the United States, so America's debt per capita also exceeds the Eurozone's. According to the Census Bureau, the U.S. has a population of 313 million, whereas the Eurozone has a population in excess of 331 million.
- Dear Lord, considering the enormity of America's debt burden, we ask You to mercifully intervene by bringing to leadership fiscally conservative individuals who have the wisdom to stop out of control spending and to pay back debts. Remove leaders who are spending tax payer dollars like water, while growing their own personal wealth off the backs of the American people. Without Your wisdom and intervention we will perish as a nation at this spending rate. Help us O Lord, in Jesus' Name!
- "A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, And does not consider that poverty will come upon him." (Proverbs 28:22)
3. Plunging birthrate of U.S. teens 'amazing' - Washington Times
In 16 states, teen birthrates tumbled by at least 20 percent in recent years, the federal government said in a report. "More teens are delaying sexual activity, which is a good and responsible thing to do. And those teenagers who are having sex are using contraception better," said Bill Albert, chief program officer for the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. The teen birthrate peaked in 1991 and has fallen almost without interruption since. As a result, an estimated 3.4 million babies were not born to teen mothers since 1991, the report said.
- Lord, thank You for these statistics. We pray for teenagers who are strong in You Lord - and in the power of Your might - and who live among their peers in the power of Your Spirit. Raise up a generation of Christian teens who bring many to Christ, and who move so powerfully in the kingdom that they bring about a godly shift in America's current culture. Anoint the parents of teenagers with strength, wisdom, patience and insight to teach and model Your love. Anoint and prosper every Christ based organization working with our nation's youth, in Jesus' Name we pray.
- " Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth." (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
4. Huge quakes off Indonesia stir panic, but no big tsunami - Reuters
A powerful 8.6 magnitude earthquake and a series of strong aftershocks struck off Indonesia on Wednesday, sending people scurrying from buildings as far away as southern India, but there seemed little risk of a disastrous tsunami as in 2004. Indonesia said it was checking for damage and casualties but remarkably, no such reports had been received for several hours after the quakes, including in Aceh, the closest province and the area decimated by the disaster eight years ago. Indonesian television showed people gathering in mosques in Banda Aceh. Many others were on the streets, holding crying children. Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India were all badly hit in 2004. At least 230,000 people in 13 Indian Ocean countries were killed in the Boxing Day disaster that year, including 170,000 in and around Aceh alone.
Updates: More quakes are now occurring in our continent, with a 6.2 reported off the coast of Oregon this afternoon, and a 7.0 off the coast of Mexico early this evening. PRAY! - Heavenly Father, we thank You that we are not reading today about another mega-disaster in Indonesia! We pray these powerful threats from the forces of nature will serve to turn the great Islamic population of Indonesia to Jesus Christ. We pray that you will encourage the Christian population who surely prayed for an averted disaster, and strengthen them in the power of Your might. In Jesus' Name.
- " The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will thrust out the enemy before you" (Deuteronomy 33:27)
5. Russian Spies Employ Genies - Turkish TV
Genies, or jinns, are one of the three sentient races created by Allah along with humans and angels, according to the Quran. Belief in genies remains widespread throughout the Islamic world; in 2011, several close allies of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad were detained on accusations of sorcery and conspiring with genies.
- In the authority of Jesus' Name, we bind the powers of witchcraft in high places, and pray that those engaging in such activities will be replaced by Christian leaders.
- "There shall not be found among you anyone who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord" (Deuteronomy 18: 10,11) " For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. " (1 Samuel 15:23)
6. Iran uncovers Israel-linked 'major terrorist group' - BBC
The Iranian intelligence ministry has identified a "major terrorist group" linked to Israel and arrested some of its members, state media report. Bombs, machine-guns and military communications equipment were reportedly seized in operations in Iran's "border and central provinces". In March, NBC News quoted two senior US officials as confirming that the assassinations of Iranian scientists had been carried out by members of a dissident group, People's Mujahideen of Iran (PMOI) or Mojahedin-e Khalq, who were financed and trained by Israel's secret service, Mossad.
- Lord, we ask for divine protection for those who covertly infiltrated and worked against the nuclear programs of Iran. As they have placed their own lives on the line in the defense of our ally Israel, we ask You to divinely intervene to protect and deliver them from their imprisonment, in Jesus' Name.
- Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon speaking: " For He is the living God - He delivers and rescues, and He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, who has delivered (Daniel) from the power of the lions. " (Daniel 6:26, 27)
7. Russia Is Massing Troops On Iran's Northern Border And Waiting For A Western Attack - Business Insider
The Russian military anticipates that an attack will occur on Iran by the summer and has developed an action plan to move Russian troops through neighboring Georgia to stage in Armenia, which borders on the Islamic republic, according to informed Russian sources."Iran is our neighbor. If Iran is involved in any military action, it's a direct threat to our security." said Rogozin, deputy Russian prime minister and regarded as anti-Western. Russian Defense Ministry sources say that the Russian military doesn't believe that Israel has sufficient military assets to defeat Iranian defenses and further believes that U.S. military action will be necessary. This latest information comes from a series of reports and leaks from official Russian spokesmen and government news agencies who say that an Israeli attack is all but certain by the summer.
- Heavenly Father, as we watch our world prepare for war, we come to You in Jesus' Name. Defend us Lord Almighty, and raise up righteous leaders in the U.S. and our allies who are anointed with wisdom to direct matters of international diplomacy and matters of military action. We ask for leadership that calls on You in times of trouble. Rather than bringing fear, may these dangerous situations serve to enlarge Your kingdom with souls who find refuge in You, the living God.
- "I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." (Psalm 27: 13)
8. Zimmerman charged with 2nd degree murder by Florida special prosecutor, in custody - Fox News
Florida special prosecutor Angela Corey says George Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of unarmed teen Trayvon Martin, and Zimmerman is now in custody after turning himself in. Read more.
- Father, we thank You that the truth has been revealed in this case, and that George Zimmerman is now in custody. May this nation always be one that is governed by law, rather than by the emotions of man. Protect this case by not allowing the media to "stir up" dissension, after the fact. We rest our case before the Court of Heaven, in Jesus' Name, amen.
- "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10)
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. Israel holds secret talks on involvement in Mideast nuclear disarmament conference - Haaretz
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 Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty conference is scheduled to be held in Helsinki in December but could be deferred until 2013.
2. Lebanese targets fair game in war with Hezbollah - Jerusalem Post
Israel will attack Lebanese government targets during a future war with Hezbollah, senior defense officials said amid speculation that a war could erupt in the North following a future strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.
3. 'Flytilla' organizers: Israel won't determine who enters Palestine - Ynet News
Israel vowed Tuesday to prevent the entry of hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists from Europe and North America expected to arrive in the country this weekend, calling them provocateurs who are intent on disturbing public order.
4. Quartet to meet in DC, but peace process expectations low - Jerusalem Post
Senior Quartet representatives will meet in Washington on Wednesday amid little expectation that they will have more luck this time kick-starting direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
5. Palestinians gather for popular resistance conference - Ynet News
"The non-violent popular resistance is showing results and the whole world supports us on this issue," declared Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad at the International Conference for Popular Resistance in Bilin. This is the seventh year the conference is being held.
The Daily Jot
America's Turning--Electing leaders from a cult
With the all but certain nomination of Mitt Romney as the Republican candidate for President of the United States, America has turned. This is the greatest example in contemporary times where it is a certainty that America will not be led by a Christian president. The two candidates running for President worship a different Jesus than Yeshua Ha Mashiach. On October 12, 1816, Supreme Court Justice John Jay said, "Providence has given our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as privilege and interest, of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers." America's privilege and interest as defined by Jay will be officially abandoned in November.
Presidents have been masquerading as Christians for a long time. Jimmy Carter was considered devout, but his actions proved him. Bill Clinton made a big show of carrying a Bible to church on Sundays, but his actions proved him as well. George W. Bush really fooled Americans by saying he was a Christian, but the truth came out when he admitted his belief that there was more than one way to heaven. Yeshua said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me." This is a central doctrine of Christianity. If someone believes there is more than one way to the Father, they are rejecting the truth of Yeshua Ha Mashiach. They are not his followers.
The man who occupies the Oval Office says he is a Christian. The Jesus he follows, however, is not Yeshua. On April 4, he told a prayer breakfast that Christ was "a Son of God." In direct response to a question "Who is Jesus to you" on March 27, 2004, he said: "Jesus is an historical figure for me, and he's also a bridge between God and man, in the Christian faith, and one that I think is powerful precisely because he serves as that means of us reaching something higher. And he's also a wonderful teacher." In the same interview, he said that his god would not send to hell those who do not believe in Jesus. [Boy does he have a surprise coming if he does not repent.] He also believes in Black Liberation Theology, a cult that says Jesus is black and white people are devils.
Mitt Romney is a Mormon. Mormons say they believe in Jesus Christ, but he is not the same as Yeshua Ha Mashiac. Mormons believe they are literally sons and daughters of the god in heaven and have attained physical bodies to come to earth with Jesus as their example. If they do well in following this example, they will become gods after their life on earth. They believe that Joseph Smith "restored" the true church on earth. Perhaps for the first time in American history, Americans will choose their leaders from two known cults who do not follow Yeshua Ha Mashiac. Proverbs 29:2 says, "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked bears rule, the people mourn." True Christians be forewarned of the times ahead.
Have A Blessed And Powerful Day,
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
A note from CHPP:
Once again, we appreciate today's Daily Jot for its insight and depth of understanding of this very key issue. The Jot continues to shine the light of truth in a time of ever- increasing darkness.
We note, too, however that this election is not over until it's over . . and that nothing is too difficult for God! PLEASE JOIN US IN CALLING FORTH THE MAN OR WOMAN OF GOD'S CHOOSING, WHO WILL LEAD OUR NATION IN THE YEARS AHEAD. Thank you.
"Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties,and rulers of tens. . ." (Exodus 18:21)
Santorum Stands Down (Part One)
FRC Action Statement on Rick Santorum's Decision to Suspend Presidential Campaign
April 10, 2012
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council Action President Tony Perkins made the following comments after GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum announced his decision to suspend his presidential campaign:
"Rick Santorum's historic run for president achieved remarkable success because his campaign was based not on money spent but on the message of faith, family and freedom that he carried. I commend his courage, boldness and tenacity in fighting for the values that made America great, and are fundamental to returning America to greatness.
"Millions of voters flocked to Rick not because he was a Republican, but because he passionately articulated the connection between America 's financial greatness and its moral and cultural wholeness. He realizes that real problem-solving starts with an understanding that the economy and the family are indivisible.
"This values message generated enthusiasm and drew many new voters into the process. If the Republican establishment hopes to generate this same voter intensity in the fall elections, Santorum voters must see it demonstrate a genuine and solid commitment to the core values issues," concluded Perkins.
Santorum Stands Down (Part Two)
Santorum Suspends
By Gary Bauer
Senator Rick Santorum suspended his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination just a few hours ago in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The decision came after another weekend at the bedside of his daughter Bella, who faced another medical crisis. Watching this wonderful family and its commitment to the sanctity of life has been an incredible blessing.
As you know, I endorsed Senator Santorum and helped rally conservative leaders to his banner. I am saddened that he has not prevailed. But I am as sure today as I was when I endorsed him that his unambiguous message of smaller government, lower taxes, a strong national defense, pro-family and pro-life values is a the winning message for the conservative movement and the right message for America's future.
Those who believe we should drop values issues in this campaign are dead wrong. If the GOP and its nominee fall into the trap of believing that these issues are an impediment to victory, they will ensure that the Obama nightmare lasts for another four years.
I urge Governor Romney to accept Senator Santorum's advice and counsel in the weeks ahead and to be magnanimous in reaching out to the senator, as well as to other conservative favorites who have competed in this contest. A united Republican Party can prevail.
To Senator Santorum and his family I say, God bless you! Thank you for defending our values in the political arena against long odds. We are proud of you. And we look forward to continuing to fight the good fight with you!
There is no justice . . .
Project Veritas Video: Imposter Can Vote as Attorney General
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder's Justice Department has made a practice of attacking states that pass voter-identification laws, saying they unfairly "discriminate" against minorities and the poor, while asserting that the problem of voter fraud simply "doesn't exist."
A video released yesterday from the nonprofit organization Project Veritas may not change his opinion, but it definitely got his attention: In it, a young white man walks into Holder's own voting precinct in Washington, D.C., asks if there's "an Eric Holder" on the list, gives Holder's home address to the worker - and is promptly offered Holder's ballot on primary day, no identification required.
Rather than focusing attention on the holes in the system Project Veritas Founder James O'Keefe uncovered, the District of Columbia Board of Elections announced today it was launching an investigation to possibly bring charges against the group. (CitizenLink) Read more.
Today's Legislative Focus
From The Madison Project
www.madisonproject.com
Obamacare Defies Rules of Economics Once Again
Normally, as demand for a service decreases, the price drops precipitously. Thanks to Obamacare, that is not the case with healthcare services. Despite the sharp decline in usage due to the recession, health insurance premiums are skyrocketing.
How bad is Obamacare? This bad.
The most basic rule of economics is that a decrease in demand for a product or service will result in downward pressure on the cost of that product or service. Well, it has become clear that the bad economy is taking a toll on health services. Many people have lost their jobs, and due to the anti-free-market government tax policy, their health insurance is tied to their place of employment. Without any employment, many of the unemployed are stuck without insurance. That has led to a decline in doctor's visits and usage of some prescription drugs, according to the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics. This, from the New York Times:
The number of prescriptions issued to patients declined by 1.1 percent compared with 2010, and visits to the doctor fell by 4.7 percent, the report said. Visits to the emergency room, by contrast, increased by 7.4 percent in 2011, an increase that the report's authors said was linked to the loss of health insurance resulting from long-term unemployment.
So with the decrease in demand, you would expect the price of health insurance premiums to decline, or at the very least, to increase at a slower rate. Well, not with Obamacare and its costly mandates on insurance companies.
How destructive are these meddlesome mandates on the private sector? They distort the market to such an extent that, despite the decrease in demand for healthcare, premiums still skyrocketed to record highs. Kaiser Family Foundation recently reported that the average family premium has increased $2,200 since 2009. The facts are straightforward: private insurance companies are recouping the front-loaded costs they will incur under Obamacare mandates, even before they take effect. This is exactly what happened in Massachusetts with Romneycare.
Sadly, this is all an insidious plan to impose single-payer healthcare on us. Obama is banking on the fact that people will not realize the culprit of their high insurance premiums, blaming it instead on the free-market - even though there is no free-market in healthcare. Then, people will start clamoring for single-payer European style healthcare. This is why we must fight to defund and repeal Obamacare as soon as possible, even if the Supreme Court strikes down the individual mandate. (Read more)
The Week of Passover Begins
(Published by Bridges for Peace; Friday, April 6, 2012)
Passover, this year April 6-14, is one of three pilgrimage festivals during which all the men of Israel were to come up to Jerusalem. Celebrated on the days 14-21 of the Hebrew month of Nisan (generally in April), Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is an eight-day holiday.
The holiday begins with a special meal called the seder (meaning "order," referring to the order of the evening's story-telling) on the eve of the first day of Passover, called Erev Pesach. The meal often takes four to six hours. During the seder, the story of God delivering the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt is told in detail with song, symbolic foods, and liturgy. In virtually every Jewish home this holiday is observed, to some degree, as families gather together to remember God's protection and provision.
Leviticus 23:5-8 says that during this holiday, no leaven is to be eaten. For eight days, no bread is eaten, or anything else with a leavening agent in it. In the days leading up to Passover, the nation has spring cleaning on a scale most of us have never heard of.
Every crumb of leaven must be found and removed from the home. For example, every item of clothing is taken out of the closets, pockets turned inside out, and everything washed. Pots and pans are taken to communal centers where they are boiled in large vats to ensure no leaven remains. On the last day before Passover begins, the last vestiges of bread or other leavened products are gathered up and ceremoniously burned.
This holiday is rich in significance for both Christians and Jews. The Apostle Paul tells us that leaven is symbolic of sin. Oh, that we were as diligent about removing sin from our lives as the Jewish people are about removing every crumb from their homes.
In biblical times, a spotless, perfect lamb was sacrificed for the Passover meal. Many Christians do not realize that the Last Supper was a Passover meal. Our celebration of Resurrection Day (Easter) commemorates the resurrection of Jesus, and it actually was during Passover.
Bridges for Peace extends a warm Hag Sameach (happy holiday) to all our Jewish friends here in Israel and around the world and pray that our Christian friends will enjoy a special Resurrection Day during this Passover week.
Prayer Focus
Many Jewish people outside of Israel are living in the midst of anti-Semitism, such as in France. Pray that God will touch their hearts through the seder story to make a personal "exodus" home to Israel.
Scripture
"Therefore say to the children of Israel: "I am the LORD; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments." (Exodus 6:6)
The Good News Corner:
Golf Champ Bubba Watson Credits God for Success
Bubba Watson, 33, is the latest golfer to put on the iconic green jacket after winning the Masters tournament Sunday, his first major championship win.
Earlier this year, Watson told CBN Sports he gives God all the credit for his success in the sport. But he added that winning isn't what's most important to him.
"Knowing that God has a purpose for me, no matter what, he has a purpose. And for some reason he has chosen golf for me," he said.
"There are so many great Bible verses that mean a lot to me and they all have behind them the message, 'Jesus loves me,'" he said.
So what's next for golf's newest star?
Watson said he's going home to change some diapers. He and his wife adopted a baby boy just two weeks ago. (CBN News) Read more and watch the video of this interview here.
Worship with Us Today!
"All Rise" by Voices of Lee
"All rise! All rise! Stand before the throne,
in the presence of the Holy One
As we worship our Messiah, all rise!"
Listen here:
