CHPP Daily Brief - Wednesday, May 9, 2012

•  The Daily Brief
•  The Middle East in Focus
•  The Daily Jot
•  Today's Legislative Focus
•  Atheists Threaten NDP Observances
•  Cyber Threat to Gas Pipelines
•  Surprise in Israel: New Coalition Forms
•  Prayer Requests for New Coalition Government
•  Worship with Us Today!

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The Daily Brief - Wednesday, May 9, 2012

"I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; with my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations." (Psalm 89:1)

The Daily Brief

1. Would-be Al Qaeda bomber was CIA informant, officials say - Fox News

The would-be bomber in the airline plot was actually working as a U.S. intelligence informant, but the CIA had Al Qaeda fooled from the start. Last month, U.S. intelligence learned that Al Qaeda's Yemen branch hoped to launch a spectacular attack using a new, nearly undetectable bomb aboard an airliner bound for America, officials say. But the man the terrorists were counting on to carry out the attack was actually working for the CIA and Saudi intelligence, U.S. and Yemeni officials told The Associated Press on Tuesday. It was the latest misfire for Al Qaeda, which has repeatedly come close to detonating a bomb aboard an airliner. For the United State, it was a victory that delivered the bomb intact to U.S. intelligence.

- Lord we praise You for this successful operation, and ask Your divine protection over all who were involved with thwarting this attack. Continue to expose, disrupt and destroy the plans of those who live to harm the innocent, in the power of Jesus' Name! We pray for extra protection for the life of this double-agent, who has now been exposed. In Jesus' Name, amen.

- "Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them," (Ephesians 5: 11-13)

2. Obama 'disappointed' with North Carolina ban on gay marriage - Fox News

Obama's campaign says he's "disappointed" with North Carolina's constitutional amendment banning homo/gay marriage. Obama campaign spokesman Cameron French said in a Tuesday statement that the ban on same-sex unions is "divisive and discriminatory." French says same-sex couples deserve the same rights and legal protections as straight couples.

The real discouraging thing is that the state (NC) where he will be holding his convention, rejected his platform on homosexuality!

- Lord we thank You for the people of North Carolina who overwhelming voted to amend their state constitution, strengthening a state law that already outlawed same-sex unions. Thank You for citizens who are taking a stand for what Your Word declares to be right in Your sight. May many more follow their example, in Jesus' Name, amen.

- "I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world." (Romans 1:8)

3. GOP foiled as funds flow to Planned Parenthood - Washington Times

Newly empowered Republicans in states across the country are pushing to kill public contracts with Planned Parenthood, only to find their efforts blocked by the Obama administration and federal courts. Every federal district court that has ruled so far has sided with Planned Parenthood. That has helped the administration, which has threatened to cut off states' Medicaid funding if they refuse to work with the organization.

- Dear Lord, we thank You that You have raised up active and vocal support for the defunding of Planned Parenthood! We give You glory, for You are leading the charge on behalf of the 4,000 babies aborted each day in our nation. In Jesus' Name, we ask You to completely bind the efforts of those who seek to grasp taxpayer dollars to pay for abortions. Accomplish a great victory for Truth and Life!

- "Keep yourself far from a false matter; do not kill the innocent and righteous. For I will not justify the wicked." (Exodus 23:7) "lest innocent blood be shed in the midst of your land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and thus guilt of bloodshed be upon you." (Deuteronomy 19:10)

4. Egypt Islamist vows global caliphate in Jerusalem - Jerusalem Post

Egypt's Islamists aim to install a global Islamic caliphate with its capital in Jerusalem, a radical Muslim preacher told thousands of Muslim Brotherhood supporters in a clip released Monday. "We can see how the dream of the Islamic caliphate is being realized, God willing, by Dr. Mohamed Mursi," Safwat Higazi told thousands of Brotherhood supporters at a Cairo soccer stadium as Mursi - the movement's presidential candidate - and other Brotherhood officials nodded in agreement. Mursi vowed to pray in Jerusalem. "Yes, Jerusalem is our goal. We shall pray in Jerusalem, or die as martyrs on its threshold." Members of the crowd carried banners emblazoned with slogans related to next week's "Nakba Day," when Palestinians and other Arabs mourn Israel's creation in 1948.

- Lord God, we worship You as the God of gods, and pray in the Name of Jesus asking that You bind the efforts of those who hate Jews, are passionate to spill their blood and take their land. We pray for the salvation of these individuals, as You break the back of Islam's principalities. And we pray for the salvation of all Israel.

- "And they blessed Rebekah and said to her: "Our sister, may you become the mother of thousands of ten thousands; And may your descendants possess The gates of those who hate them." (Genesis 24: 60)

5. U.S. Vice President Biden: No options off table on Iran nuclear program - Ha'aretz

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Israel on Tuesday, saying that the U.S. takes "no options off the table" on Iran. The vice president also reiterated his commitment to Israel, saying it is driven by "the overwhelming sense that there is a moral historic obligation to the State of Israel," adding that Israel's security is in the "fundamental national interest of the United States." Biden, who asked for a moment of silence to honor Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's late father Benzion, attempted to leverage his long-term relationship with the Jewish community in order to convince the audience that Obama is pro-Israel.

- Lord God of Truth, we pray that Vice President Biden's words will be the reality of the United States' dealings with Israel, in Jesus' Name.

- "I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12: 3)

6. BREAKING -- SPECIAL ALERT

FBI Issues Travelers' Cyber Warning - TG Daily

Recently, there have been instances of travelers' laptops being infected with malicious software while using hotel Internet connections. In these instances, the traveler was attempting to set up the hotel room Internet connection and was presented with a pop-up window notifying the user to update a widely used software product. If the user clicked to accept and install the update, malicious software was installed on the laptop. The pop-up window appeared to be offering a routine update to a legitimate software product for which updates are frequently available.

Although specifically citing overseas hotels, the same type of intrusion can occur anywhere that someone connects to an unknown network.

Recent analysis from the FBI and other government agencies demonstrates that malicious actors are targeting travelers abroad through pop-up windows while they are establishing an Internet connection in their hotel rooms.The FBI recommends that all government, private industry, and academic personnel who travel abroad take extra caution before updating software products through their hotel Internet connection. Checking the author or digital certificate of any prompted update to see if it corresponds to the software vendor may reveal an attempted attack. The FBI also recommends that travelers perform software updates on laptops immediately before traveling, and that they download software updates directly from the software vendor's website if updates are necessary while abroad.
Anyone who believes they have been a target of this type of attack should immediately contact their local FBI office. Read more.

- Intercede that many will learn of this alert from the FBI and take appropriate action to protect their own laptop computers. Offer praise for this agency, that is clearly doing its job.

- "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

Many nations shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths." For out of Zion the law shall go forth, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. (Micah 4:2)

1. Netanyahu: Unity government will restore stability - Ynet News

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that Israel needs political stability and that a new agreement with Kadima will pave the way for the broadest national unity government in Israel's history.

2. Moody's downgrades Israel's banking outlook - Jerusalem Post

Moody's international credit rating agency on Wednesday downgraded Israel's banking system outlook to negative from stable. The agency took the step in response to the "projected slowdown in economic growth and the country's challenging operating environment which will continue over the 12-18 month outlook period."

3. Abbas says ready to restart peace process if Netanyahu offers 'anything promising or positive' - Ha'aretz

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Tuesday he was ready to engage with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a Middle East peace agreement if he proposes "anything promising or positive".

The Daily Jot

When the mind of man governs the Word of God (YHVH)

The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16, "All scripture is given by inspiration of YHVH, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." But what happens when man gets away from SCRIPTURE and starts putting his own concepts of what YHVH means into his lexicon of beliefs? We then see the beginnings of bad doctrine in the least, growing into heresy, and, sadly, the replacement of what should be the first love of Yeshua for the pridefulness of the human mind. There is a forgetfulness of the right relationship between man and his Creator where the mind of man tries to govern the Word of YHVH.

This is a problem. Everyday, scripture is taken out of context to support man's concept. Often we just see bad teaching upon bad teaching--man's precept upon man's precept--manifest itself into faux facts that cause division, insecurity, hostility and accusations. What of the man who is so self-assured of his knowledge that he takes great pride in attacking another's viewpoint without studying both sides? I think Yeshua had a response to that sort of thing when he said in Matthew 7:4, "Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and behold a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; then shall thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."

Many people try to advance their own pet doctrine accusing others of not knowing or understanding the scripture. But when one studies it with cross references and context, it is found once again that the mind of man is trying to govern the Word of YHVH. The accuser is usually the one who is actually doing his own accusations. Sometimes, its just prideful ignorance because the accuser just hasn't considered the full context of what he is saying. Acts 17:11 speaks of the Bereans, saying, "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." We would do well to be like the Bereans.

When we start putting our own concepts of YHVH over YHVH, we are in great danger. As the word of YHVH explained in Isaiah 55:9, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Verse 11 continues: "So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Notice that YHVH says that HIS word will go out; it shall accomplish what HE pleases; and it shall prosper the thing HE wishes. Its not about us and our opinions or speculations. Study the Word! Renew your mind daily in Yeshua. Speak the truth in humble boldness.

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com

Today's Legislative Focus: From The Madison Project

www.MadisonProject.com

Fellow conservative patriots,

Congress is back in session until the Memorial Day weekend. There are numerous legislative deadlines crammed in before that recess and both houses will move quickly on several bad pieces of legislation. While the political world begins to focus on the presidential election, we must not lose focus on Congress. In particular, we need to hold Republicans to account for violations of their campaign pledges not to pick winners and losers in the free market.

For Liberty.

The Honorable Jim Ryun
THE MADISONIAN
"The Legislative Bulletin for Conservatives"

FIRST ITEM:

Export-Import Bank

We have a bipartisan alert for you, and that is never a good thing for conservatives.

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor worked behind the backs of conservatives to negotiate a deal with Democrats over the extension of the corporate welfare Export-Import Bank. Not only did Republican leaders agree to reauthorize the bank for another 3 years, they acquiesced to demands that its lending cap be raised. Its current limit is $100 billion per year. Democrats wanted to raise it to $155 billion and Cantor originally proposed a $113 billion limit. They closed on a deal that would gradually raise the cap to $140 billion by 2014.

GOP leaders are so confident that this travesty will pass the Republican House that they plan to fast-track it and bring up the reauthorization bill (H.R. 2072) under suspension this Tuesday. A suspension vote needs a 2/3ds majority to pass (290 votes, instead of 218). The Senate will presumably consider the bill later this week or early next week.
Conservative concerns:

Anti-Free-Market: The entire purpose of this "bank" is to use taxpayer funds to subsidize businesses that sell products to foreign markets. These are businesses that are too weak to obtain loans in the private market and require taxpayer bailout funds to make them competitive. The Heritage Foundation has aptly branded the bank as "the Fannie Mae for exporters."

Transparency: In a preposterous effort aimed at improving transparency, the bill contains a provision that would require the bank to solicit public comment on any transaction more than $100 million. This will ostensibly give companies an opportunity to voice opposition to loans granted to their competitors, while supporting those that benefit their needs. This is what happens when government is used as a tool to manipulate private enterprise.

Entrenchment: Even supporters of reauthorization promised us that it would just be temporary and that the bank would be gradually phased out. As we can see from the details of the bill, the lending power of the bank would actually increase over the years, ensuring that it is never abolished altogether.
Punchline:

We must end corporate welfare, stop picking winners and losers in the marketplace, and discontinue the practice of offering Solyndra style loans at taxpayer expense to businesses that are unworthy of those loans. In an era when we are trying to draw a sharp contrast from Obama's Solyndra economy, it is simply indefensible for Republicans to support the Ex-Im Bank, especially with the proposed expansion of its role. Please call your congressman and request a no vote on H.R. 2072, the Ex-Im Bank reauthorization.


SECOND ITEM:

Appropriations

House Republicans plan to bring up the first of 12 annual appropriations bills later this week, beginning on Tuesday. The first bill will be the Justice-Commerce-Science bill, which funds the Justice and Commerce departments, as well as NASA and some related agencies. While the bill reflects the spending levels set forth in the Ryan budget, there is room to eliminate many more wasteful programs. Leadership has promised an open floor process in which all members can offer amendments. Some of the conservatives will be offering spending cut amendments, and we'll be watching the vote tallies carefully.


THIRD ITEM:

Fracking Regulations

Shale technology coupled with horizontal drilling has created the biggest oil and natural gas boom in recent years. Fracking could become the most auspicious innovation of the past decade. It has already created thousands of jobs, and has the potential to drive down the cost of energy and reinvigorate our economy. Unfortunately, the more successful the private innovation, the more Obama's regulatory regime will ensure it faces inexorable obstacles. Fossil fuel production on federal lands, in general, is at a 9-year low, with most of the shale boom taking place on state and private lands. Now the Feds want to ensure that shale fracking never takes off on federally owned land.

The Department of Interior is set to unveil new fracking regulations that will lock up 1 trillion barrels in oil shale deposits. Under the false pretense of protecting the water table, the DOI will create new guidelines for constructing wells for fracking operations on federal lands.
Conservative concerns:

- Up to 30% of all fracking wells are on federal lands and would be encumbered by these regulations. Moreover, many states, especially those with Democrat-controlled legislatures will be inclined to mimic new federal regulations on state-owned lands, and even private land.

- There is absolutely no evidence that hydraulic fracturing contaminates the water supply. In fact, ubber-leftist Lisa Jackson, the Director of the EPA, has admitted that there is no proof to substantiate the claim promulgated by environmentalist groups.

Punchline: So why is this administrative problem in a legislative briefing? Well, there is a legislative fix to this. House Republicans should take immediate action and pass Louie Gohmert's Fresh Act, H.R. 4322. This bill would explicitly grant states the sole authority to regulate, process, and issue permits for hydraulic fracking, even on federal lands within its boundaries. This is a great preemptive bill that will create jobs and help lower the price of gasoline. Let's prevent the federal government from putting the brakes on this engine of job creation and prosperity. There are currently 24 cosponsors. Ask your members if they plan to sign onto this commonsense legislation.

Atheists Threaten National Day of Prayer Observances

Since the May 3 National Day of Payer, the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) is responding to legal threats from an atheist group over public observances of the National Day of Prayer protected under the U.S. Constitution and recently re-affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Those threats have been issued against various cities nationwide concerning events held during last Thursday's National Day of Prayer. ADF attorney Brett Harvey said public officials should be able to recognize public prayer activities, just as the nation's founders did.

"The Freedom From Religion Foundation and other groups like them routinely issue legal threats to cities and towns in their quest to scrub the public square free of any trace of religion," Harvey reports. "The courts have repeatedly disagreed with them because the Constitution requires no such thing. As the U.S. Supreme Court has recently stated, 'The Constitution does not oblige the government to avoid any public acknowledgment of religion's role in society.'"

The ADF has defended the National Day of Prayer, its task force, and former spokesperson Shirley Dobson in a lawsuit filed by the atheist group, which was rejected last year by the Seventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The legal group is offering free legal advice and possible representation to any local governments facing threats for honoring the prayer event, issuing their own prayer proclamations, or asking citizens to voluntarily pray for their communities and nation.
Though Obama officially recognized May 3 as the 2012 National Day of Prayer, Shirley Dobson of the National Day of Prayer Task Force noted that the White House neglected to send anyone officially to the observance on Capitol Hill. (Contributors: ADF, One News Now - Charlie Butts)

- Thank the Lord that He is our advocate in times of need. Thank the Lord that He is the giver of wisdom when arguing God's Truth in the courts of men.

- "But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say." (Matthew 10:19)  (Source: Intercessors for America)

Cyber Threat to U.S. Natural Gas Pipelines

A major cyber attack is currently under way aimed squarely at computer networks belonging to U.S. natural gas pipeline companies, according to alerts issued to the industry by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

At least three confidential "amber" alerts - the second most sensitive next to "red" - were issued by DHS beginning March 29, all warning of a "gas pipeline sector cyber intrusion campaign" against multiple pipeline companies. But the wave of cyber attacks, which apparently began four months ago - and may also affect Canadian natural gas pipeline companies - is continuing.

That fact was reaffirmed late Friday in a public, albeit less detailed, "incident response" report from the industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT), an arm of DHS based in Idaho Falls, Idaho. It reiterated warnings in the earlier confidential alerts made directly to pipeline companies and some power companies.

The ICS-CERT is charged with helping secure the nation's industrial control systems - computerized systems that open and close valves, switches, and factory processes vital to the chemical, industrial, and power sectors. Their "fly away" teams visit factories, power plants, and pipeline companies to investigate cyber intrusions. (Contributor: Jewish World Review)

- Pray that our national assets like the U.S. and Canadian natural gas pipelines be protected by the sovereign hand of our Lord. Pray for wisdom for those responsible in protecting the networks and data necessary to allow a safe transit of natural gas to its determined destinations.

- "He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail." (1 Samuel 2:9) (Source: Intercessors for America)

Surprise in Israel: New Coalition Forms:

A coalition government, with the addition of the Kadima party, was formed overnight.

During the overnight hours a surprising development appeared. We awakened this morning to learn that the Knesset will continue, and that there will be no new elections. A coalition government, with the addition of the Kadima party was formed overnight. Shaul Mofaz, the head of Kadima (and as recently as a week ago appearing to be an arch-enemy of P.M. Netanyahu), is now positioned within Netanyahu's government, and appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister.

A deal was struck that will allow the Netanyahu government to operate without the threat of being overthrown before the regularly scheduled election in October of 2013. The decision shocked many politicians from both the left and from the right sides of the political spectrum. Many people lauded the decision, while those, who have lost power and position as a result of it, condemned it. Surprisingly, Moshe Feiglin, head of the Jewish Leadership Party, and champion for the settlements of Judea and Samaria, is pleased with the move. He believes that having Mofaz in the government will strengthen the position of the settlements; especially when dealing with the Ulpana crisis.

Very likely, bringing Mofaz on board at this time could be very helpful in a future battle with Iran. Mofaz, is an Iranian born Jew, and also a former military leader. Even though he has taken a firm stance against a unilateral, preemptive, attack on Iran by Israel, there is a possibility that his new position in the government will change his evaluation of the situation, as he becomes privy to top secret intelligence.

Will this move of bringing Kadima into the government help bring stability to the government, as well as help deal with major problems? Will it eliminate some of the blackmail and power moves that have held the government hostage from time to time by the opposition or far right? Time will tell if this sudden coalition formation was a wise chess move by the prime minister for the nation. We need to be praying for God's blessing upon the coalition and upon Israel.

From Kathleen in Israel

Prayer Requests for New Coalition Government

-- Pray that this new coalition will serve the purposes of YHWH.

-- Pray that those, who needed to be cleaned out for being stumbling blocks to Israel's safety and progress, will remain out of power.

-- Pray for the disgruntled politicians to simmer down, and not rise up in rebellious betrayal of this nation and government, by creating division and by giving ammunition to our enemies against us.

-- Pray that YHWH would break up all the divisive factions and cause the Jewish leaders to unite for the sake of the nation, rather than selfishly vie for power, as those being blind to the true needs of the people.

-- Pray that the Lord would us this coalition to strengthen Israel against the manipulation of the western nations of the UN, the Quartet, the EU, the USA, etc.

- Pray that the Lord would bring revelation and wisdom to this coalition, so that Israel would be prepared for any threats, and so that she would prosper in a falling world economy.

- Pray for this government coalition to be full of truth, righteousness, humility, cooperation, and trust.

- Pray that YHWH's vision and His path of this nation would be realized and seen in the operations of this government.

- Pray for righteous solutions to come forth regarding the difficult issues of military service, settlements/settlers, social concerns/needs, the re-formation of the government, etc.

- Pray that this government would come together in every area of the nation's defense, so that we will be prepared for any attack from any threat, from any direction.

--Pray that YHWH would continue to lead Prime Minister Netanyahu in divine wisdom, righteousness and strength.

- "On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have appointed watchmen; All day and all night they will never keep silent. You who remind the LORD, take no rest for yourselves; and give Him no rest until He establishes And makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth." (Isaiah 62:6,7)
[Submitted by: Kathleen in Israel]

Worship with Us Today!

On Your Walls O Jerusalem

"I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent, and give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth."