• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• The DOMA Ruling
• Gendercide Bill Fails in House Vote
• And Then There Were None
• Virginia School District Changes Policy
• Treasury Sanctions Syrian Bank
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Friday, June 1, 2012
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." (James 4:8a)
The Daily Brief
1. Troops Need UN's OK to go to Syria, Panetta Says - Fox News
While Syria is blaming rebel fighters for a weekend massacre in Houla, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says he doesn't see the U.S. taking military action without the backing of the U.N. Security Council.
Panetta says his greatest responsibility is to make sure that if U.S. troops are deployed in any military role, that America has the support it needs from the international community.
His comments Thursday came a day after Susan Rice, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, suggested that some type of military intervention may be the only remaining option because diplomatic efforts so far have failed to remove Syrian President Bashar Assad from power.
Read more:
- Sovereign Lord, we are concerned about the possible loss of our "sovereignty" as a nation, as the trend toward a "one world government" intensifies under the UN. It seems our Defense Secretary needs approval from a consensus of nations - some of whom are anti-U.S. - in order to decide on a military option regarding Syria - and perhaps, Iran. Lord, our leaders seem to be pulling us as a nation into this "globalism" without consulting the American people. Please bring clarity of thought and purpose to us, the voters, and a keen, sound mind to our governmental leaders, so that our national interests would be protected and honored. Amen.
- "Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one." (Acts 4:25,26)
2. a.) Weekly Jobless Claims Rise for Fourth Straight Week - Fox Business
New U.S. claims for unemployment benefits rose last week for the fourth straight week, which could heighten concerns the labor market recovery is softening.
b.) Stocks Post Worst May Since 2010 - CNBC
Stocks closed lower Thursday with all three major averages logging their worst May since 2010, driven by mounting concerns over the euro zone debt crisis in addition to worries over a slowing U.S. economy.
c.) America Lost 129,000 Millionaires in 2011 - CNBC
America's millionaire population declined last year for the first time since the financial crisis, according to a new report.
- Father, as the economic updates come every Friday, we look to You for the solutions to our troubled and weakened economy. The number of unemployed rises as the stock market declines, and even the rich see their riches decreasing. We ask that You give revelation and understanding of Your Word to our Leaders regarding sowing and reaping. We pray for wisdom in financial matters, and giving to You that which You require. May wisdom guide the decisions made regarding spending, we pray. Amen.
- "Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness." (2 Corinthians 9:10)
3. Will Bilderberg elect the next US president? - RT
Around 150 of the world's elite are meeting outside of Washington, DC this week at the annual Bilderberg Conference, and although the agenda isn't advertised to the public, some sources are already speaking out about what this year might bring.
- Father, we ask that You reveal what is spoken in secret to be shouted from the rooftops. We thank You, that these "elite" are not able to hide their agenda from You, nor keep You out of their meetings. We ask that these people - rich financially and in earthly power - will bend their knees and submit to You, the King of all kings, and the Lord of all lords. May they not trust in their own wisdom and finances, but realize that true riches can be found only in You. We ask that Your agenda will prevail, and we thank You for it. Amen.
- "Also He said to them, "Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." (Mark 4:21-23)
4. Obama Tells Donors Health-Care Fight May Loom After Court Rules - Bloomberg
Obama is confiding to Democratic donors that he may have to revisit the health-care issue in a second term, a position at odds with his publicly expressed confidence that the U.S. Supreme Court will uphold the Affordable Care Act, according to three Democratic activists.
- Abba, it seems that Obama is insistent that we have a national healthcare bill, no matter what the Supreme Court rules. We thank You that You set up kings and You take them down, and that in You all wisdom dwells. We are asking that You will bless the one of Your choosing to be our President, and that he will seek Your face, and Your wisdom for the good of the people he serves. We pray for humbleness of heart and reliance on You to be his constant companion. We ask this not only for our President, but also throughout all three branches of our government, in the Congress and the Court, and we thank You for it. Amen.
- " Daniel answered, Blessed be the name of God forever and ever! For wisdom and might are His! He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding! He reveals the deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him! (Daniel 2:20-22)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, so shall I be saved from my enemies . . . The LORD lives, and blessed be my Rock, and let the God of my salvation be exalted." (Psalms 18: 3, 46)
1. 'Security officials oppose Iran strike' - Ynet News
The majority of Israel's defense chiefs are against a military strike in Iran at this time, Ynet has learned.
2. Israel gas finds launch navy into troubled waters - Reuters
When Israeli economists contemplate their country's untapped natural gas finds far out in the Mediterranean, they dream of energy independence and lucrative export deals.
3. Israel's Barak tells NBC: 'A nuclear Iran is unacceptable' - MSNBC
A military strike against Iran to prevent the country from becoming a nuclear power is still very much a possibility, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak told NBC News' chief foreign correspondent, Richard Engel, on Wednesday.
4. IDF general: Anti-Israel terror will flourish in Syria - Ynet News
Anti-Israel terror will "flourish" in Syria on the heels of the civil war that will turn it into a "failed state," IDF Northern Command Chief Maj-Gen. Yair Golan said Wednesday at a conference at Bar Ilan University marking 30 years since the first Lebanon war.
The Daily Jot
The Trojan Horse Our Government Is Using to Justify a Police State
To most Americans it seems to take a suspension of disbelief to see that the United States government is leading to, or even has become, a police state where individual freedom is subservient to the whims of legal interpretations and overreaching regulations. From red light cameras to automated speed cameras to police drones to the ability to assassinate American citizens if they are suspected terrorists, we live in an age of Constitutional deconstruction where the meanings of words are twisted to fit a population control agenda and laws are written that disregard the very freedoms that our government was established to protect. Where does it end?
Many Christians have difficulty conceiving of how a "beast" government [described in Revelations] could rise to power and require everyone to take its mark to be able to buy and sell. Yet, right here in America, we are giving up rights on a daily basis to a government that has sold us a bill of goods that this is necessary to protect us from Islamic terrorists--Oh, I'm sorry--check that--I should say "radical extremists" because we are not supposed to be in need of protection from the peaceful religion of Islam. While Islam is a dire threat to the freedom of everyone on earth, it also serves as a wonderful Trojan Horse to establish government control over every aspect of our "free" lives.
The government is allowed to view our naked bodies before we can fly on a plane. The government has technology to drive by our houses and detect where we are holding weapons. The government, or any other entity that has Google, can view our activities on our very property. The government can freeze our assets if we do not agree with which brand of Islamist terrorists it is supporting in Syria, Iran or Yemen--its a national emergency you know. Islam has given the government an excuse to intrude into almost every aspect of our lives. And once that foundation is laid, it is an easy step to crack down on your religion, your personal protection, your speech, even the products you buy.
New York City, for example, has plans to ban the sale of large soft drinks because we are getting too fat. This could set a precedent for the government controlling your food--ready to take the mark of the beast yet? Our Constitutionally guaranteed freedoms have made it possible for us to share the gospel and expand the kingdom of YHVH both at home and throughout the world. But when the government so willingly allows Islam to dictate our very freedoms, it won't be long until the words of Yeshua in Matthew 24:9 take hold: "Ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake." Galatians 5:1 says, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith the Messiah has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." I believe this is both spiritual and physical. Question is: are we standing fast or losing our standing fast?
Have A Blessed And Powerful Day,
Bill Wilson
The DOMA Ruling
Family Research Council Criticizes First Circuit Ruling
on the Defense of Marriage Act
May 31, 2012
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) today criticized a decision by the U. S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit striking down Section Three of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman for federal law. FRC filed an amicus curiae ("friend of the court") brief in the case, known as Gill v. Office of Personnel Management. Today's ruling by a three-judge panel upheld a lower court decision issued in July 2010.
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement:
"Today's decision was disappointing but leaves us with hope that DOMA will be upheld when it is reviewed by the United States Supreme Court.
"FRC has always argued that DOMA should be reviewed under a level of scrutiny lawyers refer to as the 'rational basis test.' The First Circuit directly stated that using that standard 'the Gill plaintiffs cannot prevail.' We believe the Supreme Court will agree with us in applying the rational basis test and uphold DOMA.
"It has become too common for courts to show great disrespect to the American people and their representatives in arguing that efforts to defend marriage have been motivated by bias, bigotry, or animus. I note that the First Circuit opinion decisively rejects that idea. In reaching its decision, the Court stated it '[did] not rely upon the charge that DOMA's hidden but dominant purpose was hostility to homosexuality.' It also observed that 'traditions are the glue that holds society together . . . The desire to retain them is strong and can be honestly held.'
"The Court was correct on this point. Congress enacted DOMA in 1996 by a vote of 85-14 in the Senate and a vote of 342-67 in the House of Representatives. It was then signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Those supporting DOMA represented a broad swath of American society who did not bear ill-will or animosity toward homosexuals.
"Citizens in 32 states have voted to uphold the historic and natural definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Thirty states have actually inserted such a definition into the text of their state constitutions. It was completely appropriate for the Congress to anticipate this approval of marriage between a man and a woman and enact a congruent federal definition.
We remain confident that in the end, the U.S. Supreme Court will recognize that DOMA is supported by numerous legitimate legislative purposes - all of which are consistent with our principles of federalism.
"The argument that the authors of our Constitution created or even implied a 'right' to redefine 'marriage' lies outside our constitutional law," concluded Perkins.
Gendercide Bill Fails in House Vote
Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), PRENDA's sponsor, shook his head at the idea that even a single member could vote against the bill. "I refuse to believe that we cannot find enough humanity in this body to conclude together that it is wrong to knowingly kill unborn children because they are baby girls instead of baby boys." House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) admitted that he didn't know a single person who supports gender-based abortion--but he voted to allow it anyway. Only one female congresswoman was willing to go on the floor opposing the bill, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.). In an unbelievable display of abortion fanaticism, she called PRENDA an "insidious attack on Roe v. Wade." As far as outrageous statements go, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) was a close second. Her office called the practice of killing children because of their sex "another distraction." The statement form President Obama concurred.
It's a stunning example of how deeply engrained the Left's abortion obsession is. Even a country as sharply divided on abortion as this one overwhelmingly believes (77%) that America should outlaw sex-selection abortion. Yet when it comes to the systematic annihilation of women, Pelosi would rather align with China than cede so much as an inch of pro-life ground. In places like China and India , "the three most dangerous words are, 'It's a girl!'" Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) said. "We can't let that happen here."
Unfortunately, there's no guarantee of that after PRENDA failed on the House floor. Despite the 246 votes in favor, the bill couldn't overcome the two-thirds hurdle the legislation needed to pass--thanks, in part, to the 17 representatives who refused to cast a ballot. The 168 opposed are now on record condoning the most brutal form of prejudice: the deliberate extermination of American girls. "Liberals are going to have to make up their mind whether they are so committed to abortion on demand that they think [it] includes killing little girls because they are little girls," Rep. Franks said yesterday. Well, they made up their minds all right. And for once, voters will see how the Left really feels about women. (Family Research Council, "Delivering the Male," excerpt)
And Then There Were None
Abby Johnson knows a little something about the abortion industry--especially how difficult it is to leave. The former Planned Parenthood clinic worker-turned-pro-lifer wants to help other people who are struggling to do what she did: convert. This month, Johnson is launching a special initiative--the first of its kind--to reach out to abortion clinic employees. "We have hundreds of ministries for post-abortive women and men," she said. "There is literally nothing for these former clinics workers. We are going to change that."
The project, called And Then There Were None, will guarantee that people have a safe and confidential place to go when they're considering leaving one of the darkest industries in the world. Among other things, ATTWN will offer spiritual healing (for every possible faith and denomination), career advice, financial aid, and even legal assistance. As someone who experienced the compassion of the pro-life movement firsthand, Johnson wants to offer that same unconditional care to men and women on what she calls "the road of pure evil."
You can learn more about Abby's outreach on June 11 during ATTWN's first webcast,
"Exposing the Lie." For more information, click over to ATTWN.org or AbbyJohnson.org and help support this great new cause. (Family Research Council)
Virginia School District Changes Policy
A high school in Fairfax County, Va., settled a lawsuit with the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) on Friday, agreeing to change a policy that unfairly targeted an honors student for performing community service at a church.
The senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology performed nearly four times the number of hours of community service the National Honor Society requires. But because she mentored children through her church's "Kids Quest" program, school administrators said her service didn't count-and by disqualifying her, she missed out on valuable college scholarship opportunities.
In settling the lawsuit, the school agreed to revise its policy, which was more stringent than that of the National Honor Society. Henceforth, community service performed through religious institutions will be considered equal to that done through secular or civic groups.
"Community service and charity work should be encouraged by schools regardless of where it takes place," said ADF Litigation Staff Counsel Matt Sharp. "The school district has done the right thing in granting honor society credit for this student's service and in revising district policy so that this will not happen to other students in the future." (CitizenLink)
TREASURY SANCTIONS SYRIA INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC BANK
Treasury Takes New Action to Isolate the Assad Regime from the International Financial System
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of the Treasury today designated the Syria International Islamic Bank (SIIB) pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382 for acting for or on behalf of the Commercial Bank of Syria and providing services to the Syrian Lebanese Commercial Bank, both of which are subject to U.S. and international sanctions. SIIB has acted as a front for the Commercial Bank of Syria, which has allowed that ban - Syria's largest commercial bank - to circumvent sanctions against it by the United States, the European Union and the Arab League. SIIB was established in Damascus in September 2007 and has 20 branches and three representative offices throughout Syria.
From 2011 to 2012, SIIB surreptitiously facilitated financing worth almost $150 million on behalf of the Commercial Bank of Syria. Financial arrangements that were purportedly made by SIIB were actually made by the Commercial Bank of Syria.
In addition to working with the Commercial Bank of Syria to circumvent sanctions, in 2012, SIIB facilitated several substantial payments for the Syrian Lebanese Commercial Bank, and facilitated a payment from this designated bank to an entity of proliferation concern. (May 30, 2012; US Department of the Treasury) Read more.
The Good News Corner
Introducing: The Radiance Foundation
OUR VISION
The Radiance Foundation exists to inspire people to embrace their intrinsic value and live a life of meaning.
The Radiance Foundation is an educational life-affirming organization. Through various forms of media, speaking engagements, multi-media presentations and community outreach efforts, we illuminate the intrinsic value each person possesses. We educate audiences about pressing societal issues and how they impact the understanding of God-given Purpose. We motivate people to positively affect their families, their schools and their communities. Our combination of powerfully designed media content, thorough research and personal experiences is unmatched and connects with people cross-culturally and cross-generationally.
OUTREACH
The Radiance Foundation exists to inspire people to embrace their intrinsic value and live a life of meaning. We are an educational life-affirming non-profit organization that believes that words should always be translated into action.
There are three core components to The Radiance Foundation's action:
SHINE - Character Development & Community Action
SALLY'S LAMBS - Celebrating Adoption While Cherishing Birth Moms
TOOMANYABORTED.COM - Raising the public's awareness of legalized abortion's history and its present destruction in our society.
LEARN ABOUT THE CO-FOUNDER:
RYAN SCOTT BOMBERGER
Ryan has a rather unique perspective of the innate nature of Purpose. His biological mother was raped yet courageously chose to continue the pregnancy, giving him Life. He was adopted as a baby and grew up in a loving, multi-racial Christian family of 15. With siblings of varying ethnicities, he grew up with a great appreciation for diversity. Ten of the thirteen children were adopted in this remarkable family. His life defies the myth of the "unwanted" child as he was adopted, loved and has flourished.
Today, he is an Emmy® Award-winning Creative Professional who founded The Radiance Foundation, a life-affirming 501(c)(3), along with his wife, Bethany. They have made an unexpected impact in the pro-life movement with the bold TooManyAborted.com billboard/web campaigns. As the first pro-adoption themed ad campaign created to address the disproportionate impact of abortion in the black community, the effort received massive media coverage from The New York Times, USA Today, LA Times, CNN, MSNBC, the Associated Press, Washington Times, Fox News, ABC World News with Diane Sawyer, and, seemingly, the entire blogosphere.
The extensive media attention enabled The Radiance Foundation, and Ryan's personal story of adoption, to reach millions. Working in conjunction with noted national civil rights leaders like Dr. Alveda King (niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.), Ryan is involved in national efforts to expose and defund Planned Parenthood by illuminating this human rights injustice. He is a featured blogger on LifeNews.com and addresses the cultural dynamics of abortion, eugenics, and the beautiful act of adoption.
As Chief Creative Officer of The Radiance Foundation, he hopes to continue to impact millions to embrace their God-given intrinsic value and the incredible possibility with which we are all born.
There's never a lack of inspiration as every day is full of discoveries with his amazing wife and four children. As adoptive parents, Ryan and Bethany are passionate about supporting adoption and foster care. Every effort is made to connect with churches, colleges, and civic organizations, nationwide, to help build a culture that values Life in all of its stages.
Psalm 139:14 -- ". . .for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
To learn more about the work of The Radiance Foundation, please go here.
Worship with Us Today!
The Power of the Cross
Once in darkness, now in light
Once blind, now you see
Once a sinner, now a saint
Once bound, now free . . .
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot
• The DOMA Ruling
• Gendercide Bill Fails in House Vote
• And Then There Were None
• Virginia School District Changes Policy
• Treasury Sanctions Syrian Bank
• The Good News Corner
• Worship with Us Today!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Friday, June 1, 2012
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." (James 4:8a)
The Daily Brief
1. Troops Need UN's OK to go to Syria, Panetta Says - Fox News
While Syria is blaming rebel fighters for a weekend massacre in Houla, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says he doesn't see the U.S. taking military action without the backing of the U.N. Security Council.
Panetta says his greatest responsibility is to make sure that if U.S. troops are deployed in any military role, that America has the support it needs from the international community.
His comments Thursday came a day after Susan Rice, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, suggested that some type of military intervention may be the only remaining option because diplomatic efforts so far have failed to remove Syrian President Bashar Assad from power.
Read more:
- Sovereign Lord, we are concerned about the possible loss of our "sovereignty" as a nation, as the trend toward a "one world government" intensifies under the UN. It seems our Defense Secretary needs approval from a consensus of nations - some of whom are anti-U.S. - in order to decide on a military option regarding Syria - and perhaps, Iran. Lord, our leaders seem to be pulling us as a nation into this "globalism" without consulting the American people. Please bring clarity of thought and purpose to us, the voters, and a keen, sound mind to our governmental leaders, so that our national interests would be protected and honored. Amen.
- "Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one." (Acts 4:25,26)
2. a.) Weekly Jobless Claims Rise for Fourth Straight Week - Fox Business
New U.S. claims for unemployment benefits rose last week for the fourth straight week, which could heighten concerns the labor market recovery is softening.
b.) Stocks Post Worst May Since 2010 - CNBC
Stocks closed lower Thursday with all three major averages logging their worst May since 2010, driven by mounting concerns over the euro zone debt crisis in addition to worries over a slowing U.S. economy.
c.) America Lost 129,000 Millionaires in 2011 - CNBC
America's millionaire population declined last year for the first time since the financial crisis, according to a new report.
- Father, as the economic updates come every Friday, we look to You for the solutions to our troubled and weakened economy. The number of unemployed rises as the stock market declines, and even the rich see their riches decreasing. We ask that You give revelation and understanding of Your Word to our Leaders regarding sowing and reaping. We pray for wisdom in financial matters, and giving to You that which You require. May wisdom guide the decisions made regarding spending, we pray. Amen.
- "Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness." (2 Corinthians 9:10)
3. Will Bilderberg elect the next US president? - RT
Around 150 of the world's elite are meeting outside of Washington, DC this week at the annual Bilderberg Conference, and although the agenda isn't advertised to the public, some sources are already speaking out about what this year might bring.
- Father, we ask that You reveal what is spoken in secret to be shouted from the rooftops. We thank You, that these "elite" are not able to hide their agenda from You, nor keep You out of their meetings. We ask that these people - rich financially and in earthly power - will bend their knees and submit to You, the King of all kings, and the Lord of all lords. May they not trust in their own wisdom and finances, but realize that true riches can be found only in You. We ask that Your agenda will prevail, and we thank You for it. Amen.
- "Also He said to them, "Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." (Mark 4:21-23)
4. Obama Tells Donors Health-Care Fight May Loom After Court Rules - Bloomberg
Obama is confiding to Democratic donors that he may have to revisit the health-care issue in a second term, a position at odds with his publicly expressed confidence that the U.S. Supreme Court will uphold the Affordable Care Act, according to three Democratic activists.
- Abba, it seems that Obama is insistent that we have a national healthcare bill, no matter what the Supreme Court rules. We thank You that You set up kings and You take them down, and that in You all wisdom dwells. We are asking that You will bless the one of Your choosing to be our President, and that he will seek Your face, and Your wisdom for the good of the people he serves. We pray for humbleness of heart and reliance on You to be his constant companion. We ask this not only for our President, but also throughout all three branches of our government, in the Congress and the Court, and we thank You for it. Amen.
- " Daniel answered, Blessed be the name of God forever and ever! For wisdom and might are His! He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding! He reveals the deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him! (Daniel 2:20-22)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, so shall I be saved from my enemies . . . The LORD lives, and blessed be my Rock, and let the God of my salvation be exalted." (Psalms 18: 3, 46)
1. 'Security officials oppose Iran strike' - Ynet News
The majority of Israel's defense chiefs are against a military strike in Iran at this time, Ynet has learned.
2. Israel gas finds launch navy into troubled waters - Reuters
When Israeli economists contemplate their country's untapped natural gas finds far out in the Mediterranean, they dream of energy independence and lucrative export deals.
3. Israel's Barak tells NBC: 'A nuclear Iran is unacceptable' - MSNBC
A military strike against Iran to prevent the country from becoming a nuclear power is still very much a possibility, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak told NBC News' chief foreign correspondent, Richard Engel, on Wednesday.
4. IDF general: Anti-Israel terror will flourish in Syria - Ynet News
Anti-Israel terror will "flourish" in Syria on the heels of the civil war that will turn it into a "failed state," IDF Northern Command Chief Maj-Gen. Yair Golan said Wednesday at a conference at Bar Ilan University marking 30 years since the first Lebanon war.
The Daily Jot
The Trojan Horse Our Government Is Using to Justify a Police State
To most Americans it seems to take a suspension of disbelief to see that the United States government is leading to, or even has become, a police state where individual freedom is subservient to the whims of legal interpretations and overreaching regulations. From red light cameras to automated speed cameras to police drones to the ability to assassinate American citizens if they are suspected terrorists, we live in an age of Constitutional deconstruction where the meanings of words are twisted to fit a population control agenda and laws are written that disregard the very freedoms that our government was established to protect. Where does it end?
Many Christians have difficulty conceiving of how a "beast" government [described in Revelations] could rise to power and require everyone to take its mark to be able to buy and sell. Yet, right here in America, we are giving up rights on a daily basis to a government that has sold us a bill of goods that this is necessary to protect us from Islamic terrorists--Oh, I'm sorry--check that--I should say "radical extremists" because we are not supposed to be in need of protection from the peaceful religion of Islam. While Islam is a dire threat to the freedom of everyone on earth, it also serves as a wonderful Trojan Horse to establish government control over every aspect of our "free" lives.
The government is allowed to view our naked bodies before we can fly on a plane. The government has technology to drive by our houses and detect where we are holding weapons. The government, or any other entity that has Google, can view our activities on our very property. The government can freeze our assets if we do not agree with which brand of Islamist terrorists it is supporting in Syria, Iran or Yemen--its a national emergency you know. Islam has given the government an excuse to intrude into almost every aspect of our lives. And once that foundation is laid, it is an easy step to crack down on your religion, your personal protection, your speech, even the products you buy.
New York City, for example, has plans to ban the sale of large soft drinks because we are getting too fat. This could set a precedent for the government controlling your food--ready to take the mark of the beast yet? Our Constitutionally guaranteed freedoms have made it possible for us to share the gospel and expand the kingdom of YHVH both at home and throughout the world. But when the government so willingly allows Islam to dictate our very freedoms, it won't be long until the words of Yeshua in Matthew 24:9 take hold: "Ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake." Galatians 5:1 says, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith the Messiah has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." I believe this is both spiritual and physical. Question is: are we standing fast or losing our standing fast?
Have A Blessed And Powerful Day,
Bill Wilson
The DOMA Ruling
Family Research Council Criticizes First Circuit Ruling
on the Defense of Marriage Act
May 31, 2012
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) today criticized a decision by the U. S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit striking down Section Three of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman for federal law. FRC filed an amicus curiae ("friend of the court") brief in the case, known as Gill v. Office of Personnel Management. Today's ruling by a three-judge panel upheld a lower court decision issued in July 2010.
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement:
"Today's decision was disappointing but leaves us with hope that DOMA will be upheld when it is reviewed by the United States Supreme Court.
"FRC has always argued that DOMA should be reviewed under a level of scrutiny lawyers refer to as the 'rational basis test.' The First Circuit directly stated that using that standard 'the Gill plaintiffs cannot prevail.' We believe the Supreme Court will agree with us in applying the rational basis test and uphold DOMA.
"It has become too common for courts to show great disrespect to the American people and their representatives in arguing that efforts to defend marriage have been motivated by bias, bigotry, or animus. I note that the First Circuit opinion decisively rejects that idea. In reaching its decision, the Court stated it '[did] not rely upon the charge that DOMA's hidden but dominant purpose was hostility to homosexuality.' It also observed that 'traditions are the glue that holds society together . . . The desire to retain them is strong and can be honestly held.'
"The Court was correct on this point. Congress enacted DOMA in 1996 by a vote of 85-14 in the Senate and a vote of 342-67 in the House of Representatives. It was then signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Those supporting DOMA represented a broad swath of American society who did not bear ill-will or animosity toward homosexuals.
"Citizens in 32 states have voted to uphold the historic and natural definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Thirty states have actually inserted such a definition into the text of their state constitutions. It was completely appropriate for the Congress to anticipate this approval of marriage between a man and a woman and enact a congruent federal definition.
We remain confident that in the end, the U.S. Supreme Court will recognize that DOMA is supported by numerous legitimate legislative purposes - all of which are consistent with our principles of federalism.
"The argument that the authors of our Constitution created or even implied a 'right' to redefine 'marriage' lies outside our constitutional law," concluded Perkins.
Gendercide Bill Fails in House Vote
Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), PRENDA's sponsor, shook his head at the idea that even a single member could vote against the bill. "I refuse to believe that we cannot find enough humanity in this body to conclude together that it is wrong to knowingly kill unborn children because they are baby girls instead of baby boys." House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) admitted that he didn't know a single person who supports gender-based abortion--but he voted to allow it anyway. Only one female congresswoman was willing to go on the floor opposing the bill, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.). In an unbelievable display of abortion fanaticism, she called PRENDA an "insidious attack on Roe v. Wade." As far as outrageous statements go, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) was a close second. Her office called the practice of killing children because of their sex "another distraction." The statement form President Obama concurred.
It's a stunning example of how deeply engrained the Left's abortion obsession is. Even a country as sharply divided on abortion as this one overwhelmingly believes (77%) that America should outlaw sex-selection abortion. Yet when it comes to the systematic annihilation of women, Pelosi would rather align with China than cede so much as an inch of pro-life ground. In places like China and India , "the three most dangerous words are, 'It's a girl!'" Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) said. "We can't let that happen here."
Unfortunately, there's no guarantee of that after PRENDA failed on the House floor. Despite the 246 votes in favor, the bill couldn't overcome the two-thirds hurdle the legislation needed to pass--thanks, in part, to the 17 representatives who refused to cast a ballot. The 168 opposed are now on record condoning the most brutal form of prejudice: the deliberate extermination of American girls. "Liberals are going to have to make up their mind whether they are so committed to abortion on demand that they think [it] includes killing little girls because they are little girls," Rep. Franks said yesterday. Well, they made up their minds all right. And for once, voters will see how the Left really feels about women. (Family Research Council, "Delivering the Male," excerpt)
And Then There Were None
Abby Johnson knows a little something about the abortion industry--especially how difficult it is to leave. The former Planned Parenthood clinic worker-turned-pro-lifer wants to help other people who are struggling to do what she did: convert. This month, Johnson is launching a special initiative--the first of its kind--to reach out to abortion clinic employees. "We have hundreds of ministries for post-abortive women and men," she said. "There is literally nothing for these former clinics workers. We are going to change that."
The project, called And Then There Were None, will guarantee that people have a safe and confidential place to go when they're considering leaving one of the darkest industries in the world. Among other things, ATTWN will offer spiritual healing (for every possible faith and denomination), career advice, financial aid, and even legal assistance. As someone who experienced the compassion of the pro-life movement firsthand, Johnson wants to offer that same unconditional care to men and women on what she calls "the road of pure evil."
You can learn more about Abby's outreach on June 11 during ATTWN's first webcast,
"Exposing the Lie." For more information, click over to ATTWN.org or AbbyJohnson.org and help support this great new cause. (Family Research Council)
Virginia School District Changes Policy
A high school in Fairfax County, Va., settled a lawsuit with the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) on Friday, agreeing to change a policy that unfairly targeted an honors student for performing community service at a church.
The senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology performed nearly four times the number of hours of community service the National Honor Society requires. But because she mentored children through her church's "Kids Quest" program, school administrators said her service didn't count-and by disqualifying her, she missed out on valuable college scholarship opportunities.
In settling the lawsuit, the school agreed to revise its policy, which was more stringent than that of the National Honor Society. Henceforth, community service performed through religious institutions will be considered equal to that done through secular or civic groups.
"Community service and charity work should be encouraged by schools regardless of where it takes place," said ADF Litigation Staff Counsel Matt Sharp. "The school district has done the right thing in granting honor society credit for this student's service and in revising district policy so that this will not happen to other students in the future." (CitizenLink)
TREASURY SANCTIONS SYRIA INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC BANK
Treasury Takes New Action to Isolate the Assad Regime from the International Financial System
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of the Treasury today designated the Syria International Islamic Bank (SIIB) pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382 for acting for or on behalf of the Commercial Bank of Syria and providing services to the Syrian Lebanese Commercial Bank, both of which are subject to U.S. and international sanctions. SIIB has acted as a front for the Commercial Bank of Syria, which has allowed that ban - Syria's largest commercial bank - to circumvent sanctions against it by the United States, the European Union and the Arab League. SIIB was established in Damascus in September 2007 and has 20 branches and three representative offices throughout Syria.
From 2011 to 2012, SIIB surreptitiously facilitated financing worth almost $150 million on behalf of the Commercial Bank of Syria. Financial arrangements that were purportedly made by SIIB were actually made by the Commercial Bank of Syria.
In addition to working with the Commercial Bank of Syria to circumvent sanctions, in 2012, SIIB facilitated several substantial payments for the Syrian Lebanese Commercial Bank, and facilitated a payment from this designated bank to an entity of proliferation concern. (May 30, 2012; US Department of the Treasury) Read more.
The Good News Corner
Introducing: The Radiance Foundation
OUR VISION
The Radiance Foundation exists to inspire people to embrace their intrinsic value and live a life of meaning.
The Radiance Foundation is an educational life-affirming organization. Through various forms of media, speaking engagements, multi-media presentations and community outreach efforts, we illuminate the intrinsic value each person possesses. We educate audiences about pressing societal issues and how they impact the understanding of God-given Purpose. We motivate people to positively affect their families, their schools and their communities. Our combination of powerfully designed media content, thorough research and personal experiences is unmatched and connects with people cross-culturally and cross-generationally.
OUTREACH
The Radiance Foundation exists to inspire people to embrace their intrinsic value and live a life of meaning. We are an educational life-affirming non-profit organization that believes that words should always be translated into action.
There are three core components to The Radiance Foundation's action:
SHINE - Character Development & Community Action
SALLY'S LAMBS - Celebrating Adoption While Cherishing Birth Moms
TOOMANYABORTED.COM - Raising the public's awareness of legalized abortion's history and its present destruction in our society.
LEARN ABOUT THE CO-FOUNDER:
RYAN SCOTT BOMBERGER
Ryan has a rather unique perspective of the innate nature of Purpose. His biological mother was raped yet courageously chose to continue the pregnancy, giving him Life. He was adopted as a baby and grew up in a loving, multi-racial Christian family of 15. With siblings of varying ethnicities, he grew up with a great appreciation for diversity. Ten of the thirteen children were adopted in this remarkable family. His life defies the myth of the "unwanted" child as he was adopted, loved and has flourished.
Today, he is an Emmy® Award-winning Creative Professional who founded The Radiance Foundation, a life-affirming 501(c)(3), along with his wife, Bethany. They have made an unexpected impact in the pro-life movement with the bold TooManyAborted.com billboard/web campaigns. As the first pro-adoption themed ad campaign created to address the disproportionate impact of abortion in the black community, the effort received massive media coverage from The New York Times, USA Today, LA Times, CNN, MSNBC, the Associated Press, Washington Times, Fox News, ABC World News with Diane Sawyer, and, seemingly, the entire blogosphere.
The extensive media attention enabled The Radiance Foundation, and Ryan's personal story of adoption, to reach millions. Working in conjunction with noted national civil rights leaders like Dr. Alveda King (niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.), Ryan is involved in national efforts to expose and defund Planned Parenthood by illuminating this human rights injustice. He is a featured blogger on LifeNews.com and addresses the cultural dynamics of abortion, eugenics, and the beautiful act of adoption.
As Chief Creative Officer of The Radiance Foundation, he hopes to continue to impact millions to embrace their God-given intrinsic value and the incredible possibility with which we are all born.
There's never a lack of inspiration as every day is full of discoveries with his amazing wife and four children. As adoptive parents, Ryan and Bethany are passionate about supporting adoption and foster care. Every effort is made to connect with churches, colleges, and civic organizations, nationwide, to help build a culture that values Life in all of its stages.
Psalm 139:14 -- ". . .for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
To learn more about the work of The Radiance Foundation, please go here.
Worship with Us Today!
The Power of the Cross
Once in darkness, now in light
Once blind, now you see
Once a sinner, now a saint
Once bound, now free . . .
