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The Daily Brief Friday, October 4, 2013
Praying the Word of God . . .
in the Will of God . . .
over the Issues of the Day
(Isaiah 55:11)
Friday, October 4, 2013
"I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting . . ." (I Timothy 2:8)
The Daily Brief
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1. Obama 'exasperated' over government shutdown, warns we're 'in trouble' - NBC
President Barack Obama said Wednesday that he is "exasperated" by the government shutdown but won't negotiate with the Republicans until they pass an extension of funding to reopen it. House Speaker John Boehner said President Barack Obama refused to negotiate in a meeting with top congressional leaders about the government shutdown, signaling a lack of progress on resolving the fiscal impasse.
- Father, we ask that our president would be willing, and will negotiate with both parties in Congress to resolve this issue. This is not the time for "temper tantrums", but rather a time for helpful dialogue to reach an agreement. This is not a dictatorship where one man's will is forced upon everyone else. We ask for wisdom for our president and Congress, and we bind up spirits of pride and political power, and self-service, and ask for meaningful communication and dialogue to take place, and a soon resolution to come that would benefit us all. In Your Name we pray, Amen.
- "Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. And they argued and discussed it and reasoned together with themselves." (Isaiah 1:17;Luke 20:5)
2. US government shutdown: banks stockpiling cash - Telegraph UK
America's biggest banks are stockpiling extra cash in their ATMs, amid fears that the government shutdown and the threat of a US default will induce a sudden panic among their customers.
- Abba, we come against a spirit of fear, especially during this budget crisis. We ask that You would reveal Yourself as the God Who provides for the needs of those who put their trust in You. We pray that those whose livelihoods are in the financial industry, that they would realize just how uncertain earthly riches are, and that they would come to know You and trust You to give them wisdom, and the power to get wealth. We ask that it would become clear that true riches are found in You! We pray You would provide especially for those who are on "unpaid furloughs", due to the shutdown, and that You would comfort them and encourage them, and give them income producing creativity. In Your Name we pray, Amen.
- "As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be proud and arrogant and contemptuous of others, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches, but on God, Who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." (I Timothy 6:17)
3. An 'even worse catastrophe' is coming - CNBC
For Jim Rogers, the author of "Street Smarts: Adventures on the Road and in the Markets," it is only a matter of time until the U.S. stock market runs into devastating problems due to the Fed's quantitative easing program and the prevalence of similar stimulative programs around the world. "This is the first time in recorded history that we have every major central bank in the world printing money, so the world is floating on an artificial sea of liquidity. Well, the artificial sea is going to disappear someday, and when it does, the catastrophe will be even worse. "The U.S. is the largest debtor nation in the history of the world," Rogers told CNBC.com Wednesday night.
- Father, again, it seems that the fear of not having enough money, is gripping the entire financial world, with every major central bank in the world printing money, which is ultimately worthless. We ask for Your wisdom to deal with this crisis worldwide. Man is always seeking to "rescue" himself, to no avail. We ask that this crisis will move people to look to You, and acknowledge their helplessness to "save the world", or themselves. We thank You for Your shed blood for all of us, and Your great all-consuming love, and we ask that You be lifted up, and all men would be drawn to You. Amen.
- "'Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth (on the cross), will draw all people to Myself.' He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die." (John 12:31-33)
4. Illegal Immigrants Can Get Driver's Licenses Under New California Law - News Max
Illegal immigrants living in California will be eligible to apply for driver's licenses under a law signed on Thursday by Democratic Governor Jerry Brown, in the latest action to expand privileges for such immigrants in the most populous U.S. state. The law is part of a broader effort to expand immigrant rights in strongly Democratic California, where 2.6 million people - most of them Latino - lack legal status, according to a recent study by the University of Southern California. About 38 percent of California's population of 38 million is of Hispanic descent, state figures show, representing a potentially enormous number of voters with an interest in immigrant issues.
- Father, it seems the politicians' "lust for power" is driving their motivations in enacting such laws, rewarding those who are living here illegally. Citing the "potentially enormous number of voters" with an interest in immigrant issues, seems to reveal their disrespect for the laws in place to protect those who do abide by the law. Surely, lawlessness is rampant in our nation. Obviously the Democrats wish to give voting privileges to these who are here illegally, or why cite the potential votes issue. This is the time when "men call good evil, and evil good". We pray that You would humble the proud, and give grace to the humble, in accordance with Your Word. Amen.
- "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight." (Isaiah 5:20,21)
5. Now the Barricades are Wired Shut, As More Honor Flight WWII Vets Arrive at Memorial - ACLJ
According to the ACLJ, the barricades erected to prevent access to the National WWII Memorial during the government shutdown have been reinforced with wire ties, following the most recent visit by Honor Flight WWII veterans this week.
> > > To sign the ACLJ petition to keep the National WWII Memorial, and others like it, open to veterans and the public, CLICK HERE.
A commentary on this report by Aimee Herd, editor, Breaking Christian News:
EDITOR'S NOTE: There are 50 WWII Veterans from my home state of Oregon who are headed to DC today (Friday) via an Honor Flight, to visit the WWII Memorial. According to the article below, the barricades-which were moved each day this week to accommodate other Honor Flight veteran groups-have now been wired shut to prevent entry. This is truly shameful. I am hoping that politics will be put aside at the site of the WWII Memorial, for the sake of showing these and other veterans the honor they deserve; allowing them this important visit. -Aimee Herd, BCN. (Read more)
- We fully agree with this statement by Ms. Herd. Bring the FULL
FORCE of the Word of God, which is the Sword of the Spirit, to bear against
this assault and insult of our veterans. His Word does not return void, and
will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent forth.
Always remember to ask our Lord to FORGIVE those who are making these decisions; for in releasing forgiveness, grace is also released to work. In Jesus' Name, amen.
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[To governing authorities] "'This far and no farther will you come.
Here your proud waves must stop!'" (Job 38:11) Always remember to ask our Lord to FORGIVE those who are making these decisions; for in releasing forgiveness, grace is also released to work. In Jesus' Name, amen.
6. Man sets himself on fire at National Mall - Daily News
In a bizarre act that capped a nervous few days in Congress, a man poured gasoline on himself and lit himself on fire on the National Mall late Friday afternoon. . . The man was evacuated by a U.S. Park Police helicopter that landed on the Mall. (Read more)
- With these strange events taking place these past two days in our nation's capital, it truly seems that the hordes of hell have been unleashed upon our city. Please join us in crying out to God, in repentance, for healing to come to this city, and to all who travel here. May His angels intervene to protect these confused and deranged men and women who continue try to harm themselves, and others. Thank the Lord that this man has survived; may he receive the help he clearly needs, and quickly. In Jesus' Name, amen.
- "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains." (Psalm 107:14)
> > > Please meditate this weekend upon all of Psalm 107, on behalf of all who are afflicted tonight in our nation. Thank you.
7. Woman Killed in Capitol Car Chase Identified - Breaking Christian News
Miriam Carey, 34, the unarmed woman police shot and killed yesterday when she tried to breach two landmarks near the U.S. Capitol, was a dental hygienist from Stamford, Connecticut, had a history of mental health issues, perhaps stemming from an earlier fall, according to numerous reports. In addition, several reports note that Carey was delusional, thinking that President Obama was "stalking" her.
- What a sad ending to this amazing day in Washington, D.C. Please pray for comfort for all who now mourn the life of Miriam Carey; may each one be drawn to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, amen. Pray, too, for her tiny daughter, Erica, asking our Lord to bring her into the arms of others who will care for her, love her, and nurture her in the faith of our God. Amen.
- "But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 19:14)
8. Tropical Storm Karen Still Presenting a Threat to the Gulf Coast this Weekend - BCN (Breaking Christian News)
(Gulf Coast)-Residents of the north Gulf Coast are taking storm precautions despite the weakening of tropical storm Karen, which was recently downgraded from a hurricane to tropical storm status. It is feared that Karen could regain speed and power as it nears the coast.
According to a Miami Herald report, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm. Meanwhile, Federal Emergency Management Agency has reportedly recalled furloughed workers to help them prepare for Karen's landfall.
- Over the years, we have seen many opportunities to pray over storms like these, thanking our God that He directs the wind and the waves, wheresoever He desires. Please lift up this tropical storm before the Lord as it advances towards mainland; let's ask Him to cause this system to lose strength and to dissipate into nothing. In His Name, we offer His praises, amen.
- "They were terrified and asked each other, 'Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!'" (Mark 4:41)
The Middle East in Focus
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The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever puts his trust in YHWH shall be safe." (Proverbs 29:25)
1. Netanyahu wraps up US trip with BBC Persian interview - ICEJ News
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued his schedule of media appearances on Thursday by sitting for an interview with Steve Inskeep of NPR's Morning Edition, where he said "I haven't been offered [to meet Rouhani]. If I'm offered, I'd consider it, but it's not an issue. If I meet with these people I'd stick this question in their face: Are you prepared to dismantle your program completely? Because you can't stay with the [nuclear] enrichment." In another interview with BBC's Persian language service, Netanyahu attempted to speak directly to the Iranian people about the decisions their government is making on their behalf.
2. Egypt making preparations to strike Gaza - ICEJ News
A senior Egyptian security official told the Palestinian Ma'an news agency that Egyptian military forces operating in the Sinai Peninsula have made preparations to strike targets in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip and will carry out those plans if the security situation in the northern Sinai deteriorates further. Egypt believes Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza are supporting and even participating in attacks against Egyptian forces in the area, and the Army has warned these groups that it has "run out of patience" with them.
3. Holland will not re-label Israeli settlement products - ICEJ News
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told a press conference on the occasion of Israeli President Shimon Peres's visit to Amsterdam Tuesday that his government will continue to label products from Israel settlements in the West Bank and "Made in Israel" despite the decision by other EU countries to label them as being made in "disputed territories."
The Persecuted Church
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Today's Focus: The Persecuted Church
"Remember the prisoners as if chained with them-those who are mistreated-since you yourselves are in the body also." (Hebrews 13:3)
Is There an Al Qaeda Link to the Seleka Rebels in CAR?- Morning Star News
WASHINGTON (Morning Star News) - With Islamist rebels in the Central African Republic (CAR) continuing to commit atrocities unchecked, including violence against Christians, U.N. and rights officials are calling for outside military help to establish rule of law.
Up to 80 percent of those in the rebel group known as Seleka are foreign combatants from Chad and Sudan, a representative of the International Federation for Human Rights (IFHR) told Morning Star News, confirming reports that self-imposed President Michel Djotodia hired Islamist mercenaries to fight and oust Francois Bozize, the former president.
"Certainly, we have seen targeting of Christians," Michelle Kissenkoetter, IFHR representative to the United Nations said. "We have seen selective attacks on Christians and their churches."
Seleka rebels who appeared to be Sudanese bound and gagged the Rev. Beniamino Gusmeroli and another Christian as the militants looted Our Lady of Fatima mission in Bouar last month, the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Betharram said in a press statement this week, according to the Catholic Herald. Another priest, the Rev. Aurelio Gazzera, told Fides that Seleka gunmen had slapped him and threatened to shoot him if he tried to persuade them to release captured youths, according to the United Kingdom-based newspaper.
Djotodia on Sept. 13 announced the "dissolution" of Seleka, the coalition of 25,000 rebel militants that ushered him into power in March, in a bid to excuse himself from inability to control them; he said they would be treated as "bandits," though they have continued to kill and pillage without opposition from state security forces that Djotodia said would be responsible for law enforcement.
Kissenkoetter said Seleka forces operate without authority and commit violence with impunity because of the breakdown of law and order, warning that such "total lack of justice and accountability" must stop.
She said chaos reigns in the country, as there is "no army, no police, no judiciary, no national security, and even civil servants have fled from their posts" to escape the killing and destruction of Seleka.
For more news about the Persecuted Church, and how you can be more involved in intercession for these precious saints, go here.
The Daily Jot
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Being non-essential
The federal government shut down has raised a lot of eyebrows. It has exposed a lot about our government, how big it has gotten, how interwoven it is into the fabric of American enterprise and society. It was never supposed to get that way. The Founding Fathers envisioned a limited government where the people would have freedom to create opportunities, business and commerce, a better way for themselves, or not, if they chose not to. We see now that a government shut down has caused a ripple effect throughout the nation. We have to wonder, if there are millions on non-essential personnel sitting at home, why? What does this tell us about our nation, and what opportunity does it present?
Government is not God. Yet to millions, it is their provider; their care giver; their facilitator of life. This is the trap. And it has been sprung on way too many Americans. There are too many of us who are far too dependent on the government. We need to wean away. And what better time than now? Think about it. All these people at home because they are non essential. I would wager if I were a wagering man that these folks could provide better service to the government as part of their own company doing the very same thing for the government. I bet they could do it more efficiently, less expensively, more creatively, and also be happier while they were doing it.
If I were a "non essential" sitting at home, I would probably call my co-workers together for a meeting. I would tell them that we could start a company and provide the very same kind of services to the government and to others who wanted them. Let's get rid of the people who don't do any work in our area and start our own business. I bet they could work harder, faster and make more money than what the government is paying them because they know their jobs and how to do them, there is just no incentive at the government for such efficiency. Its a thought. If I were non essential, I would surely be wondering about my future.
There is a deeper message. To this Congress and White House, we are all "non-essential." They don't care. They don't want to hear our concerns. They do what they want to do. We the People are a means to their selfish ends. We are essential for one day a year--April 15--when we are forced to show up with the cash. Otherwise, we are as non-essential as any government worker sitting at home today because politicians are blaming each other for everybody sitting at home. This is another reason government isn't God. In God's eyes, everyone is essential. Remember what Jesus told us in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoseover believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." No, government is not God, and you ARE essential.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
(Obamacare) A Shock to the System
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A Shock to the System
ObamaCare enrollment problems continue into day three of the partial government shutdown, as online error messages, delays, and other "glitches" persist. Congressman Mike Pompeo (R-Kans.) explained on the House floor how he tried to enroll online for ObamaCare himself, but after encountering web errors, finally resorted to calling the hotline. After waiting an hour and forty minutes, he got through to a "young lady who told me she was from Louisiana. She said, 'Why did you call?' I said, 'I'm calling to comply with the Federal law.' She said, 'I'm not going to be able to help you with that today. My system is down, too.'" Congressman Pompeo continued, "I asked her how long she'd been working on this.' She said, 'Quite a while.'" And, "quite a while" is how long this shutdown appears likely to continue.
While Democrats refuse even to extend fairness to average Americans by delaying the individual mandate, they also refuse to negotiate on scaled down spending bills that would fund targeted federal programs and departments. On Tuesday Democrats in the House defeated three bills to fund the District of Columbia, Veterans Affairs, and the National Park Service, however, yesterday the House did pass by voice vote a bill to fund the District of Columbia, a rare bi-partisan display after the previous day's fight. Importantly, this bill continues the life-saving ban on government funding for abortion in the District, something Democrats had previously balked at supporting.
On Wednesday the House also passed a bill to fund the National Institutes of Health and the Nation's parks and monuments. Senator Reid dismissed these bipartisan attempts to keep specific government services open, and President Obama maintained his veto threats. Then, late yesterday afternoon, President Obama hosted a meeting with Congressional leaders at the White House only to tell them he would not negotiate over ObamaCare funding, or delays, or, well, anything. So the government remains shut down, and some federal workers remain furloughed.
We are told that additional measures addressing various concerns with ObamaCare are also being considered, chief among them is the need for conscience protections. We will continue to work with the House to make sure the religious liberty protections sponsored by Rep. Diane Black (R-Tenn.) will be part of any bill to raise the debt ceiling.
(Family Research Council; excerpts)
Shutdown Showdown Continues
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Shutdown Showdown Continues
As the government shutdown enters Day 4, there are signs that Democrats are starting to feel the heat. In the past two days, House Republicans have passed bills to fund veterans' services, the National Guard and the National Institutes of Health. A total of 57 House Democrats have voted for those bills. Yet Senate Democrats refuse to consider them.
Remember that when you are discussing the government shutdown and ill-informed friends or family members try to blame Republicans for denying cancer treatments to sick kids.
House Republicans and dozens of House Democrats are trying to keep the government open. But Obama's liberal allies in the Senate refuse to budge on Obamacare's individual mandate and the special exemption from Obamacare that Obama granted to members of Congress. (Gary Bauer)
Israel Hopes to Avoid Third Intifada
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Israel Hopes to Avoid Third Intifada Despite Palestinian Rhetoric, Violence
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) lost two soldiers to Palestinian violence in the West Bank last week. Although a third intifada remains unlikely according to intelligence assessments, the threat of terrorism in the West Bank remains ever-present, and the army has beefed up its forces to prevent an escalation of incidents.
. . . These incidents have caused segments of Israeli society to wonder if a third Palestinian intifada is imminent. Defense chiefs took to the media to allay those concerns, saying that the two murders are not directly connected, and that security assessments do not point to an upsurge of violence any time soon.
Nevertheless, the IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz noted recently that reality does not always conform to intelligence forecasts, and the IDF needs to take every measure it can in preparing for a possible surge in violence.
This means continuing nightly security raids across Palestinian cities, towns, and villages in which infantry forces arrest wanted terrorism suspects and, acting on high quality intelligence, break up cells being formed for future attacks.
According to senior army sources, there have been more than 30 attempts by Palestinian terrorists to kidnap Israeli soldiers this year alone.
Several terror cells that were about to carry out bombings, shootings, and rocket attacks on Israeli civilian and military targets have been broken up by the Israel Security Agency. These include a Hamas terror cell plotting to bomb a packed outdoor Jerusalem mall during the Jewish New Year.
"These terror attacks remind us that even when things seem quiet on the surface, the IDF and its commanders are always dealing with a reality of operational tension," Chief of Staff Gantz said.
(The Investigative Project on Terrorism) Read more.
The Good News Corner
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The Good News Corner:
Forbes Asks for His Pay to be Withheld,
Cosponsors Bill to Reduce All Member Pay During Shutdown
Washington, D.C. - Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) announced today that he has written to the Chief Administrator of the House of Representatives to request that his salary be withheld, and that he has cosponsored H.R. 3160, the Government Shutdown Fairness Act, which would withhold the salaries of Members of Congress until the funding impasse has ended and also reduce pay in future Congresses by the number of days the government is shutdown.
Forbes has consistently voted against Member pay increases and introduced H.R. 284, the Congressional Accountability Pay (CAP) Act, which would make Members of Congress personally accountable for overspending in Washington, by tying the salaries of Members of Congress to growth in government spending. The more the federal government spends, the less Members of Congress would earn.
In addition, Forbes has supported legislation that would require the President, Vice President, and political appointees to join Members of Congress and all congressional staff in obtaining health insurance through healthcare exchanges and eliminate any employer contribution to these health insurance purchases.
While nonessential congressional employees in Forbes' office have been furloughed as a result of the government shutdown, Forbes' offices are open and staffed with essential employees whose responsibility is to ensure constituents have a voice in the legislative process. Phones are being answered from 7am - 7pm until Congress resolves the funding impasse.
(Office of Congressman J. Randy Forbes, Oct. 2, 2013)
Worship With Us Today!
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Worship With Us Today
Thank you, Lord!
A Cappella
For all that You've done, I thank You.
For all that You're going to do
For all the You've promised
And all that You are
Is all that has carried me through
Jesus, I thank You.
Pray for the Harvest!
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Pray for the Harvest!
"Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." (John 4:35)
Every day, in every nation on earth, tens of thousands of men and women are making decisions for Christ. Now, you can monitor this amazing fact online by literally "watching" as these souls are born again into the Kingdom.
Of course, the identities of those who are coming to the Lord are never revealed, but our God knows who they are! Join us as we monitor these "names" daily, praying over each one to be mentored and to grow in his or her faith . . . even in these perilous times. You may visit either or both of the sites below, to pray for fields that are ripe for harvest.
> > > OPTION ONE: AboutJesus.net
Go here!
> > > OPTION TWO: The Great Commission Map!
Go here!