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The Daily Brief:
"Praying for All in Authority"
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
"The battle is the Lord's." (2 Chronicles 20:15)
"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." (Psalm 126:3)
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The Daily Brief
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1. Senate panel releases scathing report on CIA interrogations amid security warnings - Fox News
Democrat-led Senate panel released a scathing report Tuesday on CIA interrogation practices amid warnings from lawmakers that the findings could "endanger the lives of Americans" -- a concern the Obama administration apparently shared as it put more than 6,000 Marines on high alert.
The report, from the Senate intelligence committee, claimed the interrogation techniques used were "brutal and far worse" than the CIA represented to lawmakers. Further, the report claimed the tactics were not effective and the spy agency gave "inaccurate" information about it to Congress and the White House. The report called CIA management of the program "deeply flawed" -- though agency officials have staunchly defended the program and credited it with helping track down Usama bin Laden and other terror leaders.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the head of the intelligence panel who ordered the release of the report, alleged on the Senate floor on Tuesday that the CIA techniques in some cases amounted to "torture." "History will judge us by our commitment to a just society governed by law and the willingness to face an ugly truth and say 'never again'," she said on the floor. "There may never be the right time to release this report. But this report is too important to shelve indefinitely." (Read more)
- Lord God Almighty, we still do not understand, and cannot fathom, any wisdom in seeing this report released, now or ever. We continue to pray Psalm 91 over all of our Embassies overseas, as well as all who are working inside the CIA, undercover, in foreign lands. Lord, this is a disaster in the making and only You, by Your great hand of mercy, can rescue us now. We ask this in Jesus' name, amen and amen.
- "Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place." (Psalm 28:2)
2. Bush Interrogated Terrorists to Get Information; Obama Kills Them With Drones - CNSNews.com
What's the difference between harsh CIA interrogation techniques and drones that kill civilians, a reporter asked White House spokesman Josh Earnest on Monday. The reporter noted that the lethal use of drones has "actually increased under this administration." Earnest did not explain the difference, except to say that the U.S. works in "close consultation and cooperation with local governments and making sure that it's local forces that are taking the fight on the ground to these extremist elements."
According to Human Rights Watch, "Targeted killings have been a hallmark of this administration's counterterrorism strategy. Obama sharply increased the use of armed drones (begun under George W Bush), which have conducted lethal strikes against alleged terrorists in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia. The strikes have killed hundreds of people, including civilians, and some have clearly violated international law." (Read more)
- Lord God, we bow our heads in shame and we repent at the facts being revealed by this report. Even though others might use these interrogation procedures in their own nations, that does not give us the right to do so, too. We ask for a new day to come forth in U.S. policy regarding political prisoners, and how they should be treated. Help us, Lord, to know Your ways in all things, we ask in Jesus' name, amen and amen.
- "O let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the just."
(Psalm 7:9)
3. Obama renews NSA snooping for 90 more days - Washington Times
President Obama has renewed the NSA's phone-snooping program for another three months, with the administration saying Monday that it's too important to let it expire right now, defying members of Congress who said it was time to ax the controversial program. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. and National Intelligence Director James R. Clapper said Monday they've won a 90-day extension of the snooping authority from the secret court that oversees intelligence activities. (Read more)
- Dear Lord, here we go again. We thank You that this policy has caused a "boomerang effect" to be released against this administration, among even Obama's most ardent supporters in Hollywood, who now state they can no longer support this regime due to this policy. Let the hammer fall where it must, for we are not a nation ruled by tyranny. In Jesus' name, amen and amen.
- "Is not my word like fire," declares the Lord, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?" (Jer. 23:29)
4. Limbaugh: There is no executive order on amnesty - WND
Radio host Rush Limbaugh is now broadcasting the fact that President Obama never personally signed any executive order in connection with his recent move providing amnesty for up to 5 million illegal immigrants.
"Do you know that Obama has not signed any executive action or order for this?" Limbaugh stated on his top-rated national program Tuesday. "Folks, this is even more corrupt than anybody conceived! He just wrote a memo instructing Homeland Security not to deport 5 million people. There is no actual executive order."
As to why Obama would not sign any official amnesty order, Limbaugh opined, "The reason for this is abundantly clear. If anybody wants to prosecute this, what do you prosecute? There's no executive order. There's no person to go focus on." (Read more)
- Once again, Lord God, we ask that divine justice be meted out against this administration. In Jesus' name, amen.
- "For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them." (Isaiah 61:8)
5. Putin pushes back: Beware the wounded Russian bear - Fox News
Contrary to what he would like us to believe, things are going very poorly for Vladimir Putin these days. Having found the West more united than he expected on the issue of sanctions against Russia, he now discovers that the bottom has fallen out of the international oil market. As if that were not enough, he also finds Europe nixing his pet Southstream gas pipeline, supposed to run under the Black Sea, which he had hoped would increase Russia's energy stranglehold over Ukraine and the rest of Europe. (Read more)
- Heavenly Father, it appears that a number of things are being done to provoke a serious confrontation between Vladimir Putin and western leaders. Have mercy, Father, and protect us from an unnecessary global war, praying this in Jesus' Name and under His Shed Blood, Amen and Amen.
- Psalm 91
6. War Clouds - Townhall.com
The world is changing and becoming even more dangerous -- in a way we've seen before. In the decade before World War I, the near-hundred-year European peace that had followed the fall of Napoleon was taken for granted. Yet it abruptly imploded in 1914. Prior little wars in the Balkans had seemed to predict a much larger one on the horizon -- and were ignored. A large war is looming, one that will be far more costly than the preventative vigilance that might have stopped it. (Read more)
- Father God, only You know the outcome of all the hostilities and activities going on in the world today. We now determine in our hearts to look to You for our personal and national safety in times like these. Give Your people wisdom in prayer and give our leaders wisdom in interaction with other countries. We appeal to You to give us Godly and righteous leaders to guide and preserve this country You founded to spread the Light of Your Good News.
- "Preserve me O God, for in You I put my trust." (Psalms 16:1)
7. House Legislation Paves the Way for War with Russia? - Global Research
The adoption of a major piece of legislation by the US House of Representatives on December 4th (H. Res. 758) would provide (pending a vote in the Senate) a de facto green light to the US president and commander in chief to initiate -without congressional approval- a process of military confrontation with Russia.
The speed at which this legislation was adopted is unusual in US Congressional history. originalHouse resolution 758 was introduced on November 18th, it was rushed off to the Foreign Affairs Committee and rushed back to the plenary of the House for debate and adoption.
Two weeks (16 days) after it was first introduced by Rep. Kinzinger (Illinois) on November 18, it was adopted by 411-10 in an almost unanimous vote on the morning of December 4th. (Read more)
[Please note: this entire article is written from a biased, Russian perspective. Nevertheless, we do believe that this piece of legislation bears watching.]
- Lord God, this piece of legislation, along with S. 222 passed earlier this year in the Senate, may be cause for alarm. We pray in the Spirit over this report. If it is Your will that H. Res. 758 pass in the Senate, then so be it. If not, let it be done, according to Your will. We ask this in Your name, amen and amen.
- "For the kingdom [is] the LORD'S: and he [is] the governor among the nations." (Psalm 22:28)
8. An Iran-Russia axis - New York Post
What do two nations with a history of over 200 years of enmity and war do when they seek a change of discourse? Find a common enemy - real or imagined. For Russia and Iran, traditional foes since the 18th century, that common enemy is the United States, according to political circles in Moscow and Tehran. (Read more)
- Precious Lord, we come before You humbly to ask that You would break up all alliances that are formed for wicked purposes against Your plans for the nations of the earth. We pray for You to put a hook in their jaws and draw them away from joining forces against the US and Israel. You are our refuge and strength, O Lord!
- "Break the arm of the wicked and the evil man, seek out his wickedness until you find none." (Psalms 10:15)
9. State Dept: Reports of Sanctions Against Israel 'Unfounded' - Israel National News
The United States is not considering sanctions against Israel in response to its construction in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki clarified on Monday. "I can set the record straight and be clear that reports that we might be contemplating sanctions against Israel are completely unfounded and without merit," She told reporters, according to The Blaze.
Psaki was asked if perhaps the Obama administration had been considering sanctions against Israel and now is not, adding she thinks her statement "has been consistently true" over time. However, she indicated that the government may in fact have been mulling sanctions against Israel at some point. For example, she was asked explicitly if sanctions were ever under consideration, and refused to say more, "I just am not going to have any more for you on it." (Read more)
- Lord God, in a way, we are relieved to see this report, but we remain cautious, nevertheless. We know that we cannot always trust the words of the State Department, nor of this administration; so we place our trust fully in You, Holy One, the One who never lies. As we look into the full text of this article, we see that, indeed, "white man speaks with forked tongue." We ask for complete clairty of this vital position in American foreign policy toiwards Israel. In Jesus' name, we offer this prayer, amen and amen.
- Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear--not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple "Yes" or "No." Otherwise you will be condemned. (James 5:12)
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The Middle East in Focus
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This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Behold, I am YHWH, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?" (Jeremiah 32:27)
1. Moscow demands Israel explain 'unacceptable use of force' in Syria
- Times of Israel
Russia demanded Monday that Jerusalem provide explanations following reports that Israeli jets had carried out multiple airstrikes on two targets in Syria, reportedly killing two Hezbollah operatives.
Moscow, considered a main backer of Syria's ruling regime, said it had turned to the United Nations to bring Israel to account for the strikes, which reportedly targeted weapons shipments at two sites outside Damascus.
"Moscow voices deep concern over the dangerous development of events. Their circumstances should be clarified. In any case it is certain that the use of force is unacceptable in interstate relations and deserves disapproval," Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said on Monday in a statement published on the Russian Foreign Ministry's website.
"It is important to prevent additional risks of further destabilization of the extremely tense situation in Syria and in the Middle East region as a whole," he added. (Read more)
2. Syria calls for U.N. sanctions on Israel over air strikes - Reuters
Syria asked the United Nations Security Council on Monday to impose sanctions on neighboring Israel, a day after accusing the Jewish state of bombing areas near Damascus international airport and in the town of Dimas, near the border with Lebanon.
Israel has struck Syria several times since the start of the three-year conflict, mostly destroying weaponry such as missiles that Israeli officials said were destined for their long-time foe Hezbollah in Lebanon.
In a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Chad, Security Council president for December, Syria said that "such aggressions will not stop it from fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestation across the entire territory of Syria."
"At the same time, the Syrian Arab Republic calls on the international community and the Security Council to shoulder their responsibility and forcefully condemn this brutal attack and to cease covering it up under any pretext," the letter read.
"Syria also calls for the imposition of stern sanctions against Israel and requests that all measures prescribed under the Charter of the United Nations should be taken to prevent Israel from again committing such aggressions," it said. (Read more)
3. Knesset passes illegal Immigration Law amendment - Jerusalem Online
Replaces previous version of law annulled by Supreme Court. Will enable authorities to detain African economic migrants and asylum seekers at Holot detention center for up to 20 months with no due process. (Read more)
4. Report: Netanyahu to select Yisrael Katz to fill in as finance minister - Jerusalem Post
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to announce this week that Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz will be appointed as finance minister to replace Yair Lapid, Globes reported on Monday. (Read more)
5. PM slams Abbas's 'impossible fantasies' on 'return' of 6 million refugees -Times of Israel
Israel's prime minister responded bitterly Monday to comments by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that six million Palestinian refugees, himself included, were waiting to "return" to Israel and that "we need to find creative solutions because we cannot close the door to those who wish to return."
A spokesman for Benjamin Netanyahu accused Abbas of promoting "impossible fantasies" and taking "maximalist positions." Israel has a population of just over 8 million, more than a fifth of whom are Arabs. Israeli governments have consistently rejected Palestinian demands for a "right of return" for millions of descendants of former Arab residents of what is today Israel, saying that the demand amounts to a bid to destroy Israel by demographic means and that a Palestinian state would have to absorb them in the same way that Israel absorbed Jewish refugees who were forced to leave countries across the Middle East and North Africa when Israel was founded. (Read more)
6. Palestinians gain observer status at ICC Assembly of State Parties - Jerusalem Post
The International Criminal Court's organizational body of 122 nations in New York on Monday unanimously recognized Palestine as an observer state for the first time, a move which Palestinians hailed as an important step in achieving their final goal of formal membership.
Palestinians want to sue Israel for war crimes before the ICC, but it is unclear if they can do so, because the ICC's judicial body has not recognized them as a state. In addition, the Palestinians have not finalized their application to the court, but they have threatened to do so, should they fail in their pursuit for a UN Security Council resolution calling for an Israeli withdrawal to the pre-1967 lines. (Read more)
7. Terrorist's Nephew Goes Missing, Raising Alert Level in Hevron - Israel National News
The IDF raised the alert level in the Hevron area Monday night, Walla! News reports Tuesday, after two sets of Arab parents reported their children missing from their homes since last Friday.
The reason: one of the two, Muhammed Abu Eisha, is the nephew of Amar Abu Eisha - one of the Hamas terrorists responsible for the abduction and murder of yeshiva students Gilad Sha'ar, Naftali Frankel, and Eyal Yifrah in June.
Authorities worry that the younger Abu Eisha may have gone "off the grid" in order to carry out a terror attack. (Read more)
8. Bibles from Syria could spark ownership dispute -Times of Israel
JERUSALEM (AP) - Two decades after Israeli spies helped Syrian Jews whisk ancient Hebrew bibles from Damascus to Jerusalem, the Israel National Library asked an Israeli court on Monday to grant it custodianship over the manuscripts - a move that could spark an ownership battle over some of the Syrian Jewish community's most important treasures. (Read more)
9. Top Putin aide: Mossad training ISIS terrorists in Iraq, Syria - Jerusalem Post
A top aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday accused Israel and the United States of training the Islamic State in order to undermine Moscow's interests in the Middle East. In an interview with Iranian state television, Alexander Prokhanov said that Mossad agents were training ISIS fighters in Syria and Iraq. (Read more)
- O Lord, we ask You to strengthen and protect Israel and the US from the new aggressiveness of the Russian bear and reveal all lies for what they are. Especially protect the Christians in this area, Dear Lord.
- "And He will spread out His hands in their midst as a swimmer reaches out to swim, and He will bring down their pride together with the trickery of their hands." (Isaiah 25:11)
10. Jewish Student Attacked In Synagogue - Gary Bauer
Twenty-two year-old Israeli student Levi Rosenviat was attacked in a synagogue today. The attack took place not in Jerusalem, but in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Crown Heights. Rosenviat was stabbed in the head and is in serious but stable condition. While there is no known motivation for the attack, witnesses said the assailant, Calvin Peters, repeatedly muttered, "I want to kill the Jew!" He was shot and killed by police when he charged at them. There have been similar knife attacks in Israel in recent weeks, including last month's devastating attack on a Jerusalem synagogue by Palestinians armed with meat cleavers.
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A Risky Report
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A Risky Report
Senate Democrats today released a highly controversial report on the CIA's use of enhanced interrogation techniques in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The Associated Press reports that U.S. embassies and military installations worldwide are bolstering security, bracing for possible jihadist attacks using the report's conclusions as an excuse.
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest conceded yesterday that "release of the report could lead to a greater risk that is posed to U.S. facilities and individuals all around the world." So why do it now?
. . .We have had this debate already. President Obama banned the use of such interrogation methods hours after his 2009 inauguration. Meanwhile, as we engage in this exercise of self-flagellation over our alleged excesses, we are still fighting jihadists who cut the throats of babies.
Congressional Republicans and former CIA officials are blasting the administration and Senate Democrats for failing to "interview a single CIA official," downplaying the usefulness of intelligence that was gathered, ignoring pleas from our allies for discretion and putting more lives at risk. (Gary Bauer)
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Does ISIS Have Dirty Bomb?
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Does ISIS Have Dirty Bomb?
Unconfirmed reports have been swirling for weeks that ISIS may have a dirty nuclear bomb. Such a device is not necessarily a weapon of mass destruction, but more likely a "weapon of mass disruption."
Fears first materialized this summer when the Iraqi government warned the United Nations that "Terrorist groups have seized control of nuclear material" used for scientific research at Mosul University. The July letter continued, "These nuclear materials . . . can enable terrorist groups . . . to use it separate or in combination with other materials in its terrorist acts."
In late November security experts took notice of a claim posted on Twitter: "Islamic State does have a dirty bomb. We found some radioactive material from Mosul university." That post was made by a jihadist, Muslim Al-Britani, who is believed to be a weapons expert for ISIS. A few days ago, Al-Britani tweeted, "A Radioactive Device has entered somewhere in Europe."
The stock market unexpectedly fell more than two hundred points this morning. The dramatic drop was blamed on slowing growth in China. But as we recently reported, European intelligence agencies are bracing for a "spectacular attack" sometime before Christmas.
Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin got it right when he said: "Maybe Britani is lying, maybe he's not. . . . Perhaps it's also time to recognize that open borders and successful counter-terrorism are mutually exclusive. It's a lesson that might fly in the face of Obama's ideology, but reality will always trump political spin." (Gary Bauer)
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The Daily Jot
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That still small voice
Part of our ministry is assisting in the development of character and leadership in athletes. In 2006, the Frederick County Christian Eagles were founded to use the sport of football to teach Christian character and leadership. Many of those players I coached went on to play in college, several are now married, raising families, finding success in their jobs---they are productive members of society. The story does not stop there. In the midst of all that, I became acquainted with several current and former NFL players. They trained some of our young men in both football skills and character. And my relationship with the NFL continues to grow. Our efforts on character and leadership continue beyond the Eagles.
One man who sowed into these young players is Troy Vincent. Today, he is Executive Vice President of NFL Football Operations. He is a man of God and of great character. For the past four years, his body of work on character development is extraordinary. Recently, he has been part of the team at the NFL addressing the personal conduct policy that has been brought to the forefront of media attention with recent incidents of domestic violence and child abuse. Troy has written a column for TIME.com based on the theme of "that still small voice--do the right thing." It can be found in its entirety at TIME.COM .
Troy believes Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Trouble is, many have not been trained up properly, so there is further need for mentoring and teaching. There is also a need for discipline when the lines are crossed. Troy states: "The privilege of playing football cannot override the rights of victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse." As a childhood survivor of domestic violence, Troy uses the platform of sports to speak into society. He says, "While the overwhelming majority of current and former players in the NFL are excellent husbands and fathers, over the long haul, there will need to be a culture change throughout the NFL and the business of football built on the cornerstone of character."
Soon, the NFL will announce a new personal conduct policy that may well set a national standard. It's about leading culture change by doing the right thing. Defenders of those who perpetrate violent crimes also must change. As Troy wrote: "They will have to gaze into the mirror of morality to reflect on where they draw the line so that perpetrators do not depend on representation that says you can beat your child or wife during the week and play on Sunday as a right of due process. It comes down to a question: How do you defend the indefensible? This is also a question for society. It is a question for those role models that young men and women admire...We must take action in a society where the noise of self-indulgence often drowns out that still small voice that whispers "do the right thing."" True. Do the right thing. Pray. Act.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
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The Good News Corner
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The Good News Corner:
Someone Is Leaving Gold Coins Wrapped in $1 Bills Inside Salvation Army Kettles, With This Message
No word on the frankincense or myrrh, but it seems some people are following the lead of the Magi and donating something precious for Christmas: gold.
The Salvation Army is happy to accept the gifts.
Your Houston News reported late Sunday on the anonymous generosity striking the Houston area, where two different Salvation Army red kettles each received 1-ounce, $50 1985 Canadian Maple Leaf gold coins.
The coins were reportedly wrapped inside $1 bills with notes reading, "A child is born, Jesus! Merry Christmas!"
According to My Houston News, both Salvation Army red kettle locations have received gold coins in years past.
Houston wasn't the only place where gold has been flowing.
A Salvation Army red kettle in North Carolina received an Australian coin worth $1,200 on Dec. 1, USA Today reported.
Source: The Blaze
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Signs and Wonders
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Study: California Drought Worst in 1200 Years
This week's statewide rains have made little impact in relieving California's extreme drought. In fact, according to a new scientific study, this drought is the worst that California has experienced in 1200 years. Researchers studying tree rings concluded that "the current event is the most severe drought in the last 1200 years, with single year (2014) and accumulated moisture deficits worse than any previous continuous span of dry years." (Breitbart) Read more.
- Abba Father, we bring this deadly and extremely dangerous drought impacting the state of California before Your throne and repent for all of our national sins and arrogance. We seek Your mercy, Father, as we acknowledge that we cannot survive very long without sufficient water, both for our bodies, our food supply and other basic needs. Help us, Father, asking in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.
- "For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations." (Psalm 100:5)
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Today's Birthdays
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Today's Birthdays on the Hill
Today we want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to:
Rep. Pete Olson, Texas
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, N.Y.
God bless you both!
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Worship With Us Today!
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Worship With Us Today!
"Christmas Offering" - Casting Crowns
Worship Here
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Daily Conference Calls
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