Friday, October 24, 2008

CHPP Daily Brief - October 24, 2008

In This Issue
· The Daily Brief
·
The Middle East in Focus
·
Election News
·
The Economy in Crisis
· The Global Campaign
· Faith and the Upcoming Elections

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The Daily Brief Friday, October 24, 2008
"God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; He does great things beyond our understanding." (Job 37:5)

The Daily Brief

1. Markets End Red, Avoid Meltdown
- Fox News


Wall Street suffered another ugly day of losses on Friday, but the selloff failed to live up to the hype provided by scary overnight plunges in the global and futures markets.

- Lord, we thank You for your grace over this economy and we pray for wisdom for the controllers of the money so that good decisions will be made.

- You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord's coming is near. (James 5:8)

2. FBI: Powder-Laced Letters Say it is Payback Time - Fox News

Threatening letters sent this week to banks and financial institutions declare "It's payback time" and promise death within 10 days, according to the text of the message released Thursday.

- We thank You for protection against attacks and we pray that the people who perpetrate these hoaxes and attacks will be turned to Your peace.

- Only don't rebel against the LORD, and don't be afraid of the people of the land, for we will devour them. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us. Don't be afraid of them!" (Numbers 14:9)

3. California to Vote on Measure Requiring Parental Notification for Abortions by Minors - Fox News

California voters have twice rejected initiatives requiring that parents be notified before a minor can get an abortion, but supporters think the third time might be the charm this Election Day.

- This ballot measure will protect women and children and we pray that Christians will be awakened to threats to our children and will arise to action.

- Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began. (Psalm 139:16)

4. Praying 'In Jesus' Name' Elevated to Supremes - World Net Daily

Justices on the U.S. Supreme Court are being asked to overturn one of their former colleagues, Sandra Day O'Connor, who wrote in an appellate level decision that excluding anyone who prays "in Jesus' name" from a rotation of officials who open city business meetings is fair and reasonable.

- We pray that You will be allowed back into the public domain and that we will remember from this example how important control of court appointments is in this country.

- For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! (Romans 8:38-39)

5. U.S. Turns Over Control of 12th Iraqi Province, 'Triangle of Death' - Fox News

The U.S. relinquished control of a southern province that includes Sunni areas once known as the "triangle of death," handing security responsibility to the Iraqi government on Thursday. In the capital, where insurgent attacks continue nearly daily, a car bomber targeted a government minister's convoy, killing at least 13 people.

- Lord, we praise You for the progress that has been made, and we continue to pray for protection for the people of Iraq and for the soldiers watching over them.

- "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master's joy!'" (Matthew 25:21)

6. A. US Slaps Sanctions on Iran's Revolutionary Guards - Fox News

The Bush administration is imposing new sanctions on Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, accusing the elite military unit of illegal trade in missile technology and weapons of mass destruction.

B. EU's 2nd highest court: Funds of Iran group illegally frozen - USA Today

A court ruled Thursday that European Union governments illegally froze the funds of an Iranian opposition group, giving one of Tehran's most implacable foes more ammunition in its fight to be removed from the bloc's list of terrorist organizations.

C. Report: Iranian Docs Save Nasrallah from Poisoning Attempt - Haaretz.com

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was poisoned last week and Iranian doctors were rushed to Lebanon to treat him, saving his life, the Iraqi web site Almalaf Yon reported yesterday.

- As Iran continues to work to increase its influence, we pray for them to be restrained in all their plans for evil.

- The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers assembled together against the Lord and against His Messiah. (Acts 4:26)

7. EU's Solana Says Europe's Commitment to the Peace Process is "Total." - Jerusalem Post

The European Union's foreign policy chief says he hopes indirect peace talks between Syria and Israel will continue and bring progress.

- We pray for all actions that will divide Israel to be confused and the plans to be ended.

- In that day one will take up a taunt against you, and lament mournfully, saying: We are totally ruined! He measures out the allotted land of my people. How He removes it from me! He allots our fields to traitors. Therefore, there will be no one in the assembly of the LORD to divide the land by casting lots. (Micah 2:4- 5)

The Middle East in Focus

The Middle East in Focus This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE: "Thus will I magnify Myself, and sanctify Myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am LORD [YHWH]." (Ezekiel 38:23)

1. Peres: Arab Peace Initiative Is an Opportunity - NewsMax


Israeli President Shimon Peres says a long-stalled Arab peace initiative could bring peace to the Middle East and resolve the Palestinian conflict.

2. 'Ahmadinejad's health is deteriorating' - Jerusalem Post


The health of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is deteriorating, according to reports in the Islamic Republic.

3. Livni: Early elections if no coalition by Sunday - Jerusalem Post


Kadima has made its final offer to Shas, prime minister-designate Tzipi Livni said Thursday evening, adding that she would tell the president on Sunday whether she would be bringing a government to the Knesset for approval or giving up on her coalition talks and sending the country toward general elections.

4. Shas: Livni's associates misleading public - Ynet News


Communications Minister Ariel Atias on Thursday accused prime minister-designate Tzipi Livni's associates were misleading the public by claiming that Kadima had offered Shas NIS 1 billion (about $257.7 million) as part of the coalition negotiations.

Election News

"In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. "(Acts 17:30) Prayer Point:Pray for repentance for yourself and for our nation. [PLEASE NOTE: AS EDITORIAL POLICY, CHPP WILL NOT PUBLISH ANY POLLS PRIOR TO ELECTION DAY. THE ONLY POLL THAT COUNTS IS THE ONE THAT IS TAKEN ON NOVEMBER 4TH, 2008. THANK YOU.]


1. GOP open seats boost Democrats House chances - Washington Times

A rush of Republican retirements has positioned Democrats to pick up 20 or more seats in the House and transform what might otherwise be a march to modest gains on Election Day into a wave to a lopsided majority.

2. McCain Campaign Volunteer Admits Alleged Attack Was a Hoax - Fox News

A woman who lied about being attacked because of the McCain bumper sticker on her car will face charges of filing a false report.

3. In Real Virginia, Biden Calls Bush Vote Returning the Favor - Fox News

While John McCain's campaign knocks the Democrats for failing to connect with the "Real Virginia" far from the state's liberal DC suburbs, the Biden Express swung through South Central VA to prove them wrong.

4. President Bush Votes for McCain - Fox News

Our White House troops are reporting that President and Mrs. Bush have cast their absentee ballots today for Senator McCain.

5. Voters to Weigh In on Potpourri of Ballot Initiatives - Fox News

Voters in 36 states will get to decide on a number of unlikely ballot proposals when they go to the polls on Election Day.

6. Fox News denies negotiating over 'Michelle Obama tapes' - Fox News

As doubts grow, African Press insists recordings to be released before Nov. 4.Fox News flatly denies it is engaged in any negotiations with African Press International, the Norway-based website that claims to have embarrassing recordings of Michelle Obama and which has announced to the world that it is working with the popular cable news channel. API has promised on its website that tapes of Michelle Obama's alleged conversation with the agency will be released by the Nov. 4 election. (Read
more.)

THE ECONOMY IN CRISIS

For all the headlines below, we lift up this prayer today:


· Please continue to pray over this economic situation. Only the Lord can provide the wisdom needed to redeem the nation. Use your prayer language if you're not sure how to pray.

· "The blessing of the Lord: it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it." (Proverbs 10:22)

1. OPEC Cuts Oil Production in Move to Boost Prices - Fox News

The international oil cartel agreed Friday to cut daily production by 1.5 million barrels in a move to drive up prices on the international market - and, at the gas pump. But, crude oil futures went in the other direction, falling 5 percent Friday in London trading on speculation that demand will continue to fall.

2. Oil Plummets Below $65 Despite OPEC Production Cut - Fox News

Oil prices continued their steep losses despite an announcement by the OPEC cartel that the producers will cut production by 1.5 million barrels a day next month. Friday, crude oil closed at its lowest level since May 31, 2007, settling at $64.14 a barrel, down 5.4 % or $3.69.

3. Nervous Investors Awaiting Two Big Events Next Week - CNBC

Next week is expected to mark the beginning of the US economy's entry into a recession and the end of the Federal Reserve's conventional monetary policy to remedy the situation. On Wednesday, the Fed's FOMC is widely expected to cut the key federal funds rate another half point, to one percent, in what what many assume will be the end of its aggressive easing campaign. Then on Thursday, GDP data for the third quarter is expected to show the US economy contracted for the first time in seven years, ending months of speculation that the economy had managed to skirt recession, despite a one-of-kind credit crunch.

4. What's Behind the Selloff: Panic Is Turning to Despair - CNBC

After being in panic mode the past few weeks, investors are now wallowing in despair.Stock markets tumbled around the world Friday as investors moved to liquidate risky positions. Mounting evidence of a global recession, born of the worst financial crisis in 80 years, kept most markets volatile. US stock indexes fell over 3 percent, though not as much as feared earlier in the day. European stocks tumbled 6.5 percent and Japan's Nikkei plunged 9.6 percent.

5. UK Economy Officially On the Brink of Recession - Fox News

Britain's economy shrank between July and September, official figures showed Friday - confirming that the country is on the brink of recession and sending the pound into a dive against the U.S. dollar

The Global Campaign

This year's presidential election is truly historic and has had its share of "firsts." We have the first African American candidate to win a major party's nomination. We have the first female vice presidential candidate on the Republican ticket. And we have the first truly global campaign for the presidency of the United States. During Barack Obama's summer world tour, he was greeted like a rock star in London and Paris. And during his stop-over in Berlin, Obama declared, "Citizens of the world -- this is our moment." Whatever that means. And not only is Obama campaigning around the world, but he's also raising money around the world. For example, the Obama campaign has had to return tens of thousands of dollars from supporters in Gaza. It's been noticed that a lot of contributions to Obama are for odd figures, like $104.59 and so on. Some speculate those figures are the result of currency exchanges.

Now the campaign tactics have gone global as well. There was a report in yesterday's Billings Gazette that Republican officeholders in Montana have been targeted by negative automated phone calls. That's not news. But in what appears to be a campaign first, the calls reportedly originated from Romania! Not only are non-citizens participating in this year's campaign, they may be voting too. Thanks to ACORN, who knows how many illegal aliens were registered to vote this year. In its desperation to win, the Left is making a mockery out of our cherished right to vote -- a right won and protected by the blood of patriots.

Obama believes he has a "righteous wind at his back." I suspect what he's feeling is the righteous indignation of Middle America rising up. Folks are fed up with ACORN, fed up with "Blame America First" radicals like William Ayers and CodePink, fed up with the elite media and fed up with liberal judges redefining marriage. They are fed up with defeatist Democrats like Harry Reid, who said America had lost, and John Murtha, who insulted our brave troops and his own constituents. They are fed up with the Democrat oil embargo, fed up with out of control spending and fed up with socialist "spread the wealth" tax schemes. My friends, this is your country too. Fight for it! Get out there and vote. Vote in record numbers, and give a landslide victory to the candidates that stand in TRUTH. (Source: Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; 10/21/08 - excerpt)

· "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." (Proverbs 14:34)

Faith and the Upcoming Elections

Last Friday, Archbishop Charles Chaput spoke about the disservice done by Christian voters who are abandoning the abortion issue. Increasing numbers of churchgoers seem to be adjusting their faith to fit their politics instead of evaluating the candidates through the eyes of their faith. Speaking as a private citizen, Chaput talked about the crisis of conscience in this election. The Archbishop's concern about Christian voters in general and Catholic voters in particular, mirrors concerns by Bible-believing evangelicals that both candidates and liberal activists have been brazen in their efforts to target evangelicals, deliberately sowing confusion, insisting that issues like global warming, government care for the poor, worldwide AIDS, etc., trump the issues of abortion and same-sex marriage. Princeton Professor Robby George, a member of FRC's Board of Directors, has written a definitive article on the issue of abortion and the 2008 election. (Read
more)
(Source: Family Research Council)