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The Daily Brief:
An Online News Source for Intercessors
"Decreeing the Word of God Over the News of the Day"
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United We Stand Thursday, March 16, 2023
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Join our Bible Readathon, every night except Sunday morning, from midnight to 6:00 a.m. Call 508-924-5411 (no access code). Our moderator will welcome you and invite you to share in our reading. Praise God! His Word does NOT return to us void!
"So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)
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>>> Be sure to read today's thoughts on repentance by Pastor Jeff Daly | National Day of Repentance. Go Here.
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UK, Germany scramble fighters to block Russian jets hours after US drone crash
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Russian fighter jets downed a US drone over the Black Sea on Tuesday
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The U.K. and Germany scrambled fighter jets to intercept two Russian aircraft flying near Estonia late Tuesday.
The Russian aircraft, a Russian Il-78 Midas refueling plane and an Antonov 148 military transport, approached NATO airspace without contacting Estonian authorities. The incident was the first time the U.K. and Germany have conducted a joint air intercept as part of the NATO treaty.
"NATO continues to form the bedrock of our collective security," U.K. Armed Forces minister James Heappey said in a statement. "This joint UK and German deployment in the Baltics clearly demonstrates our collective resolve to challenge any potential threat to NATO’s borders, whilst demonstrating our combined strength."
The incident came just hours after two Russian jets downed a $32 million U.S. drone over the Black Sea. The two jets had harassed the unmanned aircraft for several minutes before clipping the drone's propeller. (Fox News) Read more.
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- Father, we do thank You that the NATO Alliance is strong and is working. We thank you that our allies are stepping forward to protect this airspace, and to prevent further incidents like the one that happened on Tuesday. In Your Name, amen and amen.
- " . . . in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (I Thess. 5:18)
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Evacuations Ordered as Federal Agency Warns California at ‘High’ Risk of ‘Catastrophic’ Flooding
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Portions of Southern California were evacuated on Tuesday after yet another winter storm hit California, coming days after thousands of people were evacuated hundreds of miles to the north.
Officials in Santa Barbara County, located along the central-southern coast, said in an alert that residents who live near several burn scars should evacuate and said that roads could be cut off or destroyed. Combined with rain, burn scars from fires can trigger flash flooding and mudslides.
“An EVACUATION ORDER has been issued for the identified properties and areas in south Santa Barbara County associated with the Alisal, Cave, and Thomas Fires,” the alert said. “Residents in these areas should leave now.”
It advised to residents: “DO NOT attempt to drive while it is dark or raining heavily, roads may be damaged or your car may be swept away by moving water or debris” and that “roads leading in and out of the Sisquoc and Tepusquet areas could be damaged by this storm. Residents of those areas should either leave or prepare to sustain themselves in case roads become impassable.
A map posted by Santa Barbara County shows the evacuation orders currently in effect, including creeks, rivers, streams, and other waterways in Solvang, Carpinteria, Summerland, Santa Barbara, Montecito, Toro Canyon, and others. It appears that several hundred to thousands of people are impacted.
Meanwhile, in Ventura County, officials issued evacuation warnings due to floods and possible debris flow. Those warnings are slated to last until Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET. (Fox News) Read more
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- Abba, help!! The amount of rain that has and is falling on southern California is putting many of your kids in harm's way. We appreciate the rain and snow replenishing reservoirs and helping to end this long drought, but now property and lives are in danger. We ask you to redirect the winds and weather patterns so the rain falls where it is still needed. Please protect homes, businesses and people that are near forest fire burn areas from mudslides and flash floods. We ask for wisdom and clear thoughts for first responders and all those tasked with protecting and saving lives. We ask this in Jesus' mighty name. AMEN
- "As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's Cross to the other side of the lake." So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting,
"Teacher, don't you care that we're going to drown?"
When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Silence! Be still!" Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:35-39)
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Knesset Bible Caucus brings together Jews
and Christians in their love for Jerusalem
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"And the many peoples shall go and say: “Come, Let us go up to the Mount of Hashem, To the House of the God of Yaakov; That He may instruct us in His ways, And that we may walk in His paths.” For instruction shall come forth from Tzion, The word of Hashem from Yerushalayim." (Isaiah 2:3)
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After a two-year hiatus due to pandemic travel restrictions, the 25th Bible caucus took place on Tuesday morning at the Jerusalem Hall in the Knesset in Jerusalem, bringing together Christians and Jews to study the Bible both religions revere.
The event was organized by co-chairmen MK Ohad Tal (Religious Zionist Party), MK Michael Biton (Israel Resilience Party), along with the former caucus leader and MK (Likud) Rabbi Yehudah Glick, head of the Shalom Jerusalem Foundation. The study was focused on the verse “For instruction shall come forth from Tzion, The word of Hashem from Yerushalayim.”
The verse is repeated twice in the Bible: first by Isaiah (2:3) and also by Micah (4:2).
The learning session was especially poignant as it was held in the seat of the government in the eternal capital just two months before Israel’s 75th Independence Day.
The two MKs spoke about the verse, as did representatives from both faiths. The guests included Rabbi Yakov Nagen the Director of the Blickle Institute for Interfaith Dialogue, Dr. Juergen Buehler President of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, Bishop Glenn Plummer the “Bishop of Israel” for the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), and his wife Dr. Ruth Pauline Plummer. Rev. Jim Garlow and his wife, Rosemary Schindler Garlow, came to the event after visiting several nations to advocate for Israel. They presented Ohad Tal with flags from the nations as a show of support for Jerusalem.
Israel365 founder Rabbi Tuly Weisz gave a speech calling for unity in the face of mass protests over judicial reforms proposed by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s newly formed government.The event culminated in a spirited version of the Hebrew song based on the verse, “Ki Mitzion Tetze Torah” (Out of zion will go Tora) and Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem. (Israel 365 News) Read more here.
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- Father God, our Messiah, we praise You for the news of this opportunity for Christians and Jews to come together, in the Spirit of unity and the bond of peace, to honor and to study the Torah together. May this work continue to be blessed by Your Mighty Hand. In Your Name, Holy One, amen and amen!
- "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments . . ." (Psalm 133:1,2)
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1. Netanyahu heading to Berlin to meet German chancellor, president - JNS
(March 15, 2023 / JNS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will yet again need to bypass protesters in order to depart for a diplomatic trip from Ben-Gurion Airport. Last week the destination was Rome and on Wednesday it is Berlin.
Opponents of the government’s overhaul of the judicial branch plan to block traffic at the country’s main international gateway in an effort to disrupt Netanyahu’s afternoon flight to Germany. He had to take a helicopter to get to his plane to Italy last Thursday for a meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Netanyahu is scheduled to arrive in the German capital for a two-day state visit, where he will meet with Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday for the first time since Netanyahu retook the premiership following November’s national election. (Read more)
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2. Top Israeli officials hold urgent meetings on unspecified ‘security incidents’ - JNS
(March 15, 2023 / JNS) Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has held several situational assessments over the past 36 hours with regard to unspecified “security incidents.”
On Wednesday, Gallant briefed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the security developments, ahead of the latter’s departure for a diplomatic visitto Germany.
Netanyahu‘s office announced shortly thereafter that the premier would be returning from Berlin on Thursday evening and not on Friday morning as originally scheduled.
Gallant’s office released an unusually cryptic statement on Tuesday evening, revealing that the meetings were attended by top-ranking officials, including Israel Defense Forces chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) head Ronen Bar. (Read more)
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3. IDF reveals bombing in north caused by Lebanese infiltrator - Israel Hayom
The IDF said Wednesday that soldiers killed an armed man suspected of entering the country from Lebanon and blowing up a car, raising the risk of renewed tensions with Hezbollah.
The security situation in Israel prompted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cut in half his planned two-day visit to Germany this week, his office said. The incident unnerved Israelis, who questioned on social media and elsewhere how someone with explosives could travel dozens of kilometers inside Israel and set off a roadside bomb before being detected.
The army said soldiers stopped a car carrying the bombing suspect at a checkpoint Monday shortly after a roadside explosion seriously injured a driver near Megiddo Junction in the country's north. The suspect was wearing a suicide vest and had a rifle and a gun when he was stopped near the border with Lebanon. The army said it shot and killed the man and is questioning the driver.
The army said the device exploded at a 90-degree angle, which is unusual for the area. That led officials to suspect that the man infiltrated from Lebanon and may have been linked to Lebanon's terrorist Hezbollah group. (Read more)
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4. URGENT! ‘They won’t even talk to us’: US Embassy in Jerusalem abuses American-Israelis, refuses service – report - World Israel News
Several dual American-Israeli citizens were treated callously Monday morning outside the US Embassy in Jerusalem, where employees refused to provide pre-arranged services, Yeshiva World News (YWN) reported.
According to the report, young families with newborns arrived to register their babies for emergency passports, as they were planning to travel to the US for the upcoming Passover holiday, which begins this year on the evening of April 5th.
Appointments for that morning had been scheduled, they told YWN, but they were refused entry and told that the “rules had changed” as of that day: any person without previously documented US citizenship could not receive an emergency passport.
While the parents held proof of citizenship and their children were eligible, the new rules precluded the newborns from being given passports, YWN reported. (Read more)
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5. UAE, ADL launch center for regional coexistence - World Israel News
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday announced the formation of a joint center for religious tolerance and regional coexistence in Abu Dhabi.
The Manara Center, from the Arabic word for “source of light,” will support the UAE’s Year of Tolerance initiative and the Abrahamic Family House, a religious complex in Abu Dhabi that includes a mosque, a church, and a synagogue.
The synagogue held its first Shabbat services on Feb. 17 while the complex as a whole opened to the public on March 1. Designed by award winning Ghanaian-British architect David Adjaye, the Abrahamic Family House “captures the values shared between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and serves as a powerful platform for inspiring and nurturing understanding and acceptance between people of goodwill,” according to its website. (Read more)
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1. Credit Suisse Shares Crash as Banking Crisis Goes Global - Brietbart
Shares of Swiss banking giant Credit Suisse fell by more than 20 percent and the cost of insuring its bonds against default soared on Wednesday after its biggest shareholder said it would “absolutely not” provide additional support.
The decline brought shares to an all-time low. Concerns about the bank’s health and stability have been weighing on the stock for three months.
The most recent sell-off appeared to be triggered by remarks from the chairman of Saudi National Bank, the biggest shareholder of Credit Suisse, when asked if the Saudi bank was open to further capital injections. (Read more)
- Lord God, thank you for your Word that reminds us that we should not put our hope in material things or store up for ourselves treasures here on earth, for they can wither away in a moment, but instead, we should store up treasures in heaven. We thank you that you never change and that we are safe and secured with you, even though this world may fail us.
- “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:20)
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2. Investor who called Lehman collapse predicts the next big US bank failure - New York Post
“The problem is the bond market, and my prediction, I called Lehman Brothers years ago, and I think the next bank to go is Credit Suisse,” the Rich Dad Company co-founder Robert Kiyosaki said on “Cavuto: Coast to Coast” Monday, “because the bond market is crashing.”
Kiyosaki further explained how the bond market – the economy’s “biggest problem” – will put the U.S. in “serious trouble” as he expects the American dollar to weaken.
“The U.S. dollar is losing its homogeny in the world right now. So they’re going to print more and more and more of this,” the expert said while holding up a dollar bill, “trying to keep this thing from sinking.” He further expressed concern over pension plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs) in the current market environment, adding the American taxpayer will be hit hardest by bank bailouts. (Read more)
- Lord God, we thank you that you are the same, and that you never change. We thank you that no matter what earthly system fails us, you will never fail us. But right now, Lord, we just plead the blood of Jesus over this financial crisis that whatever the enemy is trying to do through this situation that it will not come to fruition. We command those who are causing this banking crisis to cease and desist now in Jesus name. And we thank you for restoration in this area. amen.
- “Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
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3. Biden issues executive order aimed at reducing gun violence - CBS News
President Biden issued an executive order on Tuesday that aims to increase the number of background checks to buy guns, promote better and more secure firearms storage and ensure U.S. law enforcement agencies are getting the most out of a bipartisan gun control law enacted last summer.
The Democratic president discussed his latest efforts at curbing gun violence in a speech from Monterey Park, California.
The executive order directs the attorney general to increase background checks by cracking down on gun sellers who don't perform them when required, with the goal of "moving us as close as we can to universal background checks without new legislation," as Mr. Biden put it.
The order also directs federal agencies to improve public awareness and promote the use of "red-flag" laws, and instructs the attorney general to release more information about federally licensed firearms dealers who violate the law. (Read more)
- Lord God, this administration's prosecutors should be prosecuting actual criminals, yet instead Biden imposes more onerous rules on law-abiding gunowners. Biden should be pursuing criminals -- many who are with drug cartel operatives -- who use guns to carry out the violence going on at the border We bind this manipulative and controlling spirit right now in Jesus name that it cannot come to fruition. Amen.
- “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)
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4. DeSantis stripping Florida hotel's liquor license after hosting 'lewd' drag show with children present - Fox News
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation warned the Hyatt Regency Miami against hosting a "sexually explicit show with children present," but the hotel did anyway, according to a statement from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' office.
"Therefore, the Department is revoking the venue’s license for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages," the statement adds. "Sexually explicit content is not appropriate to display to children and doing so violates Florida law. Governor DeSantis stands up for the innocence of children in the classroom and throughout Florida."
During the event, performers showed their prosthetic breasts and genitals, rubbed their prosthetic female breasts on the faces and mouths of audience members, intentionally exposed their rears, were "simulating masturbation" and had "graphic depictions of childbirth and/or abortion," according to a complaint that the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation filed. (Read more)
- Lord, thank you for this righteous leader, DeSantis, who is bold and courageous, and does not bow down to the influence or the culture of the day. Thank you that he has chosen to stand up for righteousness and justice, and is protecting families and children. Bless this man, Lord God, and elevate him in other leadership positions in Jesus name amen.
- “To do righteousness and justice
Is desired by the Lord more than sacrifice.”
(Proverbs 21:3)
> > > Editor's comment: we are aghast to see what our children are now being exposed to by these adults with depraved minds. We do thank our God for this action taken by Gov. DeSantis, and ask that many other governors in our land would follow suit. AMEN!
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5. New Hampshire governor: ‘More can and should be done’ to address ‘alarming rise’ in northern border crossings - Fox News
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu requested that the Department of Homeland Security allow state officials to assist in securing the northern border this week, writing to Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas that local authorities have been hamstrung by the federal government’s refusal to accept help.
Sununu’s letter comes amid a spike in illegal crossings along the northern border, including New Hampshire’s 51-mile border with Canada.
Customs and Border Protection reported 13,127 migrant encounters at the entire northern border in January, nearly double the amount of encounters in January 2022, and 13 times as many as in January 2021.
The Swanton sector, which encompasses parts of New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, saw 367 migrant encounters in January, eclipsing the 24 migrants who were encountered in January 2022. (Read more)
- Lord God we often forget about the northern border and the issues they are facing as well. We just ask for an intervention with our border issues. We lay this issue at your feet. We are desperate for your knowledge and wisdom Father God, on how to deal with this situation in Jesus name.
- "For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6)
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6. Wall ripped from Back River Waste Water Treatment Plant after explosion - WBAL News
An explosion ripped a wall from the Back River Waste Water Treatment Plant and ignited a two-alarm fire, SkyTeam 11 reported.
Firefighters were called shortly before 11:30 a.m. Wednesday to the 8200 block of Eastern Avenue in eastern Baltimore County.
SkyTeam 11 reported the wall of the east side of the building was blown off. Seven workers who were inside the building have been accounted for and were evacuated, SkyTeam 11 reported. No injuries were reported.
Baltimore County Fire Department spokeswoman Elise Armacost said around 2 p.m. that crews first entered a building that was being used by a city contractor, Synagro, which converts waste to an agricultural pellet. Armacost said crews dealt with multiple fires, which damaged the structure to the extent that a commander evacuated all crews for safety. How the fire started remained under investigation. (Read more)
- Lord God, we plead the blood of Jesus over this water, waste management facility, that no harm or evil can come near it. We thank Your Lord that there were no injuries and that everybody was kept safe in Jesus name, amen.
- “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
For his mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)
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7. Xi Jinping: China Will Be ‘Active’ in Reforming ‘Global Governance’ - Brietbart
Xi Jinping vowed in a speech at the conclusion of China’s annual legislative sessions on Monday that the Communist Party would seek a more prominent role on the world stage pursuing the “reform and construction of the global governance system.”
Xi was speaking at the conclusion of the “two sessions” of the NPC and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), which meet annually to draft new laws for the country. The Communist Party completely dominates both bodies and blocks any diversity of opinion; the Party typically prepares a slate or policy topics to address prior to the meeting.
Xi used his concluding speech to the NPC on Monday to celebrate China’s expanding global influence and promise that he would dedicate his efforts in the next year to reshaping the world to look more like China. Xi did not spend significant time on the problems facing Chinese people at home, according to reports in both Chinese state propaganda and international media, such as the collapse of the nation’s birthrate, its stalling economy, crippling shortages of basic medicines, and international corporations moving business to neighboring countries such as Vietnam and India. (Read more)
- Lord God, we know through your Word that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the principalities and powers of the air. So right now we just bind the antichrist spirit trying to move and work in the governments of the world that he cannot have his way, and his plans will not come to fruition, in Jesus name.
- “Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour.” (1 John 2:18)
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8. Louisiana Tent Revival Enters Its 19th Week: 'It's Only Gaining Momentum' - Christian Headlines
According to CBN News, Old Zion Baptist Church, located northwest of Hammond on Highway 442, began the service on October 16. At the time, evangelist David R. Harrison of Voice of Hope Ministries set up a large tent with seats for up to 2,500 people.
On the first night of the revival, 125 people were in attendance, and 34 people professed faith in the Lord. Since then, there have been over 1,300 professions of faith made.
Brian Lester, Harrison's assistant, told CBN News that the services are continuing to grow. “It's only gaining momentum," he told the outlet in an email.
Lester noted that the recent revival at Asbury University, a Christian school in Wilmore, Kentucky, has prompted people to want to experience revival locally. (Read more)
- Thank you Lord for answered prayer for revival to break forth in our young people and in the nation. We pray that the fundamental components of this revival are humility, confession, and true repentance before You, a Holy God. Allow these roots to go deep in our country, In Jesus name amen!
- “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.” (Isaiah 57:15)
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Stupidocrisy: Biden And Sin
The Daily Jot, Bill Wilson, March 15, 2023
Isaiah 5:20 says, “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 Joe. Joe Biden thinks it’s sin to prevent minor children from changing their sex. In response to a question from Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle star, Kal Penn, about what the federal government can do for LGBTQ+ children, especially transgender kids facing regressive state laws, Biden said, “transgender kids is a really harder thing. What’s going on in Florida, is as my mother would say, is close to sinful.” Biden made the remarks during an appearance on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, which underscores the absurdity of the entire situation.
While liberals and the LGBTQ+ community couch the sexual mutilation of minors as “gender-affirming care” and “gender dysphoria, Florida passed regulations to revoke the licenses of doctors who prescribe puberty blockers, hormone therapy or surgeries to treat “gender dysphoria” in patients younger than 18. In addition, Florida has banned teaching on sexual orientation and gender identity for children through the third grade. Florida also stripped Disney of its authority to self-govern in Orlando for its promotion of the LGBTQ+ agenda to children and its opposition to the law teaching LGBTQ+ issues in schools. Florida is leading the way to prevent this sexual abuse of minors by the LGBTQ+ community. Something Biden says is “cruel” and “close to sinful.” Read More
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Should You Be Worried About Your Money in the Bank? Experts Sound Off
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Some financial experts weighed in on whether Americans should feel worried about the safety of their money amid several bank collapses in recent days as some consumers expressed concerns about their deposits, their bank, and the American banking system.
While President Joe Biden said Monday that “Americans can have confidence that the banking system is safe. Your deposits will be there when you need them,” that hasn’t stopped people from speculating on social media and elsewhere. At the same time, the Federal Reserve, U.S. Treasury Department, and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have said they moved quickly to stop contagion after Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank collapsed in a bid to ease possible “bank runs.”
Bank Runs?
Banks, which are for-profit entities, unlike credit unions, take customers’ deposits and invest that money elsewhere—meaning, if every single customer at a certain bank wished to withdraw all their money at the same time, it’s likely the bank wouldn’t have enough cash on hand to do so.
“When everyone wants to withdraw money at the same time, the bank doesn’t have the reserve to do that and they go belly up, essentially,” Tomas Philipson, a professor of public policy studies at the University of Chicago and former White House economic adviser, told CBNC.
Philipson noted that in the past, people had to physically go to the bank and take out their cash, but now, it’s done electronically—meaning that it happens at a higher rate. (Epoch Times) Read more here.
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- Lord God, we thank You that, as we lay this matter before Your Throne of Grace on behalf of our own households, You will grant Your wisdom to us each step of the way. We fear not, knowing that, as we are each faithful in our tithe, You will surely either show us Your will in managing our budgets, or You will lead us to others who
can help us do so. We fear not, but we "rest in that boat" with you. In Your Name, amen and amen.
- "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)
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Pentagon’s $842 Billion Budget Focuses on China Threat
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President Joe Biden’s $886.3 billion Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) defense budget request includes $842 billion for the Pentagon, a $26 billion, or 3.2 percent, increase over this year’s military spending plan with the “growing multi-domain threat posed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC)” again named the nation’s most pressing “pacing challenge.”
Both Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III used the same phrase in describing the proposed military budget’s emphasis on China, each calling it “the most strategy aligned military budget” in the nation’s history.
“Nowhere is that alignment more pronounced than in the seriousness with which this budget treats strategic competition with the People’s Republic of China,” Hicks told reporters in Washington on March 13. “Our greatest measure of success—and the one we use around here most often—is to make sure the [Chinese] leadership wakes up every day, considers the risks of aggression and concludes, ‘Today is not the day.’”
“As our national defense strategy makes clear, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is our pacing challenge,” Austin said in a March 13 statement. “As the PRC races to modernize its military, this budget will sharpen our edge by making critical investments across all timeframes, theaters, and domains. Among numerous important actions that bolster our combat credibility in the short term, this budget makes the department’s largest-ever investments in readiness and procurement–and our largest investment in research and development.”
China’s extensive military modernization over the last decade and increasingly aggressive posture in the South China Sea, where it is building bases on man-made islands straddling sea and air trade routes, and in menacing Taiwan, are reflected in how the Pentagon wants to spend money in the coming years. (Epoch Times) Read more.
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- Thank You, O Lord, that our government clearly recognizes the threat now posed by China. If there is a way to even increase this part of our national budget, we ask that You
would reveal that way to those in authority. Amen.
- "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
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CHAOS in Israel — Thanks to Biden
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As I write, Israel is engulfed in social turmoil — which is why I am asking you to pray and to act on behalf of God's chosen people.
Just a few weeks ago, Israel's president made a nationally televised speech warning that "Israel is on the verge of a constitutional and social collapse." The Jewish nation, he said, stands at the precipice of "civil violence."
And you probably won't be surprised to learn that Joe Biden is throwing gasoline on the flames. Here's what's happening ...
Israel's duly elected government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is poised to make good on a key campaign promise — ending three decades of judicial tyranny by Israel's activist Supreme Court.
It's high time. American legal scholar Robert Bork warned two decades ago that Israel's high court is "the greatest threat to Israeli democracy."
Having won the Israeli election in November, Netanyahu's government is setting out to enact long-overdue democratic safeguards limiting the Jewish state's runaway and power-drunk judiciary.
And that has ignited fury on the Israeli left, which can't win at the polls but now rules through the courts.
Thousands of incensed Israelis have staged weekly demonstrations opposing the Netanyahu-led government's commonsense judicial reform proposals. A noisy crowd blared horns and burned tires outside Prime Minister Netanyahu's official Jerusalem residence, protesting the "Crime Minister’s" plan to rein in Israel's activist judiciary.
Some on the Israeli left are spouting unhinged and incendiary remarks . . .
And Joe Biden? Well, this won't surprise you ...
Biden intervened publicly with Netanyahu's enemies on the Israeli left. This is a purely internal Israeli matter, but that didn't stop Biden from giving his "thumbs down" on Netanyahu's judicial reform plan — and doing so the day before the first Knesset vote on judicial reform.
Biden told New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman Israel needed "consensus" for "fundamental changes” — as if November's national election (the fifth in four years) was not enough.
Friedman took Biden's words as a clear “cease and desist” order to Netanyahu. And should Bibi keep "plowing ahead," the writer said, " ... he will be snubbing the American president ... that's no small deal."
Biden said nothing to quell the domestic uproar in Israel. If anything, he emboldened the Israeli left. The day after his comments appeared in the New York Times, bedlam reigned at the Knesset.
Mat Staver
Chairman
Christians in Defense of Israel
> > > Please note: this article is an excerpt of the original. Please go here to read all the details shown here, and to sign your own petition to protest Biden's actions toward Israel at this time. Thank you.
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And Now . . . Lion of Judah: ROAR!!!
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"The Lord shall go forth like a mighty man;
He shall stir up His zeal like a man of war.
He shall cry out, yes, shout aloud;
He shall prevail against His enemies."
(Isaiah 42:13)
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Water disasters on both ends of the spectrum, dry and wet,
are getting more intense as planet warms, study finds
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The research comes as California is slammed with yet another atmospheric river this season, dumping torrential rainfall and crushing snow to a region that has spent the past several years mired in drought.
(CNN) -- From lengthy droughts to severe flooding, the intensity of water-related disasters around the world has increased over the last two decades as global temperatures climbed to record levels, according to new research.
The study from NASA scientists published Monday in the journal Nature Water found that increasingly frequent, widespread and intense droughts and floods were linked more strongly to higher global temperatures than to naturally changing weather patterns, like El Niño and La Niña. This suggests these intense events will increase as the climate crisis accelerates, the study says.
The study comes as California is slammed with its 11th atmospheric river so far this season -- storms that have brought torrential rainfall and crushing snow to a region that for the past several years has been mired in extreme drought. These storms have caused significant flooding, mudslides, collapsed bridges and unusable roads.
While scientists have been predicting climate change will increase the frequency of droughts and floods, it has been tricky to measure. Read More
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'Jesus Revolution' Star Describes Powerful Moment
When Filmmaking Turned Into Real Life Ministry
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Life imitates art — and sometimes, at the same time. Jonathan Roumie, who plays hippie evangelist Lonnie Frisbee in the newly released film “Jesus Revolution,” recently described the baptism scene in the biopic about the revival that swept Southern California in the 1970s as “one of the most significant scenes” he’s “ever filmed.” The pivotal sequence comes when Roumie, portraying Frisbee, and Kelsey Grammer, playing Calvary Chapel founder Chuck Smith, lead a massive baptism service at Pirate’s Cove in Newport Beach
Roumie and Grammer were recreating a real-life mass baptism for “Jesus Revolution,” which debuted Feb. 24 and has surpassed $30 million in box-office sales, according to Collider. The movie, from filmmaker Jon Erwin (“I Can Only Imagine,” “I Still Believe,” “Jesus Music”), was originally forecasted to earn between $5 and $7 million. As the actors and extras were filming the spiritually significant scene, onlookers, actors, and crew members sought baptism — for real. “You see, as we were baptizing souls on film, people were hungry to kindle an authentic relationship with Jesus by being baptized in real life,” Roumie wrote in a social media post. “Some of these happened WHILE we rolled cameras, others happened just off camera.”
Roumie, best known for portraying Jesus in the hit Bible series “The Chosen,” went on to describe the scene as “an extraordinary thing to witness” that “felt like an anointing that was different to what I’ve experienced working on [The Chosen], but no less powerful. Based on the unbelievable response from moviegoers, people are giving their hearts to the One who put them there to begin with,” he added. “And all I can utter… is ‘Glory.'” (CBN) Read More>
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- Father we celebrate that actors, crew members and even bystanders were touched by the presence of Your Holy Spirit during the filming of "Jesus Revolution"! We pray that each baptized believer would touch those around them through their transformed hearts. We declare that the sharing of each baptism and even miraculous theater experiences will bring many to seek You as Lord and Savior! In the mighty name of Jesus-Amen.
- "In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10)
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Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
To listen to this classic hymn, CLICK HERE
Words and Music: Helen Lemmel
Scripture: Let us fix our eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 12:2
Lyrics:
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
Refrain
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of the world will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!
Refrain
His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!
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"Daily Brief Newsletter Emails - Making Sure You Receive Them"
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