Learning to Listen to God's Word and it's Truth!

Job 34:16-30

New Living Translation (NLT)

 ¹⁶ “Now listen to me if you are wise.
      Pay attention to what I say.
 ¹⁷ Could God govern if he hated justice?
      Are you going to condemn the almighty judge?
 ¹⁸ For he says to kings, ‘You are wicked,’
      and to nobles, ‘You are unjust.’
 ¹⁹ He doesn’t care how great a person may be,
      and he pays no more attention to the rich than to the poor.
      He made them all.
 ²⁰ In a moment they die.
      In the middle of the night they pass away;
      the mighty are removed without human hand.
 ²¹ “For God watches how people live;
      he sees everything they do.
 ²² No darkness is thick enough
      to hide the wicked from his eyes.
 ²³ We don’t set the time
      when we will come before God in judgment.
 ²⁴ He brings the mighty to ruin without asking anyone,
      and he sets up others in their place.
 ²⁵ He knows what they do,
      and in the night he overturns and destroys them.
 ²⁶ He strikes them down because they are wicked,
      doing it openly for all to see.
 ²⁷ For they turned away from following him.
      They have no respect for any of his ways.
 ²⁸ They cause the poor to cry out, catching God’s attention.
      He hears the cries of the needy.
 ²⁹ But if he chooses to remain quiet,
      who can criticize him?
   When he hides his face, no one can find him,
      whether an individual or a nation.
 ³⁰ He prevents the godless from ruling
      so they cannot be a snare to the people.

CCNews Portal and "Please Pray the News and Act Responsibly."

President Barak Hussein Obama NOT on Georgia Ballot?

Georgia News

NaturalBornNews—Eligibility Alert!

Looks like the 1/26/12 hearings were a rout for the Obama team, which boycotted the hearings. Judge wanted to issue summary judgment against him. All three plaintiffs’ counsel wanted a public forum to present the damning evidence against the Marxist gusto, which they then proceeded to do with marvelous gusto and a vengeance. Three years of being lied to, mocked, scorned, sanctioned, blocked at every turn ignored or ostracized can do that to you. 

There are more details to be dealt with before probable unfavorable ruling for Obama. Don’t know if it can be appealed. Once ruling is final, it would be submitted as a recommendation to the Secretary of State for ballot action.  There could also be criminal indictments by the AG. Things are getting interesting.   Source

No Obama in court, no ‘birther' ruling

CCNews Portal asks,  "Please Pray the News and Act Responsibly."

President Barak Hussein Obama Rules Lawlessly Using "Executive Orders"

COMBATTING OBAMA'S LAWLESSNESS

After illegally putting unconfirmed appointees into office when there was no recess by the United States Senate and ignoring the United States Constitution, Barack Obama is continuing to govern by executive order when he cannot get his way in the United States Congress.

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives is finally beginning to fight back. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, Republican from Kansas has introduced a concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that any Executive Order that would require federal spending has no binding effect until it is enacted into law through the legislative process. This resolution would therefore clarify congressional authority, as detailed in the Constitution. Before she introduces it, Representative Jenkins is seeking more co-sponsors for her bill... (Christian Coalition of America) Read more.

- Thank You, Lord, for moving upon the heart of Congresswoman Jenkins to introduce this bill. We ask that it find favor with the majority of the members of Congress, for swift passage in that chamber. In Your Name, amen.

- "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)

  WARNING: YOUR FREEDOM OF SPEECH UNDER ATTACK

We have become aware of United Nations Resolution 16/18 that if implemented, can have a direct impact on our right to freedom of speech in the United States. Please be sure to watch this brief video by Best Current News that gives the background of this resolution.

As a concerned citizen we suggest you share this video and information with those on your email address list, including ministry contacts, friends, and all who need informed. (AGLOW)

Note: Full details on this alert can be found in a separate article in this edition of the OCAP.

  OBAMA'S MISSTATEMENTS ON THE STATE OF THE UNION

Only a president long shielded from criticism and accountability could make the kind of State of the Union speech President Barack Obama did Tuesday night.

It's hard to know where to begin, given his repetition of tired ideas from his previous SOTUs, his taking credit for successful policies he resisted and omitting failed ones he promoted, his numerous misrepresentations on issues big and small, and his glaring refusal to address the main issues that threaten the nation. (Newsmax) Read more.

WHAT A CONTRAST -While President Obama and his campaign is championing class warfare and central planning, one presidential candidate is telling Americans that rights come from God and not from government. During the most recent presidential debate in Florida, former Senator Rick Santorum received thunderous applause when he reminded the audience that our rights come from God but in Obama's view our rights come from government which means they can be taken away by government. (Religious Freedom Coalition) To view Senator Santorum's message, go here.

Many Turned Off by State of the Union Address

U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn was not the only federal official to skip President Barack Obama's annual State of the Union address Tuesday.

In addition, as cameras scanned the audience assembled in the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives, it was hard to miss the fact that only five of the nine U.S. Supreme Court justices were present, while four more were conspicuously absent: conservative Justices Samuel Alito, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas. (Justice Sonia Sotomayor - one of Obama's appointees - was likely on her way to Guam.) (CitizenLink)

- Gracious God, we praise You that our country was founded by Godly men who knew You and knew that You and You alone are the giver of true freedom. We give honor to You for such a foundation and we affirm that covenant with You made by our country's founders. We thank You for a candidate who will bring attention to this during the debates. We pray for a stirring up in America to return to the God of our Fathers.

- "As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation." (Proverbs 10:25)

   

HOMESCHOOLERS CLASH WITH OBAMA'S SCHOOL ATTENDANCE PROPOSAL

In the State of the Union address President Obama called on all states to raise their school compulsory attendance age to 18, unnecessarily adding to bureaucratic requirements for homeschoolers.

Homeschool advocates (believe that) parents - not the federal government and certainly not the president - are the ones who should decide how children are educated and when they're ready to graduate from high school. But President Obama presumptively spoke on behalf of parents and the states: "So tonight, I am proposing that every state - every state - requires that all students stay in high school until they graduate or turn 18."

Ultimately, a formulaic and compulsory approach to education fails to instill in children a love of learning or a quality education. HSLDA President J. Michael Smith confirmed, "HSLDA has consistently protected homeschool families from the harmful effects of compulsory attendance education in their states, reinforcing the parental right to choose the method and duration of education most fitting to the individual needs and gifts of their children." (Oregon Faith Report; Home School Legal Defense Association) Read more.

- Pray that this proposal never sees the light of day.

- "Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us." (Isaiah 8:10)

CCNews Portal asks:  "Please Pray the News and Act Responsibly."

Obama has pulled a "workaround" endrun

OBAMA SIGNS ACTA GLOBAL INTERNET CENSORSHIP TREATY

Months before the debate about Internet censorship raged as SOPA and PIPA dominated the concerns of web users, President Obama signed an international treaty that would allow companies in China or any other country in the world to demand ISPs remove web content in the US with no legal oversight whatsoever. The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement was signed by Obama on October 1 2011, yet is currently the subject of a White House petition demanding Senators be forced to ratify the treaty. The White House has circumvented the necessity to have the treaty confirmed by lawmakers by presenting it an as "executive agreement," although legal scholars have highlighted the dubious nature of this characterization..

Under the provisions of ACTA, copyright holders will be granted sweeping direct powers to demand ISPs remove material from the Internet on a whim. Whereas ISPs normally are only forced to remove content after a court order, all legal oversight will be abolished, a precedent that will apply globally, rendering the treaty worse in its potential scope for abuse than SOPA or PIPA. Read more.

What does it mean? Obama has pulled a "workaround" endrun. He could not get the political support for SOPA to pass through Congress. So, he went right over the heads and behind our backs of the American people and signed onto an internet censorship treaty at the international level. This treaty has brought thousands of protesters to the streets in Poland. This same ACTA international internet control/censorship treaty was signed by Obama this week. Yet, there seems to be no public outcry to this action in the US? (Hebrew Nation News)

To read an article from BBC News on the response in Poland, go here.

- Father God, our president continues to circumvent the constitution and reject it's laws. Do a swift job, Lord. We ask You to either change his heart, or to remove him from power. In Your Name, amen.

- "For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king." (1 Samuel 15:23)

CCNews Portal asks:  "Please Pray the News and Act Responsibly."

Freedom of Speech Could become Compromised.

We have become aware of United Nations Resolution 16/18 that if implemented, can have a direct impact on our right to freedom of speech in the United States. Please watch this brief video by Best Current News that gives the background of this resolution. (More details below.)

Warning: Your Freedom is Under Attack     ["Uploaded by Renae  Boyle on Jan 27, 2012.   The Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the United States State Department met in December of 2011 to discuss implementation of UN Resolution 16/18 which was passed by the UN in March of 2011. Although the language in this resolution no longer refers to the defamation of religions, there are still serious concerns that the non-binding resolution if implemented could stifle the freedom of speech in the United States." ]

As a concerned citizen we suggest you share this video and information with those on your email address list, including ministry contacts, friends, and all who need informed, says:
Diane Moder,  Islamic Awareness and Education Director,  AGLOW INTERNATIONAL IslamMandate@gmail.com

FURTHER INFORMATION:
This past December the U.S. State Department hosted a three-day, closed-door international conference to discuss implementation of Resolution 16/18 with members of the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) that if passed, will criminalize the criticism of Islam.  The OIC is the world's largest Islamic Organization with 56 member states and the Palestinian Authority, and is the second largest intergovernmental agency behind the United Nations. This is composed of Kings and Heads of State as the Supreme authority of the organization. These nations typically vote as a bloc within the U.N.

By discussing the implementation of Resolution 16/18, the U.S. State Department immediately gives validity to the OIC's position. The OIC has attempted for the past 12 years to pass resolutions that would criminalize the ‘defamation of religions’, specifically Islam. There appears to be nothing in this that mentions criticism of Christianity or Judaism. Under the resolution, even if what you say about Islam is true, if it incites Muslims to violence, you could be held criminally liable. Unlike traditional U.S. defamation laws, truth would not be considered a defense.

To read reports on this meeting click the following links for articles written by reputable sources:  The Investigative Project on Terrorism  and Hudson Institute.

The next meeting to discuss the implementation of this resolution will be held this spring in Europe. Many Europeans are already limited in what they can say because of ‘hate speech’ laws in their nations. The OIC nations already restrict speech so the resolution is meant to silence critics of Islam within western nations. Even if the U.S. does not implement the resolution, if it is by Europe, we could be faced with the possibility of it becoming international law.

There are many who are speaking about the ramifications of this resolution. One leader stated: “Christians need to be concerned regarding this measure because if implemented in the way the OIC desires, it would severely limit what Americans could say regarding Islam. This would include examining the beliefs of Islam, criticizing the prophet or any of the practices within Islam (including honor killings, forced marriages, etc.) or taken to its ultimate, yet logical conclusion proclaiming that ‘Jesus Christ is the Son of God’ since that would be considered blasphemy within Islam. Elected public officials need to be made aware of this resolution and the State Department's activities.”

The video lists the Chairmen of committees in our federal government who could hold public hearings.
To contact congressional members of the House of Representatives, go to:  https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
To contact your U.S. Senator, go to:  http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

As responsible American citizens it is very important that we let our concerns be known to our national and state representatives. Our freedom of speech must not be compromised!

CCNews Portal asks,  "Please Pray the News and Act Responsibly."

Florida highway pileup kills at least 10 people

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A long line of cars and trucks collided one after another early Sunday on a dark Florida highway so shrouded in haze and smoke that drivers were instantly blinded. At least 10 people were killed.

When rescuers first arrived, they could only listen for screams and moans because the poor visibility made it difficult to find victims in wreckage that was strewn for nearly a mile, police said.

Authorities were still trying to determine what caused the pileup south of Gainesville on Interstate 75, which had been closed for a time because of the mixture of fog and heavy smoke from a brush fire that may have been intentionally set. At least five cars and six tractor-trailers were involved, and some burst into flame.   Read more

CCNews Portal asks,  "Please Pray the News and Act Responsibly."

The Exchange of Drones for Soldiers

ABC News

Pentagon: Fewer Soldiers, More Drones Will Save Money

ABC News -

That buzz you hear above your head is the sound of the Pentagon cutting its budget. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta detailed today how the Obama administration plans to achieve $487 billion in cuts over the next decade, in part by reducing the number of ...

CCNews Portal asks,  "Please Pray the News and Act Responsibly."

Now you See me ... NOW you Doubt !

Sydney Morning Herald

We're One Step Closer to a True Invisibility Cloak

Escapist Magazine - ‎

Who doesn't love it when fantasy and science fiction tropes become a reality? Well, guess what, the invisibility cloak isn't just for Harry Potter and Star Trek anymore.

CCNews Portal asks,  "Please Pray the News and Act Responsibly." 

There is Trouble in Arizona !

USA TODAY

Brewer won't release letter she handed to Obama

By Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, The Arizona Republic PHOENIX - Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer will not release a copy of the letter she delivered to President Obama on Wednesday, her spokesman said, because it was a "personal, handwritten" correspondence and no ...

Related Jan Brewer » Tarmac » Scorpions »

Jan Brewer vs. Obama: Can you respect the presidency but insult the president?Christian Science Monitor

Obama: Jan Brewer tiff blown out of proportion  Politico


CCNews Portal asks,  "Please Pray the News and Act Responsibly." 

Great Sacramento - Headlines from Google

REPORT: Calif. Workers Lose Billions in Wages Due to I.T. Piracy

Sacramento Bee - 

By Protect California Jobs & Innovation SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 25, 2012 -- Orange County Business Council Study Finds California Lost $1.6 Billion in Economic Activity; Nearly 20000 Jobs and $700 Million in Tax Revenue in 2011 "I will not stand by ...

Sacto 911: Sacramento Gang Enforcement Team on a roll Tuesday

Sacramento Bee - ‎2 hours ago‎

By Bill Lindelof The Sacramento police Gang Enforcement Team was very busy Tuesday afternoon and into the night on the north side of the city, conducting stops and searches.

CBS Local

Occupy Movement's Next Move: Take Over County Government

CBS Local - ‎

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - They've occupied Cesar Chavez Park, they've set up shop in front of the old City Hall, and now the so-called 99 percent have a new spot in mind: county government.

See more headlines

CCNews Portal asks,  "Please Pray the News and Act Responsibly."

Thinking the Unthinkable with Iran

CBC.ca

Red Crescent official killed in Syria

CNN - ‎

By the CNN Wire Staff (CNN) -- A Red Crescent official and a priest were among the two dozen reported killed Wednesday in Syria, where a pro-government militia stormed neighborhoods in a city already notorious for an earlier revolt.

Our Options for Dealing With Iran

New York Times - ‎Jan 24, 2012‎

Thinking the unthinkable remains embedded in the planning of all nuclear-armed nations. For an Israel that grew out of the Holocaust and beat back adversaries seeking its destruction without the bomb, the unthinkable option becomes more plausible when ...   Read more

Globe and Mail

Iranian nuclear scientist assassinated

The Canberra Times - ‎Jan 11, 2012‎

Iran urged the United Nations Security Council and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to condemn the latest in a series of assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists, which it said were "cruel, inhumane and criminal acts of terrorism.

CCNews Portal asks,  "Please Pray the News and Act Responsibly."

Middle East Update

Syria rejects new Arab League plan to end violence - Fox News

Syria rejected Monday a new Arab League plan aiming to end the country's 10-month crisis by calling on the government and the opposition to form a national unity government within two months.

- Lord, we ask that leadership of Syria and the new Arab League become servants to you and fulfill the purposes You have for the people of Syria. We pray protection for innocent people and for those in Your kingdom. In Jesus name. Amen

- "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant." (Matthew 20:25-26)

 Britain, US and France send warships through Strait of Hormuz - UK Telegraph

Britain, America and France delivered a pointed signal to Iran, sending six warships led by a 100,000 ton aircraft carrier through the highly sensitive waters of the Strait of Hormuz.

- Lord, we thank You for the allies of the United States. We pray for a peaceful solution to the problems with Iran.

- "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)

 Senior al Qaeda figure killed in drone strike - Reuters

A militant who acted as a senior operations organizer for al Qaeda was targeted and killed in one of two U.S. drone strikes launched against targets inside Pakistan last week, a U.S. official said.

- Lord, we thank you for the exposure of terrorist leaders, and pray more of them will be revealed and dealt with. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen

- "Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You." (Psalm 139:12)

 Planes expected to reroute following massive solar eruption - Fox News

An immense blast of plasma spewed late Sunday night from the sun led to the strongest radiation storm bombarding our planet since 2005, and a rare warning from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency -- and even a plan to redirect certain high-flying airplanes.

NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center -- the nation's official source of warnings about space weather and its impact on Earth -- issued a watch for a geomagnetic storm expected to hit our planet Tuesday morning after a satellite witnessed an ultraviolet flash from the massive solar eruption, according to Spaceweather.com.

Read More:

- Lord, help us to discern the signs of the times and know what You would have us do. Bring revelation of the times to Your people, so that we may be prepared for the days ahead.

- "You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times." (Matthew 16:3)

CCNews Portal asks, "Please Pray the News and Act Responsibly."

5 Social Security Changes Coming in 2012

By Emily Brandon | U.S.News & World Report LP –

Social Security recipients will see bigger payments this year for the first time since 2009. But the future of Social Security taxes for workers remains uncertain. The 2011 payroll tax holiday has been extended only through the end of February and is scheduled to increase in March under current law. Here's a look at the Social Security changes workers and retirees will experience this year.
A boost in monthly payments. Social Security payments for more than 60 million Americans will increase 3.6 percent in 2012, the first increase since 2009. The typical retiree will see an increase of about $43 per month, although a portion of the increase may be deducted to pay for higher Medicare Part B premiums. Since 1975, Social Security payments have been automatically adjusted each year for inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. Cost-of-living adjustments have ranged from 14.3 percent in 1980 to zero in 2010 and 2011.

Higher Social Security tax cap. The maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security taxes has increased from $106,800 in 2011 to $110,100 in 2012. The Social Security Administration estimates that about 10 million high earners will pay higher taxes as a result of the increase in the taxable maximum.

[See 10 Things You Didn't Know About Social Security.]
Social Security tax holiday temporarily extended. The 2 percent payroll tax cut that workers received in 2011 was recently extended through the first two months of 2012 by the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011. Nearly 160 million workers will continue to have 4.2 percent of their pay deposited into the Social Security trust fund instead of the usual 6.2 percent until Feb. 29, 2012.

However, higher-income employees who earn more than $18,350 in January and February 2012 must pay a 2 percent Social Security tax on the amount they earn between $18,350 and $110,100. "This additional recapture tax is an add-on to income tax liability that the employee would otherwise pay for 2012 and is not subject to reduction by credits or deductions," according to a statement from the IRS. "The recapture tax would be payable in 2013 when the employee files his or her income tax return for the 2012 tax year." Under current law, Social Security taxes are scheduled to return to 6.2 percent of pay in March 2012.

Higher earnings limits. Early retirees who work and collect Social Security benefits at the same time can earn $480 more next year before a portion of their Social Security benefit will be temporally withheld. Social Security recipients below their full retirement age (66 for those born between 1943 and 1954) can earn up to $14,640 in 2012, above which 50 cents of each dollar earned will be withheld from their Social Security payments. For retirees who will turn 66 in 2012, the limit climbs to $38,880, after which 33 cents of each dollar earned will be deducted from monthly payments. Starting the month you turn your retirement age, there is no penalty for working and collecting Social Security benefits at the same time. At that time, your benefit will also be adjusted to reflect your continued work record and any benefits that were withheld.

Maximum possible benefit grows. The maximum possible Social Security check will grow to $2,513 per month in 2012, up from $2,366 in 2011. To get this amount, a worker would need to earn the maximum taxable amount ($110,100 in 2012) every year after age 21.
Twitter: @aiming2retire


More From US News & World Report

• 10 Places to Retire on Social Security Alone
• 11 Retirement Benefit Changes Coming in 2012
• How to Predict Your Social Security Payout

CCNews Portal asks:  "Please Pray the News and Act Responsibly.;"

US PLANS TO STAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

U.S. DECLARES IT WILL STAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

US Navy Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert told a Center for a New American Security forum on Wednesday that the US has no intention of leaving the Persian Gulf, despite an Iranian threat to close the Strait of Hormuz if another aircraft carrier attempts to enter it. Briefing reporters at the Pentagon, Press Secretary George Little said the United States has been very clear "that we seek to lower the temperature on tensions with Iran, and we think that things have calmed down a bit in recent days." He was joined by Navy Capt. John Kirby, who gave a background briefing which included assurances that the current deployment of naval assets to the region was nothing unusual. "I don't want to leave anybody with the impression that ... we're somehow 'zorching' two carriers over there because we're concerned about what happened ... today in Iran," he said. "It's just not the case. The US Navy has and will continue to remain a force in that region to help protect the free flow of commerce in international waters." (ICEJ News)

- Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You asking for discernment and wisdom of how we, Your remanent bride, are to pray over such an intense web of deceit, power plotting, and arrogance, swirling in an ever increasing whirlpool of nuclear threats, oil needs, and movement to major warfare in this region, the Middle East. We intensely repent for our nation's governmental leaders who push their views and destructive agendas in this whirlpool. Have mercy Lord, forgive us and our nation, and direct us, Lord, to where You want us to be, Amen and Amen!

- "To do evil is like sport to a fool, but a man of understanding has wisdom. The fear of the wicked will come upon him, and the desire of the righteous will be granted. When the whirlpool passes by, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation." (Proverbs 10:23 -25) 

CCNEWS PORTAL ASKS:  "PRAY THE NEWS AND ACT RESPONSIBLY." 

Tension: U.S. Navy focusing on Iran maneuvers and the Strait of Hormuz

Special to WorldTribune.com
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy has made the growing Iranian
military presence in the Gulf a top priority.
Officials said the U.S. Navy has been devising strategies to maintain
operations in the Gulf, including the Strait of Hormuz, amid Iranian
threats. They acknowledged that Iran was capable of blocking the strait for
a short period.    Read Source

IRAN RAGES OUR NUCLEAR SCIENTIST'S ASSASSINATION

IRANIAN OFFICIALS IN A RAGE OVER SCIENTIST'S ASSASSINATION

Iranian officials were in rare form on Wednesday, lashing out at Israel, the US, the UK and various other Western powers for the assassination earlier in the day of prominent nuclear scientist Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan. Iran's parliament erupted with cries of "Death to Israel" and "Death to America" after news of the attack was announced, and Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi angrily declared in a televised statement that "They [Israel and the US] should know that Iranian scientists are more determined than ever in striding towards Iran's progress." A laconic White House statement denied any involvement in the bombing attack which killed Roshan and the driver of his vehicle. Several other US government agencies issued similar statements. Meanwhile, IDF spokesperson Yoav Mordechai said on his Facebook page "I don't know who settled the score with the Iranian scientist, but I am definitely not shedding any tears."

Roshan was a deputy director at the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, as well as being a member of the Basij militia, an auxilery of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps which is responsible for foreign terrorist operations as well as quelling internal dissent. Reports in the Iranian media broadly hinted that his assasins received information which led to his death from the International Atomic Energy Agency, leading to speculation that the Islamic Republic's already uneasy relationship with the IAEA might be about to become toxic. For its part, the Iranian nuclear agency issued a defiant statement that "the futile actions by the criminal Israeli regime and America will not disrupt the path the Iranian people have chosen." (ICEJ News)

- Lord we bind the spirit of murder in this situation, and cover the angry exchanges with the Blood of Jesus. We declare Your Lordship over both Israel and Iran and pray for truth to be revealed against Your enemies.

- "So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified." (Esther 7:10) 

CCNews Portal asks:  "Please Pray the News and Act Responsibly."  - pray for this young man's family and children.

Impact of Supreme Court Ruling on Prayer

Supreme Court's denial of legislative prayer case results in uncertainty
and altered prayer policies

Last week, the Supreme Court declined to review a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Forsyth County v. Joyner, which held that a North Carolina county commission's practice of opening meetings with prayer was unconstitutional. The Fourth Circuit reasoned that although the prayer policy was neutral on its face, it violated the Establishment Clause because it resulted in prayers that too often mentioned "Jesus." The Supreme Court's decision this week allows the Fourth Circuit's decision to stand, meaning the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners can open meetings in prayer only if it monitors the content of the prayers to ensure that they are not "too sectarian." However, "several commissioners said prayer may not be brought back since a specific deity can no longer be mentioned."

In response to the Supreme Court's decision, reports indicate that the ACLU plans to contact between twenty-five and thirty other local government bodies across North Carolina to direct them to alter their prayer policies. One city council has already modified its policy, completely removing prayer and replacing it with a moment of silence. The city attorney "said the ACLU had sent them an email shortly after the [Supreme Court's ruling], saying they would potentially consider legal action on behalf of local citizens to end sectarian prayer." Other public deliberative bodies are also concerned about the legality of their prayer policies. According to an attorney for the Alliance Defense Fund-the religious liberty law firm that defended Forsyth County-the Supreme Court's decision to refrain from clarifying the law on this issue "means that, for the time being, the standard for prayer policies in the 4th Circuit will be different from the standard held by the rest of the country."
 
In November 2011, Members of the Prayer Caucus joined the Family Research Council in submitting an amicus curiae brief asking the Supreme Court to take up the case and reverse the Fourth Circuit's decision. Members of the Prayer Caucus will continue working to preserve the freedom of deliberative bodies across the nation to engage in the important tradition of opening sessions with prayer. (Congressional Prayer Caucus) Read more.

CCNews Portal asks:  "Please Pray the News and Act Responsibly." 

TODAY'S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, Move in the heart of our President, and government leaders. Lead them to the Cross of Christ and grant them by Your grace the gift of faith to believe and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their own personal LORD and SAVIOR.. Continue to protect those who serve our country. May the light of those who are Yours shine brightly in the darkness of those who are lost. 

DO WE NEED THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION?

January 2012

Charles Murray
American Enterprise Institute

Do We Need the Department of Education?

Charles Murray is the W.H. Brady Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. He received his B.A. in history at Harvard University and his Ph.D. in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has written for numerous newspapers and journals, including the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the Weekly Standard, Commentary, and National Review. His books include Losing Ground: American Social Policy 1950-1980, What It Means to Be a Libertarian, and Real Education: Four Simple Truths for Bringing America’s Schools Back to Reality. His new book, Coming Apart: The State of White America, 1960-2010, will be published at the end of January.
The following is adapted from a speech delivered in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 28, 2011, at a conference on “Markets, Government, and the Common Good,” sponsored by Hillsdale College’s Center for the Study of Monetary Systems and Free Enterprise.

THE CASE FOR the Department of Education could rest on one or more of three legs: its constitutional appropriateness, the existence of serious problems in education that could be solved only at the federal level, and/or its track record since it came into being. Let us consider these in order.
(1) Is the Department of Education constitutional?

At the time the Constitution was written, education was not even considered a function of local government, let alone the federal government. But the shakiness of the Department of Education’s constitutionality goes beyond that. Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution enumerates the things over which Congress has the power to legislate. Not only does the list not include education, there is no plausible rationale for squeezing education in under the commerce clause. I’m sure the Supreme Court found a rationale, but it cannot have been plausible.   Read more