Hurray For Our New Governor!!

From The Patriot Post email newsletter this morning:

A Blow to Illinois Unions Is a Win for Jobs While it's debatable whether anything politically good can come out of Chicago, something good came out of the Illinois state capital of Springfield this week. In a blow to the state's bloated government unions, newly elected Republican Governor Bruce Rauner signed an executive order Monday allowing state workers to opt out of paying union dues. At issue is Illinois' lack of a "right to work" law, meaning workers can be required to pay either union dues or fees as a condition of employment. As a result, most government employees in Illinois have to dish out part of their paycheck to a union as a condition of getting that paycheck. And even those who refuse to join a union are required to pay "fair share" dues. After all, they "benefit" from union contracts. Citing First Amendment protections of freedom of speech and association, however, Rauner took issue with this practice, saying compulsory payments to unions require some workers to "subsidize and enable union activities that they do not support," and he ordered the state "to immediately cease enforcement of the Fair Share Contract Provisions." Naturally, unions aren't taking this well. According to the state's largest public union, "The governor's proposal to bar public employees from participating in our democracy would further tilt a playing field weighted heavily in favor of big business and the wealthy." Of course, participatory democracy has nothing to do with this. Instead, unions are downright petrified they're going to lose their money. Public unions play leading roles in the Prairie State's corruption drama. While collecting forced dues from government workers, unions use the dough to lobby the government for more pay and benefits in a relationship Investor's Business Daily aptly terms "incestuous." In fact, The Heritage Foundation's James Sherk notes, "State employees in Illinois make 26 percent more than comparable private sector workers. They enjoy particularly generous retirement benefits." Meanwhile, the state's pension system is the most underfunded in the country, and taxpayers are squeezed, dishing out the second-highest property taxes in the nation in a failed attempt to fund it all. But it gets even better. To grease the skids, public unions donate heavily to lawmakers' re-election campaigns, meaning legislators have little impetus to fight union demands. The Illinois Policy Institute reports that between 2002 and 2014, a whopping 86% of state legislators received campaign contributions from government unions, including more than $1 million that went to the state speaker of the house -- who also happens to be chairman of the Democrat Party of Illinois. Of course, this dance doesn't benefit Illinois residents, who bear the financial brunt of paying for the ongoing rendezvous. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state's economic situation is downright abysmal. While nationwide employment growth from 2003 to 2014 was 7.3%, in Illinois, it was 0.2%. And the state ranks consistently low in business climate, too. Still, unions aren't going to take this blow lying down. But proving he's no dummy, Rauner coupled his executive order with a preemptive lawsuit asking a federal district court to uphold the order. There is precedent, too. In the 2014 Supreme Court case of Harris vs. Quinn, the Court raised the question of whether forced payment of union dues is constitutional. At the very least, however, Illinois' public unions are now on the defensive and scrambling to keep the money and power that are their raison d'être. If Rauner's actions are any indication, though, unions are fighting a losing battle.

An Interesting Parable

Davaun T Kurcz

In a mother’s womb were two babies. One asked the other: “Do you believe in life after delivery?” The other replied, “Why, of course. There has to be something after delivery. Maybe we are here to prepare ourselves for what we will be later.”

“Nonsense” said the first. “There is no life after delivery. What kind of life would that be?”

The second said, “I don’t know, but there will be more light than here. Maybe we will walk with our legs and eat from our mouths. Maybe we will have other senses that we can’t understand now.”

The first replied, “That is absurd. Walking is impossible. And eating with our mouths? Ridiculous! The umbilical cord supplies nutrition and everything we need. But the umbilical cord is so short. Life after delivery is to be logically excluded.”

The second insisted, “Well I think there is something and maybe it’s different than it is here. Maybe we won’t need this physical cord anymore.”

The first replied, “Nonsense. And moreover if there is life, then why has no one has ever come back from there? Delivery is the end of life, and in the after-delivery there is nothing but darkness and silence and oblivion. It takes us nowhere.”

“Well, I don’t know,” said the second, “but certainly we will meet Mother and she will take care of us.”
The first replied “Mother? You actually believe in Mother? That’s laughable. If Mother exists then where is She now?”

The second said, “She is all around us. We are surrounded by her. We are of Her. It is in Her that we live. Without Her this world would not and could not exist.”

Said the first: “Well I don’t see Her, so it is only logical that She doesn’t exist.”

To which the second replied, “Sometimes, when you’re in silence and you focus and you really listen, you can perceive Her presence, and you can hear Her loving voice, calling down from above.” 

- Útmutató a Léleknek

Ponderings On A Pizza Purchase

    Yesterday I read a meditation in Bill Johnson's devotional, "A Life of Miracles: 180-Day Guide to Prayer and Miracles" which I have been pondering ever since.  He was talking about Hebrews 11:1 which tells us faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
      This is my interpretation of what I thought he was saying--or at least the thoughts it stimulated.

     He used the example of ordering a pizza to illustrate the point, saying when he ordered a pizza he paid for it and received a number and a receipt for the amount he paid for the pizza.  If someone tried to dispute that he was going to get a pizza, he could show them the number.  If they were not convinced by the number, he could show them the receipt which proved it had been paid for.  He said the number he was given was the evidence that he would be getting a pizza when that number was called because the pizza had been paid for.  In that way, he said, faith is the evidence of things not yet received.
      I have been thinking about how this applies.  Jesus paid the price already for everything we need, including health.  When we believe this fact, and place our trust in it we have faith (evidence) it will happen.  I am trying to wrap my mind around this.  How do we put it into practice?
      I was thinking about a coupon I received last week for $10 off a $10, or more, purchase.  That coupon was paid for by the company who sent it, and the evidence they had paid for it was the coupon.  But I had to redeem the coupon.  It didn't make a bit of difference that it had been paid for and I had the evidence if I didn't take it to the store to use it.  So, too, with the pizza analogy.  There was a waiting period till others made the pizza and baked it, but then Bill had to pick it up.  If he hadn't, no amount of talk about ordering it would make any difference in actually having the pizza.
     The question I have been pondering is how do we 'pick up' the things Jesus has already paid for?  Does it come down to the question, "Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?"  Did Jesus really pay for all those things on the cross?  If we say we believe this, why do we not have faith that those things are ours?
      Another thought pertaining to the pizza analogy--when we order a pizza our number is not always the first one called but we continue to wait till it is, so why do we give up when we pray for healing if it doesn't happen immediately?  Could it be that it hasn't had time to 'bake' long enough yet?

     What do you think?  Any insights on this?  I would love to think it through and discuss it with some of you.

Your Body's Many Cries For Water

      As I said I was going to do in a previous post, I ordered Dr. Batmanghelidj's book Your Body's Many Cries For Water and finished reading it today.  I 'm assuming none of you tried drinking 6-8 glasses of water, or more, every day since reading the previous post since I haven't had any comments on the earlier post.  But I am convinced through testimonies (actual printed letters in the book and on his website from people who had been helped by only drinking water) and my own experience, there is validity to the premise that many ailments today are caused by water deprivation.
     In light of all I've learned, I thought it only right to "sound the alarm" again.  What a simple solution to many of the aches and pains we have today!
     Dr. Batmanghelidj says dyspeptic pain is the most important signal that the human body is dehydrated.  He says he has treated over 3000 people with dyspeptic pain--all of whom "responded to an increase in their water intake, and their clinical problems associated with the pain disappeared."  He recommends 2 glasses of water immediately when the pain begins.  If it is especially severe, drink another glass 15 minutes later.  How much better than popping antacids!
      Other prime indicators of dehydration, in addition to dyspepsia/heartburn, are rheumatoid pain, back pain, angina pain, headaches and leg pain on walking.  If you have any of these problems I would highly recommend drinking more water until you are consuming at least 2 quarts per day.  The Dr. also suggests adding up to 1/2 t. sea salt to the water, especially if you are experiencing muscle cramps, because contrary to much of what medicine has told us, our body needs salt.
     Here is the link to his website again: http://www.watercure.com in case you're interested.
     And here is a link to the book on Abebooks.com if you're interested in ordering a used copy.  The doctor also had a convincing hypothesis on AIDS which I had never heard but seemed to have validity.
     If you are in pain or sick in any way, why not try it?  What have you got to lose?
   

7 Tips to Improving Memory

    Are you like me and often have difficulty remembering things?  I found these 7 tips to improving your memory in an article by Dr. Mercola entitled, "How Your Brain Stores Trivial Memories, Just in Case".  A couple of the ideas seem particularly helpful to me so I'm going to try them next time I need to remember something trivial.  
     You can read the entire article here.  

7 Quick Tricks to Improve Your Memory

There may be times when you’re looking for a quick way to remember a piece of information or a new skill. The tips that follow, from Forbes,14 are well worth trying to boost your ability to recall information accurately and quickly.

1. Convert the Information into a Picture

Data can be abstract, so forming a picture helps your brain consolidate it. For example, if you park in row D3 of a parking garage, imagine 3 dolphins swimming.

2. Imagine a “Memory Palace”

A memory palace is a place in your mind where you assign pieces of information. Your palace may even have different rooms that you imagine yourself walking through when you need to recall something.

3. Create a Story

Your brain has an easier time remembering stories than fragments of data, so try to connect information and put it into a story whenever possible.

4. Do Something Out of the Ordinary

If you have trouble remembering where you put your keys, jump in the air or shout “yeehaw” next time you put them down. When you remember doing this wacky behavior, you’ll probably also remember where you put your keys.

5. Connect Your Senses

If you’re trying to remember a name, involve multiple senses, such as visualization. For an “Edward” with large eyebrows, you might associate the “E” in Edward with the “E” in eyebrows.

6. Make a Point to Remember

Rather than just letting the data go in one ear and out the other, make an effort to commit to memory. You might repeat it out loud. Ask for the data to be repeated or use it in conversation to help you remember.

7. Take Your Time to Memorize Large Amounts

If you’re giving a presentation that requires tapping your memory for a large amount of data, review the data gradually over time instead of cramming for it. Gradual memorization will help the data to be stored in your cortex, which is a more protected, longer-term area of your brain.

Facebook Page

     One of our committee members has created a Facebook page for the Linn Park Amphitheater with a link to our website martinsvillelinnparkamphitheater.com.  We would appreciate it if you would "like" our page.  We are looking for all kinds of ways to get the word out about Heritage Days and the other programs we have scheduled at the Amphitheater.
      I am especially excited about Aaron Wilburn coming on Sun. night June 14, 2015.  I think he is hilarious!  It is not often I get to participate in a night of comedy that will be good clean fun!  (See the YouTube video I posted below.)

Aaron Wilburn--Southern Pounderings

If you are going to a church for life support…you are missing the Kingdom call

Kris Vallotton KVMinistries.com

Some churches are hospitals, where people get addicted to life support systems and never learn how to eat or breath on their own. 

But following Jesus was never supposed to be a spectator sport where we come to church to watch the professionals minister. We are called to gather so that we can be discovered, developed, and deployed into our God given destiny. 

Our mission is to destroy the works of the devil and extend the borders of our King's dominion. 

We are not called to COME to church; we are commissioned to BECOME the church to a lost and dying world. Get-er done! ‪#‎kvm‬

A Word Through Phyllis Ford

      This is a partial word given through Phyllis Ford.  I found it very encouraging and exciting, and look forward to seeing it fulfilled.  So many people are praying!  I can hardly wait to see the answers to those prayers manifested!
     If you would like to read the entire article you can access it here on The Elijah List.

"In the Month of February I Will Bring Forth Great Light"

"In this month I will bring forth great light. Everything will come under the scrutiny of My light. That which seem to be gray areas will be made clear in the light, even the motives of men, because this is a time of revealing, and with it is revival, for that needs to be strengthened in this time. Even that which has been false will be uncovered by the light. There is a distinct reason and strategy for light to shine so brightly now. It is a declaration and a statement that is being ordered in this hour. My light will unveil the enemy's plans and purposes, and with that there will be a great turn of events.

"My light will dispel the darkness off of a people willing to come unto Me, and the darkness will not be able to comprehend the seriousness of its consequences. So, examine closely what you see so that you might understand what is being made clear. Much will be accomplished and procured in this reigning light of My glory as it begins to move upon the land.

"Much will be recovered in the light, because with it there will come a revealing of that which the darkness held in bondage and confined for a season. In this hour, many will be set free to walk in the liberty which I have proclaimed, and it will no longer be held back. For I have heard the cries of intercession, even the sound of generations, and the light of My presence has been extended to bring freedom to My people. Many will know that this is a spiritual coup that I have ordered and prepared before the foundation of the Earth.

"The Heavens have declared it, and it will begin to take hold over the lands, over the governments, and over a people who have been waiting upon Me. I am answering the heart's cry from the secret place of those who have cried out for the last seven years. 

I will allow the light of My presence to show the way, with streams of wisdom that will flood men's souls, providing them an escape out of their circumstances. I will even take the simplicity of things and deal with complex problems that seem to have no remedy in sight. Allow My light to show you your heart, motives, and ways so that you can walk in fellowship with Me concerning what must be procured and achieved as an answer to that which is coming."(Photo via Freeimages)

"As the light will shine upon many, My people will see light upon things that others would regard as darkness. You must be able to see the light coming into the lives of those who have never encountered the light. In this hour you will see new inroads to evangelism that have not been walked out before. New outreaches are being set before you. New strategies are being implemented to usher in a people who desire change and have fallen into snares of the enemy.

"In this time of great enlightenment, I am also separating light from those who reject it and from those who will hold and receive light. This separation is necessary, because what will be seen as an entry (door) for some, will be a dead end for others. Those who carried the light of My presence, like a bride carries a veil, will find themselves separated from those who rejected it, pursuing after dark choices."

(For it will be like the parable when the bridegroom shut the door on those who had no oil (light) (see Matthew 25:10-11). They did not value the oil in their lamps, and when the time came, their lamps had no light and the awareness of the importance came too late. As a result, they missed their time and they were not permitted to enter in.)

"I will raise up a fresh apostolic order that will declare great truth. Many things will not be able to hide in the light. Great healing will come forth in the light as it dispels the darkness of situations, and the darkness of depression will be removed from them. For My joy will cover and consume the sadness hovering them.

Why the Light?

"You may say, Why the light?Because I am preserving and reserving a people, even generations to come, for the days to come. They will manifest the salt and the light on this earth. My preservation will become a standard against the works of the enemy. My salt will preserve and activate pure streams of My glory, because that which I am preserving I am establishing. My truth preserves and will deal with many issues of the day. I am salting down some things in this hour so that they will be preserved. (Photo by Jennifer Page "Love's Preservation" viaelijahshopper.com)

"I am bringing them into a time appointed, and I will bring a people forth who were once in darkness to become light to others. There are those who were accused of being dark, but they were only shrouded in darkness and now they will see the light of day come upon them and walk in the light of the moment. Great healing and wholeness will come forth, even from those who were previously seen as being dark. For I will blow the wind of My breath upon them and they shall live," says the Lord.

"People bound with addictions will be transformed by the power of light. Darkness will be broken off their minds, and the light of My glory will break them free."

Isaiah 45:7-8 (AMP) I form the light and create darkness, I make peace [national well-being] and I create [physical] evil (calamity); I am the Lord, Who does all these things. Let fall in showers, you heavens, from above, and let the skies rain down righteousness [the pure, spiritual, heaven-born possibilities that have their foundation in the holy being of God]; let the earth open, and let them [skies and earth] sprout forth salvation, and let righteousness germinate and spring up [as plants do] together; I the Lord have created it.

Matthew 5:13-15 (AMP) You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.

May God bless you and may the light of God shine upon you unlike ever before!

Phyllis Ford

Phyllis Ford Ministries
Email: PhyllisFordMinistries@gmail.com
Website: phyllisfordministries.com

Tweak It and Try It Again! by Keith Luker

"Tweak It and Try It Again!"

Keith Luker, Redding, California

I received this prophetic word repeatedly in this season for individuals, leaders, business people, and churches. I believe it is a timely message for the Body of Christ worldwide.

Many of us have been pressing in with faith and believing God for great things in our lives. At the same time many have experienced delay, disappointment, and discouragement because circumstances have pushed back on our dreams and hard work.

It may seem as though nothing is happening, but I believe the word of the Lord for those of us in this situation is: "Take heart! Every seed sown in faith MUST produce a harvest of goodness and increase in your life." (Photo via pixabay)

Jeremiah 29:11-12 is poignant: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you."

This is not wishful thinking or simply a positive mental attitude. This is the guarantee of Heaven, certified by Holy Scripture, and by the Father Himself who has never failed to deliver. The Spirit of God is shouting this message to those of us who have labored in faith for a positive change and have come up empty: "Tweak it, and try it again!"

Cast Your Net On the Other Side

There is a supernatural element descending upon our efforts that will completely change this apparently fruitless activity into immediate abundance and overflow. Jesus is stepping into your boat with today's instructions, "Cast your net on the other side."

Two stories from the Gospels spell it out in dramatic fashion.

The Beginning...

Luke 5:4-11 When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Him.

The End...

John 21:3-7 "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" "No," they answered. He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some."(Photo via Wikimedia)

When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.

Here are several points that leap out at me as I read these amazing miracle stories.

1. Put the work in, it is NOT wasted effort!
2. Listen to Jesus.
3. Be willing to change.
4. Tweak it and try it again (obey).
5. Enjoy the miracle!
6. Adjust to the blessing.
7. Let the presence of Jesus purify your heart.
8. Leave everything and follow Him.
9. Welcome to your new life!

The vision is still right. Following Jesus, working hard, and expecting miracles WILL PAY OFF.

Tweak it, and try it again!

Let's GO! It's harvest time for your dreams.

Keith Luker
Keith and Sanna Luker Worship
Email: keithluker@gmail.com
Website: KeithLuker.com

Handouts

Handouts

Heritage Days Poster

      Today I have been working on a design for a poster for Heritage Days.  This may not be the final draft but hopefully, I'm getting close.  We are so excited about the Festival this year!  With the addition of  Draft Horse, Mule & Haflinger Show, the Friday night "Night of Bluegrass" and the Community Church Service with our friend, John Hobbs from Kill Devil Hills, N.C., preaching, not to mention the fun night planned with Aaron Wilburn--I love his humor--it is going to be awesome!  Any of you who live within driving distance to Martinsville will not want to miss this!

(I changed the poster file today (Feb. 2) because I think this is the final one.  It is good to have one thing done in the preparations for advertising the Festival!)

The Architect of Destruction by Maureen Scott

     I received this column which was written by Maureen Scott almost two years ago, in an email from my uncle today.  It helps to explain why our President is not proud of America--he was not raised as an American.

Update:  I see that the same uncle sent me a link to this article in 2013 and I posted it then also: See blogpost Aug. 17, 2013.  I guess it struck a chord in me.  :o)

March 1, 2013

The Architect of Destruction

By Maureen Scott

"Obama comes from a community organizer background where it's us against them. But that's not who we are. And that's not the position the leader of our Nation should take." – Dr. Benjamin Carson

Obama appears to be a tormented man who is filled with resentment, anger, and disdain for anyone of an opinion or view other than his. He acts in the most hateful, spiteful, malevolent, vindictive ways in order to manipulate and maintain power and control over others. Perhaps because, as a child, he grew up around family members and mentors who instilled him with an abiding bitterness toward the U.S. That bitterness seems not to have left him.

It is not the color of his skin that is a problem – for anyone in America. Rather it is the blackness that fills his soul and the hollowness in his heart where there should be abiding pride and love for this country.

Think: Have we ever heard Obama speak lovingly of the U.S. or its people, with deep appreciation and genuine respect for our history, our customs, our sufferings and our blessings? Has he ever revealed that, like most patriotic Americans, he gets "goose bumps" when a band plays "The Star Spangled Banner," or sheds a tear when he hears a beautiful rendition of "America the Beautiful?" Does his heart burst with pride when millions of American flags wave on a National holiday – or is he moved to sadness and reflection when someone plays "taps" on a trumpet? Has he ever felt the depth of our admiration of the military, as lovers of those who keep America free feel when soldiers march by? It is doubtful – because Obama did not grow up sharing our experiences or our values. He did not sit at the knee of a grandfather or uncle who showed his medals and told of the bravery of his fellow troops as they fought and tramped through foreign lands sacrificing for a cause greater than their own lives. He didn't have grandparents who told stories of suffering and then coming to America, penniless, and the opportunities they had for building a business and life for their children.

Away from this country as a young child, Obama didn't delight in being part of America and its greatness. He wasn't singing our patriotic songs in kindergarten, or standing on the roadside for a holiday parade and eating a hot dog, or lighting sparklers around a campfire on July 4th as fireworks exploded over head, or placing flags on the gravesites of fallen and beloved American heroes.

Rather Obama was separated from all of these experiences. He doesn't really understand us and what it means to be an American. He is void of the basic emotions that most feel regarding this country and is insensitive to the instinctive pride we have in our national heritage. His opinions were formed by those who either envied us or wanted him to devalue the United States and the traditions and patriotism that unite us.

Obama has never given a speech that is filled with calm, reassuring, complimentary, heartfelt statements about all the people in the U.S. Or one that inspires us to be better, grateful, and proud that, in a short time, our country became a leader, and a protector of so many. Quite the contrary, his speeches always degenerate into mocking, ridiculing tirades as he faults our achievements ,along with any of his critics, all for the sake of a laugh, or to bolster his ego. He uses his Office to threaten and create fear while demeaning and degrading anyone who opposes his policies and actions. Unlike a secure leader, who has noble self-esteem and not false confidence, Obama displays a cocky, haughty attitude and a dread of being critiqued.

Mostly, his time seems to be spent causing dissention, unrest, and anxiety among the people rather than uniting us (even though he was presented to us as the "Great Uniter"). He creates chaos for the sake of keeping citizens separated, envious, aggrieved and ready to argue. Under his leadership Americans have been kept on edge, rather than in a state of comfort and security. He incites people to be aggressive toward, disrespectful of, and retaliate against those of differing backgrounds and views. Through such behavior, Obama has lowered the standards for self-control and mature restraint to the level of rowdy, street-fighting gangs. When, instead, he should be raising the bar for people to strive toward becoming more considerate, tolerant, self-disciplined, self-sustaining, and self-assured.

Not a day goes by that he is not attempting to defy our laws, remove our rights, over-ride established procedures, install controversial appointees, enact divisive mandates, and assert a dictatorial form of power.

• Never has there been a leader of this great land who used such tactics to harm and hurt the people and this country.
• Never have we had a President who spoke with a caustic, evil tongue against the citizenry rather than present himself as a soothing, calming, and trustworthy force.
• Never, in this country, have we experienced how much stress one man can cause a nation of people – on a daily basis!

Obama has promoted the degeneration of peace, civility, and quality of cooperation between us. He thrives on tearing us down, rather than building us up. He is the Architect of the decline of America, and the epitome of a Demagogue.

© Maureen Scott

Jonah Goldberg

From The Patriot Post:

Columnist Jonah Goldberg: "By artificially keeping oil prices low, the Saudis get to deal a powerful blow to the energy revolution in the U.S. (They also get to deliver a severe economic blow to their enemies the Iranians, which is nice.) In exchange, Obama gets an unearned political windfall and can claim vindication for his ineffectual economic policies. Obama is paying back the Saudis by permanently taking the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve's billions of barrels of oil off the table for all time. By doing so, he also puts the entire Trans-Alaskan Pipeline System (TAPS) on a starvation diet. ... Saudi Arabia's short-term economic hit is an investment in future dependence on Saudi oil. Of course, there need not be a conspiracy, just a convergence of economic and political interests. But the fact remains that Obama could never have gotten away with restricting energy development in ANWR before an election or when gas prices were high. This is Obama's window, and it appears the Saudis are holding it open for him for as long as he needs."

Pray

Today's prayer email from Dale Gentry includes prayer for Billy Graham and Rev. Graham's prayer for America.  I thought it would be good to include it today so we can all pray for Rev. Graham and for our country.  Thank you, readers of other countries, if you choose to pray with us today, too.

Good Friday morning everybody. It's time to pray America! Please take a few moments to make your Faith Declarations with me on link above. Would you pray this prayer out loud with me today?   "Dear Father God..............we pray today for Billy Graham.............knowing that soon You will take him home to be with You.............leaving a large hole in the soul of this nation...........discerning that he has stood in the gap...........interceding for America..............pushing back the destructive forces that are coming against this land.............today we rehearse his prayer for America.........Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance...............we know Your word says, woe to those who call evil good..............but that is exactly what we have done..............we have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.............we have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.............we have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.............we have killed our unborn and called it choice............we have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem.............we have abused power and called it politics.............we have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression...............we have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.........search us oh God and know our hearts today............cleanse us from sin and set us free.............in Your name we pray...........amen."