DIPLOMACY IN RUSSIAN DEALINGS       

Secretary of State John Kerry met with Russian officials Sunday to discuss a diplomatic solution to tensions along Ukraine's borders, as American lawmakers expressed concerns that Vladimir Putin has designs on more territory in the region.

Mr. Kerry met with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in Paris as U.S. analysts and members of Congress weighed the build-up of tens of thousands of Russian soldiers along Ukraine's eastern edge.

 

At Jericho, Joshua saw a Warrior with a sword. He asked, "Are you for us or for the enemy?" The answer was, "Neither, I am the Commander of the Lord's army." The Church must pray "in one accord" for God's purpose to prevail, even over our comfort. Our Lord promised eternal and internal peace, not necessarily national peace. As "Intercessors for America," we want our much-loved U.S. to triumph and prosper, of course. Yet, wisdom dictates that we see beyond national pride and pray that our Commander-in-Chief, "Fulfill Your purpose, O God of the nations." Russia is not our enemy, but negotiations are tense, and prayer is vital as we watch God shape history.

 

And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, 'Are You for us or for our adversaries?' So He said, 'No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.' And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, 'What does my Lord say to His servant?' Then the Commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, 'Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.' And Joshua did so." (Joshua 5:13-15)

 

"I [Nebuchadnezzar] blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: 'For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, 'What have You done?'" (Daniel 4:34-35)

            
 

CIVIL RIGHTS GROUPS APPEAL VOTER REGISTRATION

Civil rights groups on Friday appealed a federal court decision that said states can require proof of citizenship on their voter registration forms - a ruling the activist groups said runs counter to Supreme Court precedent.

The groups also asked Judge Eric F. Melgren to stay his own ruling from earlier this month, pending the outcome of the appeal.

 

In summary, several issues are in conflict in the area of voter registration. Curiously, these battle lines are drawn and redrawn during every election cycle. Shouldn't an enlightened, modern nation know how to regulate and oversee the voting franchise so as to keep it honest and within the law? Pray that truth, justice, and integrity prevail, and those with ulterior, political and fraudulent motives be exposed. Pray, too, that all eligible voters be free to vote peacefully and without intimidation.

 

"But let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream." (Amos 5:24)

 

"It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity." (Prov 21:15)

 

"He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)

 


NEW ROUND OF BATTLES OVER HEALTH-CARE LAW  

The first enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act ended at midnight Monday, closing one chapter on President Obama's landmark health-care law and paving the way for a new round of confrontations that could ultimately determine the law's long-term prospects.

Supporters face an array of political, financial and legal challenges in the coming months. Democrats and insurance industry officials are already seeking ways to blunt what may be the next big controversy: an expected increase in monthly insurance premiums next year for the health plans sold through the federal and state marketplaces.

 

This detailed overview of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) speaks to issues still to be faced. Intercessors already know our country is seriously divided at many levels, including politically, socially, and spiritually. The uncertainty is causing fear and confusion, especially among seniors. Pray that what looks like a virtual "tower of Babel" will be clarified, and that God's will and purpose be accomplished. May the conflicts reveal our nation's need for spiritual revival. Pray for unity.

 

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:4-7)  

        


CHINA'S PLAN FOR GLOBAL NETWORK OF SURVEILLANCE  

China is considering a plan to cover the entire world with a network of surveillance satellites.

If it went ahead the plan could see more than 50 observation satellites in orbit within two years, The South China Morning Post reported. This would put the country's satellite surveillance capabilities on a par, or greater than, the US.

 

This is a potential fear-mongering article, suggesting that China's technology will control all surveillance. Christians need not succumb to fear but walk in confidence that God's purpose will prevail. Let us remember that the nations are not independent of God's ownership or guidance. An old hymn reminds us that "... nations may rise and nations fall; [God's] changeless purpose rules them all." Pray for revival, bringing a divine visitation of the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. In the end, God's purpose will prevail, as the nation's are the Son's inheritance.

 

"Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, 'Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us.' He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, and distress them in His deep displeasure:Yet I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion." (Psalm 2:1-6)  

         


GUINEA BATTLES TO CONTAIN EBOLA

Guinea is racing to contain a deadly Ebola epidemic spreading from its southern forests to the capital Conakry, as neighboring Senegal closes its border.

The European Union pledged 500,000 euros ($690,000) to fight the contagion, while the Senegalese interior ministry said border crossings to Guinea would be closed "until further notice".


Pray for wisdom to be granted to all the health officials who are working on stopping this aggressive disease before it spreads to other nations and communities. Pray for those who are already exposed to this Ebola epidemic. Pray for those families and friends who have been affected by this deadly outbreak. Call upon the grace and mercy of the Lord to heal and deliver them from this affliction.

"And Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was." (Mark 1:34)

"At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind." (Luke 7:21)

        







DIPLOMACY IN
RUSSIAN DEALINGS


 VOTER REGISTRATION
FORM RULING


NEW ROUNDS OVER
HEALTH-CARE LAW

CHINA PLAN
GLOBAL SURVEILLANCE

 GUINEA BATTLES TO CONTAIN EBOLA

 DIET DRINKS AND
HEART DISEASE
 

FRIGID MARCH AND
U.S. MISERY


TEXAS FARMERS
TALKING DUST BOWL