US deploys military to Middle East in defense of Israel
The US has deployed a military convoy to the Middle East. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has ordered a guided missile submarine and a US aircraft carrier to the region. News of the deployment comes after the US publicly vowed to defend its ally Israel after the threat of attack from Iranian officials. Iran, believed to be funding the terrorist groups Hezbollah and Hamas, issued a threat to attack the Jewish nation following the deaths of two major leaders within each terrorist group. Hamas further added to the tension by refusing to continue negotiations with Israel. Israeli citizens recently gathered at the Western Wall in Jerusalem to pray for unity of the Jewish people and for the release of the remaining hostages held in Gaza. Some say they are also praying for the end of these conflicts. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will defend Israel at all costs. Allies around the world are also calling for Iran to back off on their threats and negotiate terms of peace with Israel.
Christian group calls for prayer for other Christians around the world
Christian watchdog groups are calling for prayer from Christians as attacks on the church around the world are on the rise. According to a recent story, a Pakistani woman was nearly killed after being accused of blasphemy. The woman, who was accused of desecrating the Quran, was fortunately rescued by the police. David Curry, CEO of Global Christian Relief, says the rise in persecution in Pakistan is due to new, stricter laws in that nation, which mainly result in severe punishment for Christians. The new blasphemy laws have been used as fuel to encourage Muslims to persecute, intimidate and kill Christians in that nation. Open Doors World Watch List names Pakistan as the seventh most dangerous nation for Christians. Curry says Christians around the world must come together and put pressure on Pakistani officials to stop the persecution of Christians.
'“In God We Trust” making comeback in U.S.
A national movement to promote the phrase, “In God We Trust”, is continuing to gain momentum. The phrase was recently approved by the West Virginia legislature to be on display in public schools. State representative Tom Fast commented that the phrase is the national motto of the U.S. Representative Fast continued, saying the nation’s motto should be in all schools and institutions of higher education. Texas, South Dakota, and Louisiana have passed similar legislation concerning “In God We Trust.” The motto was inspired by the U.S. national anthem and is printed on U.S. paper money and coins. Liberals over the years have called for the phrase to be removed from money and other forms of government issued materials. These movements have always been met with fierce resistance from patriotic groups, but there was a resurgence in recent years after the Trump administration. The Louisiana state government recently passed legislation of its own ordering the Ten Commandments to be on display in every classroom in that state.
SNBC Health report: The Overlooked Power of Sunlight
Prior to dermatology’s disastrous war on the sun, the value of sunlight was widely recognized in medicine. For example, in the early 1900s, heliotherapy (sunbathing) was used with great success for treating many (otherwise incurable) conditions, such as 1918 influenza, tuberculosis, and many other diseases. Sunlight offers immense benefits, yet it's often undervalued. Consider these points:
• Cancer prevention — Sunlight exposure dramatically reduces cancer risk. A large study found that high UVB exposure cut the risk of breast and prostate cancer in half.
• Longevity — A meticulous 20-year study of 29,518 women showed that avoiding the sun increased the likelihood of mortality by 60%. Regular sun exposure significantly reduced heart disease deaths and other common illnesses.
• Mental health — Sunlight is crucial for mental well-being, especially in preventing depression like seasonal affective disorder. Many workers, particularly night shift employees, suffer from a lack of sunlight.
• Circadian rhythm — Sunlight helps regulate circadian rhythms, which are crucial for rest and repair. An effective treatment is starting the day with a walk in the sunlight.
• Enhances nitric oxide production, which dilates blood vessels, improving circulation, which aids in cardiovascular health. Sunlight plays a crucial role in the body’s circulation by eliminating the obstacles to fluid circulation.