Oil Refineries Running at Full Speed

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

US oil refineries are running at full tilt as wars in the Middle East and Ukraine choke global supplies of fuels, increasing the risk of outages at a time when prices are already rising sharply.

Refineries across the US are running at 96 per cent of their capacity, with those in the Midwest and Rocky Mountains regions operating at 100 per cent, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

Washington has released about 77 per cent of the 172mn barrels from the country’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve that it pledged in March to use as a cushion for the supply shock from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and to keep prices low.

The SPR, which is held in underground salt caverns in Texas and Louisiana, has fallen to 311mn barrels, its lowest level since 1983. Its operational minimum, below which further withdrawals risk damaging infrastructure and disrupting pipeline operations, is estimated at 180mn to 200mn barrels, according to industry analysts. Source: Financial Times

I remember the OPEC oil embargo that hit the US back in the early 1970s. Long gas lines, even an odd and even lottery type ability to bet gas based on the days of the week. Oil prices quadrupled across the country. In this day and age of civil unrest over pronouns and other such nonsense, I can only imagine the chaos which would result from that type of situation now. This has always been the fear that the action in Iran could produce another oil shortage of immense proportions. Trump, you had them, now it MUST be finished to stabilize oil markets and bring economies back on line. Rh

Moral Corruption: Our World Has Grown Accustomed To Embracing Lies

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ByBarry Stagner

The apostle Paul gives us insight into the direction the world is trending: “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

The word “delusion” means “fraudulence.” It can also refer to straying mentally, a wrong opinion relative to morals or religion, an error that shows itself in action, or a wrong mode of acting. The “lie” believed by the people mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 is the antichrist’s claim that he is God, the world’s Savior and Lord. Are we seeing the world move in the direction of the ultimate lie being believed by the masses? Do people have the wrong opinions today with regard to morals or religion? Are these errors manifesting themselves in the actions of the deluded? Have many in our world mentally strayed from the truth and facts? Are people today looking to the government or powerful leaders to lead and save them from life debts, burdens, and perils?

I think we all know the answers to those questions. We live in a time when the level of mental straying from long-held and obvious truths tells us we are near the end of the church age and approaching the tribulation. We have become familiar with new terms being invented to accommodate the beliefs of a deluded world. Gender dysphoria is one of those terms. This refers to the condition of feeling one’s emotional and psychological identity as male or female is the opposite of one’s biological sex. The key word here is feelings; the individual’s gender is determined by their feelings and not the facts of genetics and biology. This indicates a mental straying from what is actually true.

In other words, you can use orange spray paint on an apple and try calling it an orange, but it won’t change it from being an apple. You can give hormone treatments to a man and put him in a dress and high heels, but if you look at his chromosomes, they are still XY, and therefore he is still male, no matter how he may feel. But, if you don’t accept such a person or call them by their preferred pronouns, you could lose your job and, in some places, go to jail. Think about how far that strays from genetic and biological truth— the possibility of being fired or imprisoned for not calling a boy a girl or a woman a man.

Jesus made a parallel between “the days before the flood” and the times preceding the rapture. One of the dominant characteristics of Noah’s days was corruption: “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth” (Genesis 6:11-12).

Remember, the word “corrupt,” as we’ve seen it used in Scripture, means “moral perversion” and refers to meat or fruit that has become rotten or spoiled. The word pervert means “to become its opposite.” To pervert is to do what Isaiah 5:20 says about calling evil good, and good evil. As we examine the time of the signs, we should be looking for people to use words and ideas in ways that are the opposite of what they used to mean and be. That will be part of the corruption that fills the earth in the last days.

The apostle Paul describes such corruption in the first chapter of Romans: “Even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them” (Romans 1:28-32).

Our world has become the opposite of what it used to be. The moral and character flaws that are listed in Romans 1:28-32 have always been part of life in a fallen world, but there has long been a clearly defined line between good and evil. Even during the periods of history when evil seemed to be dominant and tyrants were brutal in their rule, people knew the difference between right and wrong, and good and evil. Good was still good, and evil was still evil. Yet Paul says in Romans 1 that when a nation (or the world) rejects God’s existence and authority, a moral perversion will spread and lead to a time when the moral and character flaws in Romans 1:28-32 will become dominant. Paul closes this passage with what we could call the end of the digression and the point of no return. Society will have hit rock bottom, so to speak. He says in verse 32 that not only will moral perversion be practiced, it will be approved of.

I believe that one of the most significant signs of the last days is recorded here in Romans 1:32 even though the context of Paul’s statement is general and not specific to eschatology. The word “approve” is the reason for this belief. “Approve” means “to feel good about, to be pleased with, to consent, agree to or applaud.” That’s how people will feel about the practices listed in Romans 1:28-31.

We could summarize Paul’s conclusion by saying that in the last days, moral depravity will become a human right.

Excellent article that sheds light on an astounding situation in our world. Evil is good. Amazing that we have come to this. Preachers and teachers must stand firm on the Word of God. Right is right, and wrong is wrong. Rh

Buried in the defense bill: The US-Israel provision dividing Washington

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by David Brody

They’re fighting about Israel again in Washington. What else is new?

Tucked deep inside Congress’ annual defense authorization bill this week is a provision that has generated fierce debate.

The debate centers on what’s known as the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative. It’s included in both the House and Senate versions of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The House and Senate approach the issue somewhat differently, and the proposal has produced one of Washington’s most unusual political coalitions. The legislation would direct the Pentagon to expand cooperation with Israel in areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, missile defense, cybersecurity, biotechnology, defense manufacturing, research and development, and defense supply chains.

Supporters argue that Israel has become one of America’s most innovative military technology partners and that closer collaboration benefits U.S. national security as much as Israel’s.

They stress that this isn’t about giving Israel more military aid and that the provision inside the bill doesn’t create a joint military command or transfer operational control over U.S. forces. They say instead that by partnering with Israel, American troops will have access to cutting-edge battlefield technologies. In short, they say this is simply a commonsense effort.

Critics say hold on a minute. They complain this is a step toward permanently institutionalizing U.S.-Israel defense cooperation in ways Congress has never done before. Essentially, they argue that Congress is creating a permanent Pentagon bureaucracy whose mission would be to continually deepen military cooperation with Israel regardless of which administration occupies the White House. The critics say closely intertwining with Israel is a bridge too far.

It should be noted that the House version – at least at this point – is more restrained. It directs the Secretary of Defense to designate a Pentagon executive agent responsible for coordinating U.S.-Israel defense technology cooperation.

It also softens some of the original language by referring to the “potential integration” of Israeli technologies into American defense programs. It wouldn’t be automatic integration. In addition, the language is softer, stating that a list of coordinated activities with Israel “may” be pursued rather than “shall” be pursued.

The Senate version appears broader at this point and seems to be a more formal bilateral framework for long-term defense technology cooperation.  Normally, Israel divides Republicans and Democrats. This time, the fault line is different.

On one side are many traditional national security Republicans, pro-Israel Democrats (a dwindling group to be sure) and organizations like AIPAC. 
On the other side is a growing coalition of far-left, anti-Israel Democrats and the non-interventionist anti-Israel wing of the “America First” movement that is represented in Congress.

This side argues that Congress should not require deeper ties with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government at a time when there is a growing chorus of criticism directed at Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza. 

So far, there’s been an attempt to strip the provision out of the underlying bill on the House side. Anti-Israel Republican Rep. Thomas Massie joined anti-Israel Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna in introducing an amendment to remove the provision, but the amendment was blocked before reaching the House floor, so the language currently remains in the bill.

Massie’s objections, however, come from a very different place than those of progressive Democrats. His concerns reflect the growing America First, non-interventionist wing of the Republican Party, which argues the United States should avoid permanently embedding itself in the military affairs of any foreign nation – even close allies. This contingent believes this is not traditional defense cooperation but rather an expansion of military integration. 

The progressive left echoes some of the sentiment of the America First Right, but they also worry about tying America more closely to Netanyahu’s government.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has not publicly commented in detail on the specific NDAA provisions now under debate in Congress, but his broader view of the U.S.-Israel security relationship has been consistent. While he has strongly advocated for expanding strategic cooperation between the two countries, Netanyahu has also argued in recent years that Israel should gradually reduce its dependence on American military aid.

Following the October 7 attacks, he reiterated that Israel ultimately must be able to defend itself by itself, and has suggested that as Israel’s economy and defense industry continue to grow, the country should work toward greater self-sufficiency rather than relying indefinitely on U.S. assistance.

What this current debate over the measure shows is that Israel is not going to escape close scrutiny by those in Congress. While the majority still supports Israel, the growing faction of far-left Democrats and woke right America-first conservatives create a substantial problem for Israel. It comes at the worst possible time.

I am a total supporter of this bill. The alliance between Israel and the U.S. government is one that benefits us even more than Israel. They buy our weaponry, enhance many of our military systems and give us valuable intel that we could not attain without their help. Rh

Revival or Bust

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

The First Great Awakening, the Second Great Awakening, the Welsh Revival, and America’s Jesus Movement all began with ordinary people becoming deeply dissatisfied with the emptiness of the world around them and turning toward Christ.

Today’s generation faces its own unique crises.

Anxiety, depression, addiction, family breakdown, identity confusion, economic uncertainty, and endless cultural upheaval have left many wondering whether there is something more than the promises offered by modern society.

The Gospel answers that question with a resounding yes.

It offers forgiveness where there is guilt.

Hope where there is despair.

Purpose where there is confusion.

Peace where there is fear.

That message never goes out of style because the deepest needs of the human heart never change.

Technology changes.

Culture changes.

Political movements rise and fall.

But humanity’s need for redemption remains exactly the same.

Thirty thousand people gathering in Angel Stadium is encouraging not simply because of the size of the crowd, but because it challenges the growing assumption that America has permanently lost interest in Christianity.

Perhaps the interest never disappeared.

Perhaps millions were simply waiting for someone to invite them.

Jesus instructed His followers to “go into all the world and preach the gospel.” That command has never been limited to church buildings, nor has it expired with changing technology. Whether through stadiums, college campuses, beaches, living rooms, or digital platforms, the mission remains unchanged.

The message of the Gospel is the same today as it was yesterday. True salvation comes as we see our need and respond to the only one who can change our circumstances and give us a new life! The Lord has not moved from humanity, humanity has distanced itself from Jesus.

John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one come to the Father but through me.”

He is just waiting patently. Romans 10:9-10 Rh

Syrian President Meets With Trump

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Once again the bromance between Trump and the Syrian President throws a monkey wrench into Israeli security. Trump desperately wants to be a statesman, but leaving Netanyahu alone to do what is best for Israel would be the proper call. Reposted from All Israel News. Rh

President Donald Trump asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to remove Israeli troops from Lebanon and Syria in a recent phone call, Axios reports.

“They don’t want you there. You should redeploy,” Trump reportedly told Netanyahu in a phone conversation last Thursday, according to a U.S. official who spoke with Axios.

According to Israel Hayom, Trump conveyed the Syrian demand for the withdrawal of IDF troops from its territory, but did not present it as an American demand.

The phone call between the two leaders came a day after Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Turkey.

Read the full story 👇

https://allisraelnews.com/trump-tells-netanyahu-to-remove-israeli-troops-from-lebanon-syria-report

A New Political Party

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

For many years now, I have wished that we could have a third political party in the United States of America. A true conservative party that is espouses moral and traditional Christian values, as well as putting the people first. The tea party attempted to do that back a few years ago, but the establishment ruling class would have none of it.  TheRepublicans hated losing power and fought against it and it eventually failed. I understand the way our government is set up that a third-party really is almost impossible, however this new effort by Mr. Islamic sympathizer Tucker and MTG, as well as other haters of Israel , their party is doomed for failure. It will be nothing more than Israel and Christian bashing. NO thank you. 

What we need is a Christian conservative party in this country. As I said, one that has morally conservative values. The only problem with that is that Christians won’t support it. Many of them don’t want to be associated with anything “political”.  Many aren’t registered to begin with and with Pastors turning deaf and dumb on speaking from pulpits on moral issues. We have a problem. We are supposed to be  salt and light in a dark and wicked world. I believe that Jesus wants to be Lord over all  areas of life. That includes politics. The attitude of many pastors and churches is that we don’t do politics. What if the issues of the day are moral issues that are trying to invade the church with demonic doctrine. It’s time for the church to stand up and fight the good fight of faith outside the four walls of the church. In politics, absolutely.  Government touches every area of our life from jobs, education, taxes, and the week being of our citizens. Government was ordained and established by God.(Romans 13)  The idiocy of what the church does by ducking its head and hiding inside the four walls of a church, amounts to a moral failure.  All these moral issues are being discussed and voted on in the halls of Congress or in governors’ mansions across the country. So let’s just drop our heads and allow ungodliness to rule and reign.  I don’t think Jesus is happy that the church gives up the rulership of this country to evil people. We are never going to wipe out evil, nor do we wish a theocratic government, but a moral one is well within our reach.  

It’s too bad a third-party won’t work, and it is too bad that it can’t be a true conservative party. Whatever  in the world that Tucker Carlson is going to try to do is not going  conservative and it’s not going to be moral either.  It will be a far right anti-Israel.  After all that is all he condemns.  It will not have  moral values.  What it is, it’s a bunch of people that are really Libertarian Democrat lite.  That have decided to take their ball and find another court so they can play on, and tear this nation apart.

My oh my, God must be shaking his head and wondering, will they ever learn?  Rh

AI Zillionaires Are Starting to Get Scared as the Public Turns Against Them

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Data centers “have become a proxy for the hate towards AI and the concentration and accumulation of wealth it’s creating.”

By Joe Wilkins

Published Jun 29, 2026 9:07 AM EDT

There’s no doubt that the broader public has turned against AI in a serious way. 

In the United States, a YouGov pol found that three-quarters of Americans think AI should be more heavily regulated, an anxiety shared across the political aisle, the Economist observed. The US populace is likewise increasingly fearful of the economic impacts of AI, especially as powerful tech companies pour money into state and federal elections.

As that anger boils over, people are increasingly channeling their frustration toward data centers — one of the few tangible points of leverage ordinary people have against an otherwise untouchable, trillion-dollar tech industry.

The world’s tech billionaires are taking notice, carving out distant island compounds and private jet fleets in case of revolution. Mark Cuban, who made his vast fortune during the dot-com boom and has publicly beefed with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, is now warning his fellow moguls that the public’s discontent runs far deeper than AI.

Cuban tweeted that “it’s time for everyone to realize that the fight against data centers has nothing to do with data centers. They have become a proxy for the hate towards AI and the concentration and accumulation of wealth it’s creating.”

Whether the public is really as unconcerned about soaring electricity prices, water shortages, and pollution, as Cuban makes it out to be remains to be seen — but at least, the billionaire class appears to be paying at least some degree of attention.

Evidently fearful that AI backlash could spiral into some kind of socialist revolt, the billionaire offered a laundry-list of ways the tech industry could placate the apparently witless public. These include donating billions of dollars to small towns and cities, extending an olive branch to artists and creative unions, and ignoring the temptation to hire famous people to endorse AI.

“If you don’t kiss the asses of the people that go to work every day, and are just trying to pay their bills, you will fall far, far short of the capacity you need to make your business work,” Cuban wrote.

AI is far more insidious than anyone knows. It is a forerunner to the anti-christ beast system seen in Daniel and Revelation. As a Christian I see it as further proof of Biblical Prophecy being played out. I fear what may become if AI is truly implemented, loss of freedoms, total control of everything and everywhere we go. It will be a bondage system, making slaves of the “common people”. I haven’t even mentioned loss of jobs and dependance on an AI government. Which will come. A world of the haves and the nave nots. Have you read the book 1984?? Time to dust it off. Rh

Entebbe

~ Randy Harris ~ Leave a comment

I remember this happening in real time. A different time where heroes still acted selflessly for their country. A daring raid, hostages saved and the bad guys put down. Courage is contagious, may we stand as strong for America as Israel has and will for their country. Enjoy the article taken from Koenig World Watch Daily. Rh

Entebbe

By Jim Fletcher

I will depart this week from the regular topics, because this weekend is the 50th anniversary of the famous Entebbe hostage rescue. It remains my favorite story, and one I call a modern Bible story.

I am honestly bothered that more people don’t know about it, or care about it. It is I believe the most electrifying hostage rescue of all time. I have a slight personal connection, which you’ll see. And, as we celebrated our Bicentennial in 1976, Israeli commandos were about to surprise the world. I remember it often and have read several books. The audacity of the entire operation is still totally astonishing.

On June 27, 1976, a French passenger jet refueled at Athens, headed for Paris. As soon as the plane got back in the air, terrorists stood up with guns. Two German (Baader-Meinhof Gang) and some from the PLFP (Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine). They shocked everyone by ordering the plane south. Very far south. To that point, airplane hijackings had become popular, but the planes usually stayed close. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu helped thwart one in a daring operation in Israel in 1972. At the time, he was a member of the elite counter-terrorism force, Sayeret Matkal (General Staff Reconnaissance Unit, or, the Unit).

In ’76, terror gargoyles like Yasser Arafat were modifying their violent plans. This time, the plane was flown to Uganda, in the heart of Africa. An airport near the town of Entebbe was chosen, as it was under the control of dictator psychopath Idi Amin. At one time friendly to Israel, he had thrown in his lot with terrorists.

Fairly soon, all passengers not Jewish were freed. This was the first mistake by the goons, because valuable intelligence was gained by interviewing the freed passengers.

Universally, everyone understood that Israel could not mount a rescue operation. It was too far away. A mere 2,500 miles from Israel! That ruled out a rescue effort. Each evening, grave-looking news anchors speculated on the hostage situation. Israel had never negotiated with terrorists, so this was a unique moment. The pressure on the Israel cabinet, by hostage families, was enormous. Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin finally announced they would negotiate. The lives of 105 people hung in the balance. The terrorists demanded the release of other terrorists held in European and Israeli jails.

An Israeli pilot, Joshua Shani, had a germ of an idea in his head. He shared it with some of the brass (Shimon Peres was then defense minister). His plan was to land transport planes at Entebbe, at night, as if they were passenger jets. In the end, that’s actually what they did.

It worked.

Israel stalled for time with diplomacy. The terrorists pushed the deadline out to Sunday morning, July 4. If Israel did not comply, the hostages would be murdered.

While Western journalists and politicians offered no solutions, four C-47 transport planes were circling Lake Victoria, next to the airport. At exactly midnight, July 4, they landed. One was a hospital plane, while the others held 200 commandos, including the Unit in the lead plane. Within five minutes, the critical part of the operation was over. The Unit drove a mile to the terminal building, eliminated the terrorists, and began loading stunned hostages onto rescue planes. They flew another eight hours back to Israel, to a cheering country that saw the planes overhead, back in Israeli airspace. All terrorists were eliminated, as was the Ugandan air force, so no one could follow.

In 2002, I interviewed two of the commandos that went to Entebbe, one a member of the famed Golani Brigade—Surin Hershko—and a member of the Unit that was the first one in the door. The second man said that the IDF had to have the element of surprise foremost. 

They did.

He said that as he burst through the front door (with his weapon, a megaphone to shout to hostages, and five kilos of explosives), “A German terrorist lying on the floor fired at me first—I felt bullets and glass go past my head and neck, but nothing hit me!” He then fired back, instantly killing the German. Another Unit member went in right behind him and fired to the left. Within seconds, all terrorists in the building were killed.

Hershko is one of my favorite people of all time. That night, he met a man and woman on the outside stairs; Surin was headed to the roof. A quick shot from the man’s revolver has left Surin as a quadriplegic these last 50 years. I met him at his lovely home in Tel Aviv (he’s a businessman) and a Korean assistant led me inside. The hour I spent with this hero is imprinted on my mind and heart.

I asked him why he had volunteered to go to Entebbe.

“The people were in danger,” he said matter-of-factly. He also said that if he had to, he’d go again. The rareness of his courage indicts most of the rest of us. While socialist thugs and know-nothing college students condemn Israel day and night, they are also protected—ironically—by Israel, which provides a serious obstacle for the gargoyles that practice terrorism. Surin breathes through a tube that allows him to speak. I felt very small in his presence.

These men are authentic heroes. 

I also had the privilege of knowing Prof. Benzion Netanyahu the last decade of his long life. The father of the three Netanyahu sons that all served in the Unit, he was a fascinating historian and political commentator that knew far more and was far wiser than most. His oldest son, Jonathan (Yoni) was the only IDF soldier killed at Entebbe. The cabinet, in approving such a dangerous operation, felt they would take 20 percent casualties. At least 40 men killed and wounded. Instead, they had one and one. Surin is a testament to that.

I spent several evenings with Benzion at his home in Jerusalem. He said that Yoni always jumped into the danger point. Yoni was unusually gifted and courageous. Shani remembers one day on base, talking to a fellow pilot. Yoni walked past them. Shani told his friend, “There goes the greatest fighter Israel has ever had.” Younger brothers Benjamin and Iddo also served. They collected Yoni’s letters to family and friends and produced the book, Self-Portrait of a Hero.

One evening, as I got up to leave, Benzion picked up a stack of photos from a table in the hallway. They were of the boys when they were young. One was of Yoni with his parents, and he was not much more than a toddler. A bust of this hero son sat in the family dining room, a few feet away.

I remember them all, all the time. 

As I lovingly remember the founding of my own remarkable country this weekend, I will also remember 50 years ago: a plane descending, landing, vehicles moving along the tarmac, headed for a terminal building.

Those heroic men are always emerging from vehicles, sprinting toward the defenseless and their temporary tormenters. 

Very temporary.

Today we live in a culture that is soft and passive. Placating evil.

But on the night of July 3,4, 1976 in Africa, something wondrous was unfolding. A team of Joshuas put their lives on the line to rescue people that didn’t know them. Their stories are so astonishing, at times I wonder if it really happened.

It did happen. What unfolded speaks to the eternality of the Jewish people, and of Israel.

Am Yisrael Chai!

You can pick up a copy of Entebbe Declassified here.