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??BREAKING: Here is footage of suspect from the attempted Trump assassınation that has been identified as Ryan Routh. pic.twitter.com/l19CcFAvRx — Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) September 15, 2024

by Christopher Rufo, Christopher Rufo: The establishment media called it a racist myth, but is it? Donald Trump shocked audiences at this week’s presidential debate with the claim that foreign migrants were eating household pets in Springfield, Ohio, a small town currently reeling under the strain of an unprecedented number of new arrivals, mostly from […]

Trump assassin Ryan Wesley Routh actually appeared in a commercial for Azov, a volunteer battalion in Ukraine originally formed in 2014 to combat Russian-backed separatists in the Donbas region. What are the chances that both assassins ended up featured in commercials? Thomas… pic.twitter.com/Rl18iAADYz — Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) September 16, 2024

by Stefan Stanford, All News Pipeline: My parents were born in the middle of the Roaring Twenties and grew up in the Great Depression just in time to spend their teen years under war measures that limited their liberty, which caused them to love freedom more than ever.  Although I could use that opening line […]

A Prayer for Helping When You Are AbleBy Laura Bailey Bible Reading"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act." – Proverbs 3:27 NIV Listen or Read Below: I checked the sign-up sheets each week, hoping that the blank lines would eventually fill up and I would be "off the hook." Our church recently stepped in to help out with the soup kitchen on Sundays, serving hot meals to those in need in our area. Usually, I would be all for volunteering my and my family's time to serve others. Caring for others in our community, showing the love of Jesus, sharing the Good News, and setting an example for my girls is not only something I feel called to but also desire to do.  But I was tired… Our last few months were busy, mostly with good and godly things. Our family held doors and greeted visitors on Sunday mornings. We passed out treat bags and invited new neighbors to the church on the weekends. We volunteered to set up, serve, and clean up for various church events. As a women's leader, I poured hours into selecting, studying, and teaching Bible studies, planning fellowship events, and training new church leaders.  My intentions are not to boast or brag. We aren't unique in our service; many others in our church family have served in multiple ministries inside and outside the church walls. I am simply sharing why, on this particular occasion, I chose to leave my name off the sign-up sheet. But as the slots remained empty, the head of the kitchen commitment announced at the end of service, sharing about the soup kitchen ministry and asking people to strongly consider signing up. I couldn't help but feel that familiar prick in my heart. I began a tug-of-war with the Holy Spirit's work.  "I've served my time, it's someone else's turn." "I need a break. I am tired. I'll sign up next time around." " I don't know how to cook for a big group of people. I'll let those who are more gifted in this area serve." I am not suggesting the Lord requires or Scripture encourages us to sign up for every opportunity to minister to others. We are limited in our time and abilities, so we must lean into the Holy Spirit's prompting in our individual lives. While our purpose is all the same: to know God and make Him known, our way is unique. However, I knew I was directly opposed to our key verse in Proverbs 3:37, "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act."   I had no physical limitation prohibiting me from standing for two hours to serve meals. There were no other obligations or expectations of my time for the days in question. And at the heart of it all, there's no Christian service magic quota. The "I've served my time"  or "someone else's turn"  type of thinking has no place in the believer’s life. There will be times when we sincerely cannot serve, but if we are able, let us remember the words of Jesus himself, "The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40). When opportunities arise, and it is in our purview to help, let us be people who look at serving others as a privilege and not a penalty for following Christ. Let's Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your son, Jesus, as the ultimate example of service. He experienced weariness, the feeling of being physically and emotionally exhausted, yet He still cared for the needs of others. Let us embrace the opportunities presented to us to show the love of Christ and share the gospel message. When we are weak, grant us strength and help us discern where to invest our time and energy.In Jesus' Name. Amen. Photo credit: ©GettyImages/kieferpix Laura Bailey is a Bible teacher who challenges and encourages women to dive deep in the Scriptures, shift from an earthly to an eternal mindset, and filter life through the lens of God's Word. She is the author of Beyond the Noise, and loves any opportunity to speak and teach women of all ages. She is a wife and momma to three young girls. Connect with her on her website,  www.LauraRBailey.com, Facebook and Instagram. Related Resource: Remember God’s Enduring Love for You in this Guided Meditation on Psalm 100! This guided Christian meditation from Psalm 100 will help you experience and praise God for his unending love for you. Become aware of God's presence with you, and praise God for his loyal and enduring love from the beginning of time and into the future. Listen to every episode of the So Much More Podcast on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode! Now that you’ve prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below! Visit iBelieve.com for more inspiring prayer content. The post A Prayer for Helping When You Are Able – Your Daily Prayer – September 16 appeared first on GodUpdates.

September 16, 2024 Open Your Heart and Your Home To Build Deeper ConnectionsBECKY HARLING Lee en español "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." 1 Peter 4:9 (NIV) When I was a little girl, I spent a week each summer with my grandmother in New York City. I loved it! What I remember most about my time with my grandmother was that every afternoon, at 3 p.m. sharp, her friend Isabelle would come over. Together, they had coffee and coffee cake. Imagine! Friends together every afternoon, drinking coffee, eating cake and connecting. It's God's idea for us to live in community with others. He is a relational God who designed us in His image. We are created to connect both with God and others. We need friends with whom we can enjoy life. However, according to recent research, we are lonelier than ever. How do we rediscover the joy of deep connection in our digitalized world? One of the best ways I know is to offer hospitality. And here's the thing: Your home doesn't have to be perfect to welcome others. Honestly, this was a big lesson for me. Years ago, when my husband and I were living in the Middle East, the cultural expectation was to serve tea or coffee to anyone who showed up at our door. However, we had a toddler, so toys, books and other paraphernalia were often strewn across the floor. When someone knocked on my door, I felt the angst between answering or quickly cleaning up. But I slowly learned that my guests didn't care about the mess. They wanted to feel welcomed. That's what hospitality is all about. The Apostle Peter instructed the early Church to "offer hospitality to one another without grumbling" (1 Peter 4:9). These believers met daily for prayer and shared meals. While "daily" might be unrealistic for us, the point is they spent time in each other's homes. I believe we need to return to this practice of hospitality. If you feel intimidated, think of it as simply welcoming others. Here are a few ideas I've tried recently: Instead of meeting at a coffee shop, invite a friend over for coffee or tea. Often you'll be able to have more authentic conversations and focused prayer in the privacy of your home. Host a "Charcuterie and Conversation" evening for a few friends. Rather than spending hours on a gourmet dinner, you could put together a simple snack. Think of a few great questions to get the conversation started. Your friends can come and connect. Set up a grill, and invite your neighbors to a "Grill and Greet." Jesus told us to love our neighbors, yet many of us have become so busy we don't even know our neighbors. Friend, why not give one of these ideas a try? Welcome others into your home, and see if it doesn't deepen your relationships. I'm betting your loneliness will be eased, and so will theirs. Lord God, Your Word teaches that we're to offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Forgive me for the times when I've grumbled. Create within me a welcoming spirit so I'm able to foster deeper connections in our lonely world. In Jesus' Name, Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS For a practical study of how to foster deeper relationships, grab a copy of Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World. ENGAGE You can connect with Becky Harling on The Connected Mom podcast or on her website. She's also on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. Enter to WIN your very own copy of Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World by Becky Harling. To celebrate this book, Becky's publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by leaving a comment here. {We'll randomly select 5 winners and then notify each one in the comments section by Monday, September 23, 2024.} FOR DEEPER STUDY Acts 2:46, "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts ..." (NIV). How might inviting friends over for dinner, coffee or dessert open opportunities for deeper conversations and connections? What has most often made you hesitate to invite others into your home? How might you move past your hesitation? © 2024 by Becky Harling. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 MinistriesP.O. Box 3189 Matthews, NC 28106 www.Proverbs31.org The post Open Your Heart and Your Home To Build Deeper Connections – Encouragement for Today – September 16, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.

A Prayer for Helping When You Are AbleBy Laura Bailey Bible Reading"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act." – Proverbs 3:27 NIV Listen or Read Below: I checked the sign-up sheets each week, hoping that the blank lines would eventually fill up and I would be "off the hook." Our church recently stepped in to help out with the soup kitchen on Sundays, serving hot meals to those in need in our area. Usually, I would be all for volunteering my and my family's time to serve others. Caring for others in our community, showing the love of Jesus, sharing the Good News, and setting an example for my girls is not only something I feel called to but also desire to do.  But I was tired… Our last few months were busy, mostly with good and godly things. Our family held doors and greeted visitors on Sunday mornings. We passed out treat bags and invited new neighbors to the church on the weekends. We volunteered to set up, serve, and clean up for various church events. As a women's leader, I poured hours into selecting, studying, and teaching Bible studies, planning fellowship events, and training new church leaders.  My intentions are not to boast or brag. We aren't unique in our service; many others in our church family have served in multiple ministries inside and outside the church walls. I am simply sharing why, on this particular occasion, I chose to leave my name off the sign-up sheet. But as the slots remained empty, the head of the kitchen commitment announced at the end of service, sharing about the soup kitchen ministry and asking people to strongly consider signing up. I couldn't help but feel that familiar prick in my heart. I began a tug-of-war with the Holy Spirit's work.  "I've served my time, it's someone else's turn." "I need a break. I am tired. I'll sign up next time around." " I don't know how to cook for a big group of people. I'll let those who are more gifted in this area serve." I am not suggesting the Lord requires or Scripture encourages us to sign up for every opportunity to minister to others. We are limited in our time and abilities, so we must lean into the Holy Spirit's prompting in our individual lives. While our purpose is all the same: to know God and make Him known, our way is unique. However, I knew I was directly opposed to our key verse in Proverbs 3:37, "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act."   I had no physical limitation prohibiting me from standing for two hours to serve meals. There were no other obligations or expectations of my time for the days in question. And at the heart of it all, there's no Christian service magic quota. The "I've served my time"  or "someone else's turn"  type of thinking has no place in the believer’s life. There will be times when we sincerely cannot serve, but if we are able, let us remember the words of Jesus himself, "The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40). When opportunities arise, and it is in our purview to help, let us be people who look at serving others as a privilege and not a penalty for following Christ. Let's Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your son, Jesus, as the ultimate example of service. He experienced weariness, the feeling of being physically and emotionally exhausted, yet He still cared for the needs of others. Let us embrace the opportunities presented to us to show the love of Christ and share the gospel message. When we are weak, grant us strength and help us discern where to invest our time and energy.In Jesus' Name. Amen. Photo credit: ©GettyImages/kieferpix Laura Bailey is a Bible teacher who challenges and encourages women to dive deep in the Scriptures, shift from an earthly to an eternal mindset, and filter life through the lens of God's Word. She is the author of Beyond the Noise, and loves any opportunity to speak and teach women of all ages. She is a wife and momma to three young girls. Connect with her on her website,  www.LauraRBailey.com, Facebook and Instagram. Related Resource: Remember God’s Enduring Love for You in this Guided Meditation on Psalm 100! This guided Christian meditation from Psalm 100 will help you experience and praise God for his unending love for you. Become aware of God's presence with you, and praise God for his loyal and enduring love from the beginning of time and into the future. Listen to every episode of the So Much More Podcast on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode! Now that you’ve prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below! Visit iBelieve.com for more inspiring prayer content. The post A Prayer for Helping When You Are Able – Your Daily Prayer – September 16 appeared first on GodUpdates.

September 16, 2024 Open Your Heart and Your Home To Build Deeper ConnectionsBECKY HARLING Lee en español "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." 1 Peter 4:9 (NIV) When I was a little girl, I spent a week each summer with my grandmother in New York City. I loved it! What I remember most about my time with my grandmother was that every afternoon, at 3 p.m. sharp, her friend Isabelle would come over. Together, they had coffee and coffee cake. Imagine! Friends together every afternoon, drinking coffee, eating cake and connecting. It's God's idea for us to live in community with others. He is a relational God who designed us in His image. We are created to connect both with God and others. We need friends with whom we can enjoy life. However, according to recent research, we are lonelier than ever. How do we rediscover the joy of deep connection in our digitalized world? One of the best ways I know is to offer hospitality. And here's the thing: Your home doesn't have to be perfect to welcome others. Honestly, this was a big lesson for me. Years ago, when my husband and I were living in the Middle East, the cultural expectation was to serve tea or coffee to anyone who showed up at our door. However, we had a toddler, so toys, books and other paraphernalia were often strewn across the floor. When someone knocked on my door, I felt the angst between answering or quickly cleaning up. But I slowly learned that my guests didn't care about the mess. They wanted to feel welcomed. That's what hospitality is all about. The Apostle Peter instructed the early Church to "offer hospitality to one another without grumbling" (1 Peter 4:9). These believers met daily for prayer and shared meals. While "daily" might be unrealistic for us, the point is they spent time in each other's homes. I believe we need to return to this practice of hospitality. If you feel intimidated, think of it as simply welcoming others. Here are a few ideas I've tried recently: Instead of meeting at a coffee shop, invite a friend over for coffee or tea. Often you'll be able to have more authentic conversations and focused prayer in the privacy of your home. Host a "Charcuterie and Conversation" evening for a few friends. Rather than spending hours on a gourmet dinner, you could put together a simple snack. Think of a few great questions to get the conversation started. Your friends can come and connect. Set up a grill, and invite your neighbors to a "Grill and Greet." Jesus told us to love our neighbors, yet many of us have become so busy we don't even know our neighbors. Friend, why not give one of these ideas a try? Welcome others into your home, and see if it doesn't deepen your relationships. I'm betting your loneliness will be eased, and so will theirs. Lord God, Your Word teaches that we're to offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Forgive me for the times when I've grumbled. Create within me a welcoming spirit so I'm able to foster deeper connections in our lonely world. In Jesus' Name, Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS For a practical study of how to foster deeper relationships, grab a copy of Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World. ENGAGE You can connect with Becky Harling on The Connected Mom podcast or on her website. She's also on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. Enter to WIN your very own copy of Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World by Becky Harling. To celebrate this book, Becky's publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by leaving a comment here. {We'll randomly select 5 winners and then notify each one in the comments section by Monday, September 23, 2024.} FOR DEEPER STUDY Acts 2:46, "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts ..." (NIV). How might inviting friends over for dinner, coffee or dessert open opportunities for deeper conversations and connections? What has most often made you hesitate to invite others into your home? How might you move past your hesitation? © 2024 by Becky Harling. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 MinistriesP.O. Box 3189 Matthews, NC 28106 www.Proverbs31.org The post Open Your Heart and Your Home To Build Deeper Connections – Encouragement for Today – September 16, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.