Declare Your Independence From Propaganda and Lies

Fixing the Military Requires a Dying Art Called 'Leadership'

by Alan Barton, All News Pipeline: The word Science elicits thoughts of wonder in many, thoughts of disgust in many more, and fear in still others.  Curiosity would perhaps be my best response, so let’s take a brief look at that word and try to see just what “Science” is. As is my wont, we […]

July 4, 2024 Confident in the CaptainCARA BLONDO, COMPEL Training Member Lee en español "Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident." Psalm 27:3 (NLT) For as long as I can remember, our family has spent the Fourth of July - U.S. Independence Day - at our favorite beach. The fireworks display tops off what has become a tradition etched in our memories and hearts. One particular year, however, brought unexpected fear and doubt. Someone suggested we watch the fireworks from a family member's boat. While I love spending time on the water when the seas are calm and the sun is shining, I wasn't so sure about being out at night. Reluctantly, I agreed. We embarked on our adventure after waiting for a small storm to pass. What I didn't anticipate was the rocky sea the storm had left behind. The waves jostled me. The wind whipped across my face. My confidence in our decision quickly vanished. As the fireworks ended, relief washed over me: We could head back to land. But the trip was long, rough and dark, and I couldn't have been more nervous. Head down and eyes squeezed shut, I began to pray. Slowly, my nerves settled. Finally, I was able to lift my head long enough to watch my husband, the captain, navigate the boat toward home. I knew we would be safe. He grew up driving boats; if anyone could do this, it was him. It wasn't just his experience and knowledge that assured me but also his love and commitment to our family. I fully trusted he would see us through the effects of this storm. Although I will never choose to enter a storm, literally or figuratively, storms are inescapable parts of life. But the captain makes all the difference. God, my true Captain and yours, knows how to care for His children. Regardless of how dark it is around us or how rough the waters are beneath us, He will guide us safely to shore, perfectly navigating the effects of whatever our storms may be. We can fully trust and be confident in Him. By God's grace, we can be like King David, who declared, "Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident" (Psalm 27:3). I faced dark skies and rough seas, but David faced a mighty army and an outbreak of war. Both situations warrant fear and trembling. But we can experience peace and confidence by knowing the Captain and believing He can be trusted. Just as my husband's experience, ability and love settled my heart, the Lord's light, salvation and fortress-like protection strengthened David’s heart (Psalm 27:1). Knowing God was trustworthy, David was confident God would see him through. Whether the seas or our hearts are rough today, we can confidently trust our Captain. If anyone can help navigate our storms, it's Him. Dear Jesus, thank You for Your presence in my storm. I acknowledge that You are trustworthy, capable and caring. I trust You to see me through what I'm facing and am fully confident in You, my Captain. In Jesus' Name, Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS We know faith requires trust, but sometimes don't we just want proof? When we haven't seen God move in our lives in a while, it's tempting to wonder if He's really there or whether He hears our prayers. If you've been in this place recently, our new study is just for you - Daniel: Finding Confidence That God's Power Is at Work. As we study Daniel together, we'll discover just how capable the Lord is and how much careful attention He gives to everything in our lives, both big and small. Get your study guide today! ENGAGE Today's devotion writer, Cara Blondo, is a member of COMPEL Training. Receive writing tips on your social media feeds when you follow COMPEL Training on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! For countless free articles on the writing life, check out the COMPEL Training Blog! FOR DEEPER STUDY Psalm 27:1, “The LORD is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?" (NIV). Isaiah 43:2, "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you" (NLT). How can remembering God is with you in your storm increase your confidence that He will see you through your storm? Because our confidence is rooted in our trust, choose to meditate on a Bible verse or an experience of God’s faithfulness (provision, answered prayer, etc.) that builds your trust in Him for your current situation. We'd love to hear your thoughts - share them in the comments! © 2024 by Cara Blondo. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 MinistriesP.O. Box 3189 Matthews, NC 28106 www.Proverbs31.org The post Confident in the Captain – Encouragement for Today – July 4, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.

1672 - States of Holland declares "Eternal Edict" void 1782 - William Petty becomes Prime Minister of Great Britain following the death of Charles Watson-Wentworth 1911 - Chicago White Sox pitcher Ed Walsh halts Ty Cobb's 40-game hitting streak as Cobb goes 0 for 4 in a 7-3 win over Detroit Tigers at Bennett Park 1920 - The provisional government of Siberia's Maritime Province agrees to hand over parts of the strategic oil- and coal-rich Sakhalin Islands to Japan 1942 - US air offensive against Nazi Germany begins 1942 - 1st American bombing missions over Nazi Germany-occupied Europe (WWII) 1953 - Imre Nagy succeeds Matyas Rákosi as premier of Hungary 1964 - Beachboys' "I Get Around" reaches #1 1992 - John Phillips, rocker (Mamas and Papas), undergoes a liver transplant 2006 - Richard Branson sells Virgin Mobile to NTL for £962.4 million More Historical Events »

Historical Events 1875 - White Democrats kill several blacks in terrorist attacks in Vicksburg 1888 - 1st organized rodeo competition held, Prescott, Arizona 1910 - "Fight of the Century": Jack Johnson beats James J. Jeffries by TKO in 15 in Reno, Nevada to retain his world heavyweight boxing title 1954 - FIFA World Cup Final, Wankdorf Stadium, Bern, Switzerland: Helmut Rahn scores twice as West Germany beats Hungary, 3-2 1987 - Wimbledon Women's Tennis: Martina Navratilova earns 8th Wimbledon singles title with a 7-5, 6-3 win over Steffi Graf 2006 - Space Shuttle program: STS-121 Mission - Space Shuttle Discovery launches at 18:37:55 UTC. More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1895 - Eric Marx, South African cricket all-rounder (3 Tests, 3 wickets; 240 on FC debut for Transvaal), born in Johannesburg, South Africa (d. 1974) 1896 - Mao Dun [Shen Dehong], Chinese writer (Midnight), born in Tongxiang, China (d. 1981) 1905 - Dante Fiorillo, American composer, born in New York City (d. 1970) 1937 - Thomas Nagel, American philosopher and University Professor of Philosophy and Law Emeritus at New York University, born in Belgrade, Kingdom of Yugoslavia 1957 - Princess Chulabhorn of Thailand, the youngest daughter of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, born in Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall Dusit Palace, Bangkok 1964 - Mark Whiting, American filmmaker and actor, born in Birmingham, Michigan More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1901 - John Fiske [Edmund Fisk Green], American historian and philosopher, dies at 59 1923 - Florimond Fonteyne, Belgian priest and politician (Volkseeuw), dies at 67 1985 - Jan de Quay, Dutch politician (KVP, Prime Minister of the Netherlands 1959-63), dies at 83 1999 - Ronny Graham [Stringer], American composer, lyricist, screenwriter (M*A*S*H (TV series), and actor (Chico and the Man; Mel Brooks films), dies of liver disease at 79 2021 - Dicky Maegle [born Moegle], American College Football HOF halfback (Rice Uni; Pro Bowl 1955, SF 49ers) and broadcaster (color announcer Houston Oilers), dies at 86 2022 - Hank Goldberg, American sports broadcaster (radio colour commentator Miami Dolphins 1978-92; ESPN2, ESPN Radio), dies from chronic kidney disease at 82 More Famous Deaths »

The hirsute Texan rockers have an extensive track record – here we pick out the ZZ Top records essential for any collection

Humankind’s longing for freedom comes from God, who provides the way for us to be free.

Humankind’s longing for freedom comes from God, who provides the way for us to be free.