Both Candidates Have Now Proposed Eliminating Taxes on Tipped Wages, but Is It a Good Idea?

Where the Race to Save America Is Right Now

The GOP’s Black Wall

by Philip Giraldi, The Unz Review: Fake foreign threats are used to validate poor policy choices Does anyone really think that Iran threatens the United States? It’s only plausible if you can be convinced by a congenital liar and war criminal like Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or by a buffoon like Senator Lindsey Graham […]

from SGT Report: Google whistleblower Zach Vorhies has moved mountains to help educate and motivate Texas to SUE GOOGLE in Texas jurisdiction in order to bring the criminal company to heel as they continue to work feverishly to rig the November election. Zach and I also discuss the Luciferian Great Reset, Pizzagate and much more, […]

We here in DogFacePonia, saw this coming. Chicago is basically unprepared to handle anything, crime, protests, or reality. Shortages were unexpected by many but when LEFT ignored problems, instead they only exacerbated them. Shortages are already being reported 1)      Tampons are in high demand. This was unexpected even though Democrats multiplied the bathroom demand by 2x.... The post Left Unprepared, DNC Causes Shortages in Chicago appeared first on DogFacePonia.

August 19, 2024 A Call To PersevereRUTH CHOU SIMONS Lee en español "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us ..." Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) Though western Colorado is replete with stunning views and mountain-town-vacation vibes, my family struggled to find deep community here. Even after a few years, we felt isolated in public ministry and wrestled with all that we lacked by living in a rural area. For several months, we seriously considered moving. How much easier and better it would be for our whole family if we moved somewhere with more schooling options, more friends and fellowship, more encouragement in ministry ... and of course, more access to Costco. But ultimately, this season wasn't about finding a new location for the Simons family; it was about meeting God where He had already placed us. It was about loving the very difficult place we were desperately trying to escape. Amid our desire to get to where we wanted to go, the clarion call was to start where we already were and to use what we already had. It was a call to persevere. New Testament writers shared a common framework for encouraging their readers to persevere. More often than not, their encouragement in Scripture begins with this word: "Therefore." We find "therefore" repeated throughout the letters to the Church as the writers reminded believers that persevering is possible. One of my favorite "therefores" is at the beginning of Hebrews 12: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus ..." (Hebrews 12:1-2, NIV). This particular "therefore" comes after a list of believers credited with undeniable, unshakable faith in Hebrews 11 - they are the "cloud of witnesses" in Hebrews 12:1. The writer of Hebrews is encouraging us to remember the faith of these past believers and, more importantly, to remember the God they put their faith in. And then Hebrews 12:1-2 gives practical instructions - the way we should respond in light of God's Truth: Throw off entangling sin. Sin clouds our ability to see God for who He truly is and distracts us from the tasks He's given us to do. Run with perseverance. The Holy Spirit empowers our perseverance, but that doesn't mean it won't require conscious effort on our part. Fix our eyes on Jesus. He's our perfect example! Friend, because Jesus is better than anything we could secure, we can live on purpose as we follow Him in all that He has for us. We can start where we are, with what we have, and persevere. What we believe about God - who He is and what He is like - compels us simply to take the next right step. And when we do, we start living hope-filled lives right now, even while our eyes are on all that is not yet. Father, we want to persevere. Grant us what it takes to run today's race well. In Jesus' Name, Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS Join Ruth Chou Simons for a six-session Bible study, Now and Not Yet, that will guide you through an exploration of the tension of living in a not-yet-resolved, not-yet-fruitful, not-yet-clear or not-yet-wonderful season of life. Take a deep dive into Scripture, and see six profound ways God makes His faithfulness known in the stories of Abraham, Joseph, Israel, Hannah and the Apostle Paul. You'll discover that God is just as faithful in your life right now - more than you know. Get the study today! ENGAGE Connect with Ruth online, or via Instagram and Facebook. Enter to WIN your very own copy of the Now and Not Yet video Bible study by Ruth Chou Simons. To celebrate this book, Ruth'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, August 26, 2024.} FOR DEEPER STUDY Hebrews 12:2, "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (NIV). What is a difficult situation you're currently facing in which God is calling you to persevere? Which of the three action steps Ruth listed in her devotion (throw off entangling sin, run with perseverance, fix your eyes on Jesus) will you focus on today? © 2024 by Ruth Chou Simons. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 MinistriesP.O. Box 3189 Matthews, NC 28106 www.Proverbs31.org The post A Call To Persevere – Encouragement for Today – August 19, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.

A Prayer to Remember Who God Says I AmBy Kristine Brown "I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called-his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance." – Ephesians 1:18, NLT As a culture, we've grown accustomed to introducing ourselves with a short list of titles that describe who we are or what we do. I might offer my name and follow that with: I'm a teacher, a pastor's wife, or a writer. Other times, I might say I'm a mom or Mimi, depending on the situation. I've learned to be quick about tossing out a few details about my life that define me. Maybe because it helps me connect with the other person. Or, if I'm being totally honest, maybe it makes me feel like I've done something worthwhile … like my life is significant because of who I am.  But in all the ways I like to identify myself, I never start with the single most important detail that defines who I am, "Hello, my name is Kristine. I am a child of God!" Even saying it aloud right now as I write the words down, I catch myself sitting up a bit taller, lifting my chin a bit higher. There's something about reminding ourselves that we are children of God that will change our attitude. When our attitude lifts, so does our confidence. I've often imagined how people would react if I introduced myself that way, yet I never have the courage to try it. Because most days, I don't live like I am confident in my role as God's daughter. I face life's challenges from a position of defeat rather than from a place of victory through Jesus. I let the distractions and cares of this world weigh on my shoulders until the pressure can be visibly seen in my posture. But that's not how God wants his precious children to live. On days when I feel powerless- when I look in the mirror and see someone incapable of handling what life throws at her- I turn to Ephesians 1 and remind myself how God sees me. The apostle Paul encouraged the church at Ephesus to know who they were as co-heirs with Christ. He implored them to see themselves as God saw them. "I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called-his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance." (Ephesians 1:18) I love the image of God flooding our hearts with light, especially in those times when I don't see clearly. The English Standard Version translates Paul's words this way, "having the eyes of your hearts enlightened..." Paul prayed God would illuminate their hearts so that they would know and understand their special identity. And his prayer applies just as richly to our identity as God's children today. Let's take a look at 3 truths about who God says we are from Ephesians 1. I am loved and chosen by God. "Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes." (Ephesians 1:4) I am adopted into God's family. "God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure." (Ephesians 1:5) I am showered with God's kindness, wisdom, and understanding. "He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding." (Ephesians 1:8) With our hearts enlightened to these three truths, we can remember who God says we are, even when life wears us down. We can stand with confidence before the mirror, ready for any challenge, and boldly claim, "I am a child of God!" We are God's holy people, you and me, His rich and glorious inheritance. Shoulders back and chin up, my friend in the faith. Remember who God says you are as we pray together. Let's pray: Dear God,Thank you for reminding me of my identity as your child. Thank you for flooding my heart with light so that I can see clearly and understand who you say I am. Sometimes the challenges of life distract me and wear me down. I forget what your Word says-that I'm adopted into your family through the resurrection of your son, Jesus Christ. Forgive me for facing difficulties from a place of defeat. I am victorious because of you. Help me stand with confidence in my position as your daughter. Your word says you loved me and chose me before the creation of the world. Praise you, Lord, for who you are in my life, and thank you for claiming me as your own.In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen. Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/doidam10 For more spiritual growth resources, check out the 5-day email devotional, How to Be Free from Bitterness, by today's devotion writer, Kristine Brown. Learn more about women in the Bible and find encouragement to help you "become more than yourself through God's Word" at Kristine's website, morethanyourself.com. 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 to Remember Who God Says I Am – Your Daily Prayer – August 19 appeared first on GodUpdates.

A Prayer to Remember Who God Says I AmBy Kristine Brown "I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called-his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance." – Ephesians 1:18, NLT As a culture, we've grown accustomed to introducing ourselves with a short list of titles that describe who we are or what we do. I might offer my name and follow that with: I'm a teacher, a pastor's wife, or a writer. Other times, I might say I'm a mom or Mimi, depending on the situation. I've learned to be quick about tossing out a few details about my life that define me. Maybe because it helps me connect with the other person. Or, if I'm being totally honest, maybe it makes me feel like I've done something worthwhile … like my life is significant because of who I am.  But in all the ways I like to identify myself, I never start with the single most important detail that defines who I am, "Hello, my name is Kristine. I am a child of God!" Even saying it aloud right now as I write the words down, I catch myself sitting up a bit taller, lifting my chin a bit higher. There's something about reminding ourselves that we are children of God that will change our attitude. When our attitude lifts, so does our confidence. I've often imagined how people would react if I introduced myself that way, yet I never have the courage to try it. Because most days, I don't live like I am confident in my role as God's daughter. I face life's challenges from a position of defeat rather than from a place of victory through Jesus. I let the distractions and cares of this world weigh on my shoulders until the pressure can be visibly seen in my posture. But that's not how God wants his precious children to live. On days when I feel powerless- when I look in the mirror and see someone incapable of handling what life throws at her- I turn to Ephesians 1 and remind myself how God sees me. The apostle Paul encouraged the church at Ephesus to know who they were as co-heirs with Christ. He implored them to see themselves as God saw them. "I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called-his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance." (Ephesians 1:18) I love the image of God flooding our hearts with light, especially in those times when I don't see clearly. The English Standard Version translates Paul's words this way, "having the eyes of your hearts enlightened..." Paul prayed God would illuminate their hearts so that they would know and understand their special identity. And his prayer applies just as richly to our identity as God's children today. Let's take a look at 3 truths about who God says we are from Ephesians 1. I am loved and chosen by God. "Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes." (Ephesians 1:4) I am adopted into God's family. "God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure." (Ephesians 1:5) I am showered with God's kindness, wisdom, and understanding. "He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding." (Ephesians 1:8) With our hearts enlightened to these three truths, we can remember who God says we are, even when life wears us down. We can stand with confidence before the mirror, ready for any challenge, and boldly claim, "I am a child of God!" We are God's holy people, you and me, His rich and glorious inheritance. Shoulders back and chin up, my friend in the faith. Remember who God says you are as we pray together. Let's pray: Dear God,Thank you for reminding me of my identity as your child. Thank you for flooding my heart with light so that I can see clearly and understand who you say I am. Sometimes the challenges of life distract me and wear me down. I forget what your Word says-that I'm adopted into your family through the resurrection of your son, Jesus Christ. Forgive me for facing difficulties from a place of defeat. I am victorious because of you. Help me stand with confidence in my position as your daughter. Your word says you loved me and chose me before the creation of the world. Praise you, Lord, for who you are in my life, and thank you for claiming me as your own.In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen. Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/doidam10 For more spiritual growth resources, check out the 5-day email devotional, How to Be Free from Bitterness, by today's devotion writer, Kristine Brown. Learn more about women in the Bible and find encouragement to help you "become more than yourself through God's Word" at Kristine's website, morethanyourself.com. 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 to Remember Who God Says I Am – Your Daily Prayer – August 19 appeared first on GodUpdates.

August 19, 2024 A Call To PersevereRUTH CHOU SIMONS Lee en español "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us ..." Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) Though western Colorado is replete with stunning views and mountain-town-vacation vibes, my family struggled to find deep community here. Even after a few years, we felt isolated in public ministry and wrestled with all that we lacked by living in a rural area. For several months, we seriously considered moving. How much easier and better it would be for our whole family if we moved somewhere with more schooling options, more friends and fellowship, more encouragement in ministry ... and of course, more access to Costco. But ultimately, this season wasn't about finding a new location for the Simons family; it was about meeting God where He had already placed us. It was about loving the very difficult place we were desperately trying to escape. Amid our desire to get to where we wanted to go, the clarion call was to start where we already were and to use what we already had. It was a call to persevere. New Testament writers shared a common framework for encouraging their readers to persevere. More often than not, their encouragement in Scripture begins with this word: "Therefore." We find "therefore" repeated throughout the letters to the Church as the writers reminded believers that persevering is possible. One of my favorite "therefores" is at the beginning of Hebrews 12: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus ..." (Hebrews 12:1-2, NIV). This particular "therefore" comes after a list of believers credited with undeniable, unshakable faith in Hebrews 11 - they are the "cloud of witnesses" in Hebrews 12:1. The writer of Hebrews is encouraging us to remember the faith of these past believers and, more importantly, to remember the God they put their faith in. And then Hebrews 12:1-2 gives practical instructions - the way we should respond in light of God's Truth: Throw off entangling sin. Sin clouds our ability to see God for who He truly is and distracts us from the tasks He's given us to do. Run with perseverance. The Holy Spirit empowers our perseverance, but that doesn't mean it won't require conscious effort on our part. Fix our eyes on Jesus. He's our perfect example! Friend, because Jesus is better than anything we could secure, we can live on purpose as we follow Him in all that He has for us. We can start where we are, with what we have, and persevere. What we believe about God - who He is and what He is like - compels us simply to take the next right step. And when we do, we start living hope-filled lives right now, even while our eyes are on all that is not yet. Father, we want to persevere. Grant us what it takes to run today's race well. In Jesus' Name, Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS Join Ruth Chou Simons for a six-session Bible study, Now and Not Yet, that will guide you through an exploration of the tension of living in a not-yet-resolved, not-yet-fruitful, not-yet-clear or not-yet-wonderful season of life. Take a deep dive into Scripture, and see six profound ways God makes His faithfulness known in the stories of Abraham, Joseph, Israel, Hannah and the Apostle Paul. You'll discover that God is just as faithful in your life right now - more than you know. Get the study today! ENGAGE Connect with Ruth online, or via Instagram and Facebook. Enter to WIN your very own copy of the Now and Not Yet video Bible study by Ruth Chou Simons. To celebrate this book, Ruth'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, August 26, 2024.} FOR DEEPER STUDY Hebrews 12:2, "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (NIV). What is a difficult situation you're currently facing in which God is calling you to persevere? Which of the three action steps Ruth listed in her devotion (throw off entangling sin, run with perseverance, fix your eyes on Jesus) will you focus on today? © 2024 by Ruth Chou Simons. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 MinistriesP.O. Box 3189 Matthews, NC 28106 www.Proverbs31.org The post A Call To Persevere – Encouragement for Today – August 19, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.