What the U.S. Secret Service Should Do Immediately

President Oliver?

A 'Warren Report' Isn’t Going to Fly In 2024

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from And We Know: TRUTH LIVES on at https://sgtreport.tv/

from Revolver News: There’s a major shroud of mystery and unanswered questions hanging over the Trump assassination attempt, with new bizarre details coming out daily. The latest bombshell involves a mysterious ATF agent who appears to have secretly gotten involved in the case but has suddenly gone dark. Senator Ron Johnson is all over this […]

by Christopher Tomlinson, The National Pulse: Republican Representative Pat Fallon of Texas slammed United States Secret Service (USSDS) director Kimberly Cheatle over her agency’s failures during the attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump, saying he re-created the shooting and managed to hit 15 out of 16 kill shots. Fallon said that he used his own AR-15, firing eight shots with a red […]

July 24, 2024 From Next to NowFELICIA CAID SMITH, COMPEL Pro Member Lee en español "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:34 (ESV) Lord, please give me a glimpse of what's next. I prayed these words repeatedly, becoming more desperate with each repetition. Once again, I felt like a dinghy on the ocean, but, oh, how I wanted a cruise ship kind of life. When you go on a cruise, you see the itinerary beforehand and know the exact ports at which the ship is expected to dock. On some cruise lines, you can even turn on the TV in your room and watch a map of the ship sailing across the water, following the charted course to each destination, perfectly on schedule. That's what I wanted for my life. To clarify, I didn't want to steer the boat. God is my Captain - I surrendered my life and will to Him long ago. But as a meticulous planner and a recovering "control freak," I still felt anxious in uncertain times when the unknown loomed in the distance. I wanted a clear map of my future, so I strained to see through the fog, begging God to show me where I was going and when I would finally get there. Have you ever wished you had a bird's-eye view of the course God has charted for you?Maybe you've asked questions like: God, will my health be restored? Will I find another job?Will I ever feel love again? Will the hurt ever heal? God, what's next? The truth is that when we turn a corner and get a glimpse of where we're going, there's always another corner, another unknown. We could spend our entire lives craning our necks, straining our eyes, striving for a glimpse of tomorrow. But Jesus said, "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (Matthew 6:34). He instructed His followers instead to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33, ESV). So instead of only striving for what's next, let's seek God in the now. Instead of always peering around the corner, let's fix our eyes on the Lord. I've prayed "what's next" prayers for most of my life, but recently, God has changed my prayer to something entirely different. I want to encourage you today to join me in praying this new prayer when you feel like asking, God, what's next? Seek the Kingdom and pray: God, bless me with Your presence. Call on Him to be with you here and now, and trust Him with tomorrow. Heavenly Father, the unknowns of tomorrow are in Your hands. I am giving my cares to You, and I trust You in all things. Today, I want to seek Your Kingdom. Please bless me with Your presence. Lord, I just want more of You. In Jesus' Name, Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS Do you feel stuck on what next steps you should take in your writing journey? Maybe you are passionate about what God's put on your heart to share, but you also feel paralyzed about how to turn that message into a meaningful piece of content or even a manuscript. That's why we created COMPEL Pro! When you become a member today, you'll stay motivated to pursue your writing goals by connecting with a community that will help hold you accountable when you feel like quitting ... again. Join now! ENGAGE Today's devotion writer, Felicia Caid Smith, is a member of COMPEL Pro. Receive writing tips on your social media feeds when you follow COMPEL Pro on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! For countless free articles on the writing life, check out the COMPEL Pro Blog! FOR DEEPER STUDY Luke 12:29-31, "And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you" (ESV). In what ways have your thoughts about tomorrow robbed you of today's purpose and blessings? How can you seek the Kingdom today? We'd love to hear your thoughts - share them in the comments! © 2024 by Felicia Caid Smith. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 MinistriesP.O. Box 3189 Matthews, NC 28106 www.Proverbs31.org The post From Next to Now – Encouragement for Today – July 24, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.

A Prayer to Choose JesusBy Maggie Meadows Cooper "She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord's feet and was listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks..." – Luke 10:39-40 CSB In recent weeks and months, I have found myself feeling disconnected from the Lord. Still praying, still going to Bible Study and church, still doing all the things...but just feeling a little like an outsider looking into my faith life at times. I'm saying the right words, making choices to honor Him most days, but I just feel "off." Do you know what I mean? So, I went to the Lord with my concerns, and I felt Him say, "Maggie, your heart for Me hasn't changed, but you've been distracted."  And He's right. My husband and three kids, work, end of school stuff, sports, travel, church obligations...there are a lot of things to divide my attention and my time from the One who matters most. And when I felt Him share that, I immediately thought of Martha. Some of you may know why. But others may not, so if you don't know the story of Martha and Mary, here it is: "While they were traveling, he entered a village and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord's feet and was listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand." The Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42 CSB This story is well-known to many and has been written about and shared too many times to count. But as many times as I've heard it, it still touches my heart and proves to be a lesson I haven't mastered yet and most likely never will. But out of this short message, the Lord put a few new things on my heart, and I hope they will encourage you as well. First, opening our home to Jesus is not enough. The scripture says, "…Martha welcomed him into her home...but she was distracted by her many tasks" Luke 10:38,40. Opening the door is not enough. How many of us invite Jesus in, show Him around, and tell Him how thankful we are for Him, then "sit" Him down in a corner to wait until we have finished our to-do list to sit and talk with Him? I certainly have, and it hurts my heart. I truly believe that distraction is one of the biggest tactics Satan uses to keep us from time with Jesus. It's such a simple strategy, that makes our time away from the Lord seem innocent as we are working on other worthy tasks, yet ultimately, we are putting them above our time with Him. The urgent seems to override what is most important over and over again. Yes when we invite other guests into our home, we sit and talk and eat and listen. And we should do the same for Jesus. Second, spending time with Jesus, listening and learning, is necessary to accomplish all of the other things in life. In verse 40, Martha asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to serve alone?…" I must say I find myself asking Him the same question sometimes, and I think we could all fill in the blank with our own worries and responsibilities. "Lord, don't you care that ______________???" But I believe His answer would be the same to us as it was to her. He replied, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary." He called her by name, twice. Maybe because she wasn't listening the first time, and he needed her to stop and look at Him. But I think he did it for emphasis, to show His care for her. To show her that he knew her heart and would call her out by name because of how very much he loved her. Jesus recognized her every worry, and He did not discount them. But He lovingly reminded her of the one thing that is necessary in this life: sitting at His feet, setting the to-do list aside, listening, and learning from Him. Necessary means "needed, essential, the basic requirements of life." When Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" in John 15:5, I think this is what he meant. Our time with Him is necessary.  And lastly, we all have a choice to make, each and every day. After Jesus told Martha what was necessary in verse 42, he said, "Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her." Other translations say that Mary chose what was "better" or "the good portion." Y'all, this implies that Martha's choice to run around, fixing a fancy dinner, setting the table, seeing to guests, etc. was not what she needed to do in that moment. Within that room there was a clear decision to be made. I understand Martha's feeling of duty to be hostess, her longing to maybe impress the guests that were there, and maybe a little of the pride that goes along with those things. I don't think this means there's not a time for that. But right there, in that moment, he knew that what he had to offer was life-sustaining and necessary to accomplish all of the other little tasks. And Mary chose first to spend her time with Him.  Sweet friends, my disconnect has come from the distractions of life. The choices I've made to put other things ahead of my time with Jesus. And maybe you have done the same at times. But the beautiful message of this story is that Jesus didn't cast Martha aside. He left her again with a choice to be made. I've often wondered if she came and sat down with him in that moment. If she set her apron and oven mitt aside to sit with Mary at his feet. And the truth is that we don't know. But that choice is not just for Martha. It's for us too.  Open your home to Jesus. Invite him in and prepare to give him your best, but don't leave him sitting alone. Take the time to sit at His feet and listen as He fills you with the necessary Words of Truth you need to live this life. Then make that choice over and over again. May we all choose what is right, better, and the good portion each and every day. Let's pray: Dear Jesus,There are so many tasks to accomplish in this life, and I admit that I sometimes get distracted. Please forgive me for putting my to-do list and worries above time with you. Help my heart stay turned toward You as I take the time to sit at your feet, listen, and choose You over and over again. Thank You for Your grace, Your mercy, and Your willingness to let me choose again.In Your Mighty Name, Jesus, amen. Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Therd oval Maggie Meadows Cooper is a wife, mom, educator, author, and blogger with a longing for women to grow a heart for Jesus and others. She is the author of the children's book "Bumper" and blogs at The Little Moments about what the Lord is teaching her through her children and everyday life. She contributes to Blogs by Christian Women, Devotional Diva, She Disciples, and Connecting Ministries. An educator with an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University (War Eagle!), she has twenty years of experience working with young children. She loves all things chocolate, real Coca-Cola, and lives with her husband, three children, and two rambunctious dogs in Opelika, Alabama. 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 Choose Jesus – Your Daily Prayer – July 24 appeared first on GodUpdates.

A Prayer to Choose JesusBy Maggie Meadows Cooper "She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord's feet and was listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks..." – Luke 10:39-40 CSB In recent weeks and months, I have found myself feeling disconnected from the Lord. Still praying, still going to Bible Study and church, still doing all the things...but just feeling a little like an outsider looking into my faith life at times. I'm saying the right words, making choices to honor Him most days, but I just feel "off." Do you know what I mean? So, I went to the Lord with my concerns, and I felt Him say, "Maggie, your heart for Me hasn't changed, but you've been distracted."  And He's right. My husband and three kids, work, end of school stuff, sports, travel, church obligations...there are a lot of things to divide my attention and my time from the One who matters most. And when I felt Him share that, I immediately thought of Martha. Some of you may know why. But others may not, so if you don't know the story of Martha and Mary, here it is: "While they were traveling, he entered a village and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord's feet and was listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand." The Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42 CSB This story is well-known to many and has been written about and shared too many times to count. But as many times as I've heard it, it still touches my heart and proves to be a lesson I haven't mastered yet and most likely never will. But out of this short message, the Lord put a few new things on my heart, and I hope they will encourage you as well. First, opening our home to Jesus is not enough. The scripture says, "…Martha welcomed him into her home...but she was distracted by her many tasks" Luke 10:38,40. Opening the door is not enough. How many of us invite Jesus in, show Him around, and tell Him how thankful we are for Him, then "sit" Him down in a corner to wait until we have finished our to-do list to sit and talk with Him? I certainly have, and it hurts my heart. I truly believe that distraction is one of the biggest tactics Satan uses to keep us from time with Jesus. It's such a simple strategy, that makes our time away from the Lord seem innocent as we are working on other worthy tasks, yet ultimately, we are putting them above our time with Him. The urgent seems to override what is most important over and over again. Yes when we invite other guests into our home, we sit and talk and eat and listen. And we should do the same for Jesus. Second, spending time with Jesus, listening and learning, is necessary to accomplish all of the other things in life. In verse 40, Martha asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to serve alone?…" I must say I find myself asking Him the same question sometimes, and I think we could all fill in the blank with our own worries and responsibilities. "Lord, don't you care that ______________???" But I believe His answer would be the same to us as it was to her. He replied, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary." He called her by name, twice. Maybe because she wasn't listening the first time, and he needed her to stop and look at Him. But I think he did it for emphasis, to show His care for her. To show her that he knew her heart and would call her out by name because of how very much he loved her. Jesus recognized her every worry, and He did not discount them. But He lovingly reminded her of the one thing that is necessary in this life: sitting at His feet, setting the to-do list aside, listening, and learning from Him. Necessary means "needed, essential, the basic requirements of life." When Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" in John 15:5, I think this is what he meant. Our time with Him is necessary.  And lastly, we all have a choice to make, each and every day. After Jesus told Martha what was necessary in verse 42, he said, "Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her." Other translations say that Mary chose what was "better" or "the good portion." Y'all, this implies that Martha's choice to run around, fixing a fancy dinner, setting the table, seeing to guests, etc. was not what she needed to do in that moment. Within that room there was a clear decision to be made. I understand Martha's feeling of duty to be hostess, her longing to maybe impress the guests that were there, and maybe a little of the pride that goes along with those things. I don't think this means there's not a time for that. But right there, in that moment, he knew that what he had to offer was life-sustaining and necessary to accomplish all of the other little tasks. And Mary chose first to spend her time with Him.  Sweet friends, my disconnect has come from the distractions of life. The choices I've made to put other things ahead of my time with Jesus. And maybe you have done the same at times. But the beautiful message of this story is that Jesus didn't cast Martha aside. He left her again with a choice to be made. I've often wondered if she came and sat down with him in that moment. If she set her apron and oven mitt aside to sit with Mary at his feet. And the truth is that we don't know. But that choice is not just for Martha. It's for us too.  Open your home to Jesus. Invite him in and prepare to give him your best, but don't leave him sitting alone. Take the time to sit at His feet and listen as He fills you with the necessary Words of Truth you need to live this life. Then make that choice over and over again. May we all choose what is right, better, and the good portion each and every day. Let's pray: Dear Jesus,There are so many tasks to accomplish in this life, and I admit that I sometimes get distracted. Please forgive me for putting my to-do list and worries above time with you. Help my heart stay turned toward You as I take the time to sit at your feet, listen, and choose You over and over again. Thank You for Your grace, Your mercy, and Your willingness to let me choose again.In Your Mighty Name, Jesus, amen. Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Therd oval Maggie Meadows Cooper is a wife, mom, educator, author, and blogger with a longing for women to grow a heart for Jesus and others. She is the author of the children's book "Bumper" and blogs at The Little Moments about what the Lord is teaching her through her children and everyday life. She contributes to Blogs by Christian Women, Devotional Diva, She Disciples, and Connecting Ministries. An educator with an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University (War Eagle!), she has twenty years of experience working with young children. She loves all things chocolate, real Coca-Cola, and lives with her husband, three children, and two rambunctious dogs in Opelika, Alabama. 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 Choose Jesus – Your Daily Prayer – July 24 appeared first on GodUpdates.