by Mish Shedlock‚ Mish Talk: Governor Gavin Newsom bragged of a surplus‚ but California is seriously underwater. The next recession will hit the state extremely hard. Golden State Budget Fantasy The City Journal founder Ed Ring comments on the Golden State Budget Fantasy While finalizing the upcoming fiscal year’s state budget back in May 2022‚ California […]

Staying committed to your higher calling Anyone who loves their life will lose it‚ while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. – John 12:25 The Civil War might have been averted and a peaceful emancipation of slaves achieved had there been more people like journalist Elijah Lovejoy. After observing one lynching‚ Lovejoy was committed forever to fighting the awful sin of slavery. Time after time‚ mob action was brought against him. But neither this nor many threats and attempts on his life deterred him. Repeated destruction of his presses didn't even stop him. He said‚ "If by compromise is meant that I should cease from my duty‚ I cannot make it. I fear God more that I fear man. Crush me if you will‚ but I shall die at my post." And he did... four days later at the hands of another mob. And not one member of the mob that killed him was prosecuted or indicted or punished in any way for this murder. But one young man was deeply moved by the Lovejoy martyrdom. He had just been elected to the Illinois legislature. His name was Abraham Lincoln. As a Christian‚ you have a calling that's much greater than even your own life. And while most today won't experience martyrdom‚ the commitment should be the same. So devote yourself to the calling of Christ above all others and you'll be blessed forever! Prayer Challenge Ask God to give you the strength to commit yourself to Him‚ no matter the cost! Visit the Senior Living Ministries website The post Staying Committed to Your Higher Calling – Senior Living – April 1 appeared first on GodUpdates.

A Prayer for Purpose and TransformationBy Jessica Van Roekel "In all my prayers for all of you‚ I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now‚ being confident of this‚ that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." – Philippians 1:4-6‚ NIV I can remember when I first received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. My heart filled with peace‚ and a heavy burden lifted. I knew I would never be alone‚ and hope would always be mine. I grew hungrier and hungrier for God and his Word. I wanted to know him more and more. But time passed‚ and life went on with hardship after hardship. I came to a crossroads: would I remember God and my original response to him‚ or would I go my own way? I chose him and embarked on a journey of purpose and transformation.  We experience spiritual salvation by God's grace and our act of faith in him. His grace is unearned favor‚ love‚ and the enablement to finish our race. We get the privilege to faithfully complete our journey on earth. Purpose and transformation happen through the surrender of our daily lives to God. While we do not gain salvation through works‚ we do express our salvation through ongoing spiritual growth and development. Salvation is a gift lived out and fulfilled through a continual‚ daily surrender to Jesus Christ to follow his purposes. This takes great determination on our part while we rely on God's grace for that determination. Following God is a beautiful partnership through our willingness to say yes to God every day‚ our faith‚ and God's strength and empowerment through us. Hebrews 13:20-21 supports this concept and says‚ "Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus‚ the great shepherd of the sheep‚ by the blood of the eternal covenant equip you with everything good that you may do his will‚ working in us that which is pleasing in his sight‚ through Jesus Christ‚ to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." (ESV) God's work within us depends on our faithfulness and cooperation. When we face hardships‚ do we turn to the world's wisdom for help‚ or do we turn to God's word? When we struggle with fellow followers of Jesus Christ‚ do we turn away from the body of Christ or turn toward Christ for guidance through the struggle? God works in us if we let him. He takes our yes and works by his Spirit to produce within us the desire and the power to do what is good and right and to fulfill his purpose for our lives.  We don't come to God in a completed‚ perfect state. We come to him when we're in the middle of our God-defying way of life and recognize we need him‚ so we turn from our own way to follow him. This takes us on the path to transformation and purpose. In reliance on him‚ we resist the temptation to live in defiance of his ways. To find our purpose‚ we allow the desires of the Holy Spirit to become ours. We find victory over evil when we use every God-given means to overcome available to us. Transformation happens when we take on Jesus Christ's character. God is faithful to complete the work he began in you when you responded to his invitation to receive his salvation by grace. Let's pray: Heavenly Father‚ Thank you for sending your son‚ Jesus Christ‚ to die for my sin and to rise from the dead to conquer spiritual death once and for all. Transform me‚ Lord. Make me into a reflection of you. Let me take the seriousness of reverence for you and give me a passionate pursuit of your purposes for my life. You do not force yourself into my life‚ but I don't want to resist your call. I surrender my life and my days to you. I know I will face hardships and I may forget to rely on you and to trust in you. Turn my eyes to you and remind my heart of my commitment to follow you all the days of my life. I want your work to be evident in my heart as I choose faithfulness toward you. I will cooperate with your Holy Spirit to transform me. Take my willing heart and make me into a reflection of you.In Jesus' name‚ Amen Photo credit: ©GettyImages/kieferpix Jessica Van Roekel loves the upside-down life of following Jesus as she journeys to wholeness through brokenness. As an author‚ speaker‚ and worship leader‚ she uses her gifts and experiences to share God's transformative power to rescue‚ restore‚ and renew. She longs for you to know that rejection doesn't have to define or determine your future when placed in God's healing hands. Find out more reframingrejectionbook.com You can connect with her on Instagram and Facebook. Teach Us to Pray is a FREE prayer podcast hosted by iBelieve writer Christina Patterson. Each week‚ she gives you practical‚ real-life tips on how to grow your faith and relationship with God through the power of prayer. To listen to her episode on What to Pray in the Morning for a Worry-Free Day‚ click below! 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 Purpose and Transformation – Your Daily Prayer – April 1 appeared first on GodUpdates.

April 1‚ 2024 Take Courage in the StormSARAH FREYMUTH Lee en español "But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.'" Matthew 14:27 (NIV) Already it's a squall of a day - emotions all tangled‚ deadlines looming before I even begin on my projects‚ and a constant worry in the back of my mind that God may not be in a hurry to help me out of my latest fear. My spiritual boat is battered‚ far from the safety of shore. How I long to take control of it all‚ but the waves come fiercely‚ tossing my heart about. When life's storms rage‚ we can feel absolutely helpless‚ as if one more wave will knock us out of the boat and into the water. We get frantic and afraid‚ wondering if we've been forgotten. But somewhere among the mist and moonlight‚ a figure appears. Moving toward us on top of the waves. As if nothing ruffles Him. His eyes are fixed on us‚ His hand turned toward us. Who is this who faces the swelling water and slashing rain and does not falter? "Take courage! It is I‚" Jesus tells us in Matthew 14:27. He says‚ "Don't be afraid." Jesus has come for us. His steps are steady‚ purposeful. He knows exactly where we are in our storms and will stop at nothing to see us through. The winds of struggle may blow straight at us‚ fierce and menacing. But Jesus comes straight to us‚ standing on top of what we fear. There is nothing we can't face when the Lord who stilled the sea longs to still what rages within us. He comes to be with us‚ stepping right into our storms without hesitation. This is who He is. He even invites us to step out of the boat and onto the waves‚ in direct opposition to our hearts' terror. He calls us with one simple word: "Come" (Matthew 14:29a‚ NIV). And we have the chance to let our faith be bigger than our fear‚ to walk toward the One who stands with hands outstretched. The God who walks on water to meet us will not let us sink. Do you believe He is willing to walk into your storm‚ into the waves that roil? Do you trust Him enough that when He extends His invitation‚ you get out of the boat in faith? Friend‚ we are safe in His arms. God directs our steps and makes them secure. We don't have to worry about where we're going because we know who guides us. It's OK to admit we're afraid or out of our element. The more out of sorts we feel‚ the more we can lean into God‚ who gives us all we need along the way. He is walking toward us in the storm; let's allow Jesus to calm the seas of our hearts. Father‚ my heart is aching today. The storms of life are tossing me about‚ and I am afraid and weary. Stretch my faith through the comfort of Your presence. Thank You for being in control of my life; I can trust You. In Jesus' Name‚ Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS Please join us in partnering with moms around the world who want to see their children grow to be healthy‚ strong followers of Jesus. Through the work of Compassion International‚ children are being released from poverty - in Jesus' name and always through the local church. Would you join us in sponsoring a child today? When you become a sponsor‚ Compassion will send you a copy of our Keep Holding On study as our thanks for investing in the life of a child. ENGAGE For more from Sarah Freymuth‚ you can visit her website or connect with her on Instagram and Facebook. FOR DEEPER STUDY Matthew 14:31‚ "Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him‚ saying to him‚ ‘O you of little faith‚ why did you doubt?'" (ESV). How has God met you in the middle of your storms? How can you take comfort that He is with you in your most recent trial? Try finding a favorite worship song and letting it play throughout the day. Keep your heart in a state of praise while He sees you through. We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments. © 2024 by Sarah Freymuth. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 MinistriesP.O. Box 3189 Matthews‚ NC 28106 www.Proverbs31.org The post Take Courage in the Storm – Encouragement for Today – April 1‚ 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.

1862 - Shenandoah Valley campaign‚ Jackson's Battle of Woodstock‚ Virginia 1905 - British East African Protectorate becomes colony of Kenya 1931 - Earthquake devastate Managua Nicaragua‚ kills 2‚000 1934 - Clyde Barrow kills two young highway patrolmen‚ H. D. Murphy and Edward Bryant Wheeler‚ at the intersection of Route 114 near Grapevine‚ Texas. Bonnie Parker's role in the murders helps turn public perception against the gang for good 1948 - "Big Bang" theory proposed in scientific journal "Physical Review" by American cosmologists Ralph Alpher‚ Hans Bethe‚ and George Gamow 1957 - Trial begins in Budapest against participants of the Hungarian Uprising of October 1956 1976 - Conrail takes over operations from six bankrupt railroads in the northeastern U.S.. 1983 - Anti-nuclear demonstrators link arms in 14-mile human chain in England 1999 - Philadelphia 76ers head coach Larry Brown wins his 900th pro game with an 88-84 win over Miami Heat; Brown record: 671-547 NBA‚ 229-107 ABA‚ combined 900-654 2009 - Croatia and Albania join NATO More Historical Events »

Historical Events 1881 - Kingdom post office in Netherlands opens 1891 - The Wrigley Company is founded in Chicago‚ Illinois. 1931 - Earthquake devastate Managua Nicaragua‚ kills 2‚000 1937 - Aden becomes a British crown colony 1990 - WrestleMania VI‚ Skydome‚ Toronto‚ ON (67‚678): Ultimate Warrior beats Hulk Hogan for WWF Heavyweight and Intercontinental titles 2020 - All England Lawn Tennis Club cancels Wimbledon for the first time since World War II because of the COVID-19 pandemic; entire grass-court season abandoned More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1933 - Stan Weston‚ US toy licensing agent‚ had concept for G.I. Joe‚ born in Brooklyn‚ New York (d. 2017) 1945 - John Barbata‚ American drummer (Turtles - "Happy Together"; "Elenore")‚ born in Passiac‚ New Jersey 1975 - Kristine Quance‚ American swimmer (Olympics gold 4×100m medley relay 1996)‚ born in Northridge‚ California 1978 - Jean-Pierre Dumont‚ Canadian ice hockey right wing (World C'ship gold 2004; Buffalo Sabres‚ Nashville Predators)‚ born in Montreal‚ Quebec 1982 - Sam Huntington‚ American actor (Jungle 2 Jungle‚ Being Human)‚ born in Peterborough‚ New Hampshire 1985 - Beth Tweddle‚ English gymnast (World C'ship gold 2006‚ 09‚ 10; Olympic bronze 2012)‚ born in Johannesburg‚ South Africa More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1975 - Eugeen Yoors‚ Flemish etcher and glass painter‚ dies at 95 1983 - Ken Kersey‚ Canadian jazz pianist‚ and composer ("Boogie Woogie Cocktail")‚ dies at 66 1984 - Marvin Gaye‚ American soul singer-songwriter ("It Takes Two"; What's Going On"; "Let's Get It On")‚ shot to death by his father Marvin Gay‚ Sr.‚ during a domestic dispute in Los Angeles at 44 1993 - Wayne Mack‚ American sportscaster (New Orleans Saints‚ Tulane University) and actor (Storyville)‚ dies of cancer at 68 2004 - Nilo Soruco‚ Bolivian singer-songwriter ("Ya la pagarán"; "Caraqueña")‚ dies at 76 2005 - Alexander Brott‚ Canadian violinist‚ conductor‚ educator‚ and composer (McGill Chamber Orchestra)‚ dies at 90 More Famous Deaths »

Released in 1976‚ Year Of The Cat is the album that put Al Stewart on the map‚ showcasing his lyrical prowess and musical finesse. The album encapsulates Stewart’s distinctive blend of folk-rock‚ progressive rock‚ and storytelling lyricism‚ drawing listeners into a world where history‚ romance‚ and introspection intertwine. At the heart of the album lies its title track‚ “Year of the Cat.” With its mesmerizing melody and evocative lyrics‚ the song transports listeners on a journey through the mystique of nighttime Saigon‚ where exoticism and intrigue converge. Stewart’s narrative shines as he weaves a tale of chance encounters and enigmatic characters against the backdrop of a city pulsating with life and secrets. The lush instrumentation‚ featuring saxophone solos and intricate guitar work‚ adds depth to the song’s allure‚ immersing listeners in its cinematic allure. Beyond its titular track‚ Year Of The Cat boasts a diverse array of musical gems. “On the Border” paints a vivid portrait of love and longing against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War‚ while “Broadway Hotel” delves into the transient nature of fame and fortune with poignant lyricism. Each song on the album serves as a vignette‚ offering glimpses into different moments in time and space‚ yet interconnected by Stewart’s masterful storytelling. One of the album’s standout tracks‚ “One Stage Before‚” showcases Stewart’s introspective side‚ exploring themes of existentialism and the passage of time. Through poignant lyrics and haunting melodies‚ the song reflects on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of change‚ resonating with listeners on a profound level. On Year Of The Cat‚ Stewart demonstrates a remarkable ability to blend historical narratives with personal introspection‚ crafting songs that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. Whether delving into the intricacies of ancient civilizations or exploring the complexities of human relationships‚ Stewart’s lyrics are imbued with a timeless quality that transcends the era in which they were written. Moreover‚ the album’s musical arrangements‚ characterized by intricate instrumentation and rich orchestration‚ further elevate Stewart’s storytelling‚ creating a sonic tapestry that is as captivating as it is immersive. From the haunting flute melodies to the soaring guitar solos‚ each musical element serves to enhance the lyrical narrative‚ drawing listeners deeper into Stewart’s world. Nearly five decades since its release‚ Year Of The Cat continues to captivate audiences with its timeless appeal. Stewart’s masterful storytelling and musical craftsmanship have solidified the album’s place as a classic of the folk-rock genre‚ inspiring generations of musicians and listeners alike. In an ever-changing musical landscape‚ Year Of The Cat is testament to the enduring power of art to transcend time and space‚ leaving an indelible mark on those who dare to embark on its enchanting journey. ~ Yancy Davidson The post Al Stewart | Year Of The Cat – Classic Commentary first appeared on VintageRock.com.

Revealed: this week's biggest bangers in the explosive world of rock'n'roll‚ alongside some quieter moments