Category: What he Wants

This goes over a few things that Jesus wants.

Bear swipes at man in Colorado apartment complex and scratches his arm

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Paramedics treat a man beside an ambulance while a bear crosses a meadow

A bear swiped at a man and scratched his arm on Monday. That’s according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials, who said it happened in the afternoon at an apartment complex in Eagle County. CPW said the man was leaving a laundry room when the bear appeared and scratched him. He then tried to get away and tripped and hurt his foot. The man was treated at a medical center for both injuries and has since been released.

Wildlife officers made an attempt to locate the bear, a female, but so far haven’t been able to find it. They said they set a bear trap in the neighborhood, which is close to Eagle-Vail. “Wildlife officials believe the presence of a larger male bear in the area prompted the sow and cubs to stay away,” CPW wrote in a prepared statement. It has been an above-normal year for bear sightings and conflicts in Colorado.

Source: Bear swipes at man in Colorado apartment complex and scratches his arm – CBS Colorado

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

The Distraction of Fear

Fear has a way of making tomorrow feel more real than today. But you were never meant to live inside a future that hasn’t happened yet, you were…

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Too Busy to Hear God

You can be so busy doing things for God that you never stop long enough to hear from God. Sometimes the biggest distraction in your life isn’t rebellion,…

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Who Has Your Attention?

Your attention is one of the most valuable things you own, and everyone wants a piece of it. The question isn’t whether something is getting your attention—the question…

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Nearly 30,000 pounds of Argentine beef sold in Texas, Florida recalled by Miami-area company

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Vacuum-sealed Argentine beef ribeye cuts with SENASA inspection labels

Shoppers in Texas and Florida are being asked to check their freezers for beef imported from Argentina that is now being recalled by federal officials. The Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Friday that Corte Argentino – a company based in Aventura, Florida – recalled nearly 30,000 pounds of raw beef products produced in May that have use or freeze-by dates between Sept. 15, 2026, and Sept. 20, 2026. The FSIS said the products were imported without the benefit of import reinspection into the United States. The service said the issue was discovered during routine inspection activities. Five products, all of which are boneless beef products in cardboard boxes of various weights and carry the “FrigorIfico Gorina SAIC” brand, are impacted:

  • “Top Sirloin Butt” (“Cuadril Sin Tapa”)
  • “Eye Round” (“Peceto”)
  • “Topside Cap Off” (“Nalga AD S/Tapa”)
  • “Flat” (“Carnaza Cuadrada”)
  • “Knuckle” (“Bola de Lomo”)

CBS News

Texas The FSIS said the products subject to the recall bear Argentine establishment number “EST. N° OF. 2025” and shipping mark “26644-AA”. While it’s not known which stores may have sold the beef, the service said the products were distributed to distributors and retailers in both states. While no illnesses or injuries have been reported as a result of eating the beef, the FSIS urges anyone with concerns to contact a healthcare provider. The service also said anyone who still has the beef should either throw it away or return it to the place of purchase. Anyone with questions about the recall can email Corte Argentino at info@corteargentinoinc.com.

Recall comes after U.S. ranchers’ opposition The recall of the Corte Argentino beef comes nearly a year after President Donald Trump announced a plan to import more meat from Argentina as part of a deal signed with his counterpart, Argentine President Javier Milei, as part of a plan to cut record beef prices. However, that plan was met with heated opposition from U.S. ranchers and skepticism from experts who said it likely wouldn’t lead to lower prices at grocery stores. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, along with the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America and other farming groups — who are normally some of the president’s biggest supporters — all criticized Trump’s plan because of what it could do to American ranchers and feedlot operators. And agricultural economists say Argentine beef accounts for such a small slice of beef imports — only about 2% — that even doubling that wouldn’t change prices much.  

Several factors have sent beef prices soaring, starting with continued strong demand combined with the smallest U.S. herd size since 1961. In part, that small herd is due to years of drought and low cattle prices. Further, Kansas State University agricultural economist Glynn Tonsor said Argentina can’t produce enough beef to offset those other losses of imports. “We’re always going to have uncertainty in the world. But the more uncertain something is, the less likely most are to put money on the line,” Tonsor said.

Source: Nearly 30,000 pounds of Argentine beef sold in Texas, Florida recalled by Miami-area company – CBS Texas

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.
1 Timothy 6:9

Finding Strength in God

You don’t have to carry this alone, He is your safe place and your help in every moment of need.  Bible Verse:God is our Refuge and Strength [mighty and…

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Rabies alerts issued in Harford, Anne Arundel counties involving racoon, bat and fox

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Raccoon foraging beside dense vegetation in a suburban backyard

Health officials in Harford and Anne Arundel counties have issued new rabies alerts involving a racoon, a fox and a bat. The Harford County Health Department said Tuesday it had received confirmation from state health officials that two animals — a racoon and a fox — had tested positive for the rabies virus.  The rabid raccoon was found near the 200 block of Cooley Mill Road, in Havre de Grace, while the rabid fox was found near the 700 block of Walters Mill Road in Forest Hill, Maryland. The health department said the rabid animals may have exposed people or pets in surrounding areas.    

“Witnessing a raccoon, fox, or other wildlife is not cause for alarm,” the department said in a statement. “But if you or your pets have had contact with a raccoon or fox near the specified areas, please call the Harford County Health Department at 410-877-2300 for follow-up.” Anne Arundel bat alert In Anne Arundel County, an alert was issued by the health department seeking information about anyone who might have come in contact with an infected bat found outside Almondbury Drive in Pasadena. A statement said the bat was found August 9 and tested positive for rabies. The Arundel County Department of Health is urging anyone who might have come into contact with the bat to contact the department at 410-222-7254. Area residents who discover unexplained wounds on their pets should also reach out to report the injuries. 

Rabies is spread by the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a groundhog, cat, fox, raccoon, skunk or bat. It is also spread when an infected animal’s saliva comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth or open cut of a person or another animal. Latest warnings follow recent biting incidents Preventive treatment might be required for anyone who handled, fed or was attacked by the infected animal. Rabies is a fatal disease, and preventive treatment (injections) must be started as soon as possible. The latest reports of rabid animals follows an incident in July in which a beaver infected with rabies bit a 13-year-old boy at Cunningham Falls State Park in Maryland’s Frederick County.

The boy sustained injuries to his hands and chest and was flown to Johns Hopkins Hospital for treatment.   Then, earlier this month, a 19-year-old man was bitten on the leg while visiting Cunningham Falls State Park. 

Source: Rabies alerts issued in Harford, Anne Arundel counties involving racoon, bat and fox – CBS Baltimore

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
Acts 4:32

Faith Under Pressure

Pip: Drink of Jesus is a site that treats ancient Scripture the way a good contractor treats load-bearing walls — you don’t move them just because the room…

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Shepherds Who Neglect the Flock

The deepest wounds are often inflicted by those entrusted to care for our souls. But when earthly shepherds fail, the Good Shepherd never abandons His sheep. Son of…

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Bay Area animal rescue and zoo needs help to recover from severe storm damage

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Seals resting on rocks in a fenced marine enclosure overlooking a coastal sunset and two people walking a dog on a path nearby

CuriOdyssey, a San Mateo animal rescue and zoo is still cleaning up after being battered by the winter storms. The powerful storms also destroyed animals’ habitats, obscured walkways and made it dangerous for staff and visitors.

Source: Bay Area animal rescue and zoo needs help to recover from severe storm damage – YouTube

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:23-24

The Weight of Leadership

“A church can survive criticism, but it cannot thrive without integrity. When spiritual leaders forget they answer first to God, the flock always bears the wounds.”…

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Heaven is for Real Movie

“Heaven is for Real” is a faith-based family drama inspired by a Nebraska Pastor Tood Burpo’s best-selling book about his 4 years old son (Colton Burpo)…

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God’s Here

After losing his wife and son in a tragic accident, a firefighter wrestles with grief and forgiveness. Starring Kevin Sorbo (God’s Not Dead), Sarah Elizabeth Reeves…

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Feeling Alone? God Sees You

Even when you feel invisible in your struggle, God sees every tear, every burden, and every silent prayer. Your exhaustion has not escaped His attention. “The…

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Unity in the Body of Christ: Breaking Down Barriers

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Stone church with bell tower and graveyard under cloudy sky with sunbeam

Division within the church is one of the enemy’s greatest tools because it weakens unity, damages witness, and distracts believers from the mission of Christ. I personally believe that all of the denominations and interpretations are a disease that the devil created to separate Gods children. If you look around it works pretty good. Jesus warned in Matthew 12:25 that “every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.” When bitterness, gossip, jealousy, pride, and unforgiveness take root, the body of Christ begins to fracture from within.

Galatians 5:15 gives another sobering warning: “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” Many times division begins quietly through offense, competition, misunderstandings, ego, or personal agendas. Instead of building one another up, people begin tearing each other down. What should be a place of healing becomes a battlefield of opinions, power struggles, and wounded hearts.

Yet God sees beyond outward appearances. Jeremiah 17:10 says, “I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins.” God scrutinizes and examines our motives, pride, selfish ambition, and hidden bitterness that fuel division. Sometimes the greatest issue is not theology or disagreement, it is the condition of the heart. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” 

The solution to a divided church begins with repentance, humility, and returning to the love of Christ. Ephesians 4:2–3 calls believers to walk“with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Healing comes when believers choose forgiveness over offense, prayer over gossip, humility over pride, and truth spoken in love over destructive conflict. Unity does not mean everyone agrees on everything, it means Christ remains greater than our personal preferences.

A healthy church is not built by perfect people but by fully surrendered people who allow God to transform their hearts. When the church chooses love, accountability, grace, and biblical truth, division will completely loose its power.

Thought to Ponder:
Is your heart helping build unity within the body of Christ, or is it unknowingly contributing to division?

Journaling Prompt:
What attitudes, wounds, or unresolved conflicts could God be asking you to surrender for the sake of unity and healing?

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, search my heart and remove anything that causes division, pride, or bitterness. Help Your church walk in humility, love, forgiveness, and truth. Teach us to honor one another and remain united in Christ even through disagreements. Bring healing where there is conflict and restore peace within Your people. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Peace in the Storm

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Finding Hope in Life’s Challenges

When life turns up the heat, your faith isn’t falling apart, it’s being revealed. What feels like pressure is actually God proving that what He placed in you can’t be destroyed.  Bible…

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Come As You Are: God Awaits You

God does not ask you to be flawless before coming to Him. He asks you to come as you are. “For by grace are ye saved through faith… not of works.” —…

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Why Waiting on God is Always Worth It

What feels late to us is often perfectly timed by God. Heaven’s clock never runs behind schedule. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise… but is longsuffering to us-ward.” — 2…

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Costly Sacrifice: The Heart of Worship

What the world calls waste, Jesus calls worship, your sacrifice for Him is never overlooked. Bold, extravagant faith stands out in a culture that misunderstands true devotion.  “She has done a beautiful…

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Finding Stability in Chaotic Times: A Guide for Believers

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Rough ocean waves under dark storm clouds with golden sunset light
Dark storm clouds above ocean with rain showers and light reflections

Pip: Drink of Jesus is a site that takes seriously the idea that ancient words still do something in a noisy world — which is either countercultural or just stubborn, and honestly, maybe both.

Mara: Today we’re covering two stretches of territory: what it looks like to keep going when exhaustion sets in, and how believers are supposed to hold onto truth when the culture is pulling hard in the other direction. Let’s start with endurance in hard seasons.

When the Ground Feels Unstable

Pip: The question underneath this segment is a real one: when everything around you feels chaotic, where does a believer actually plant their feet?

Mara: God Is Not Caught Off Guard goes straight at that. Setting up the stakes, it reads: “Just because there is chaos on earth does not equal chaos in heaven.”

Pip: So the upshot is that disorder in the news cycle doesn’t map onto disorder in God’s governance. The post is making a structural argument, not just an emotional one.

Mara: Exactly. And it draws on Isaiah 46 to reinforce that point — God declares the end from the beginning, which means He is not reacting, He is ruling. The post puts it plainly: when the Church forgets this, anxiety replaces trust.

Pip: Running the Race in Weary Times picks up that thread and carries it forward — because sovereignty is one thing, but what do you do on the days when you’re just tired?

Mara: That post sits in Hebrews 12 and names the weight directly: tired of fighting sin, tired of cultural pressure, tired of waiting. The answer it lands on is refocus, not try harder.

Pip: Which is a genuinely different prescription than most people expect.

Mara: Both posts land in the same place — the foundation holds, but you have to keep choosing to stand on it. From there, how you think becomes as important as where you stand.

Renewing the Mind, Testing the Message

Pip: This segment is about a specific kind of threat — not dramatic apostasy, but the slow drift that happens when culture shapes your thinking more than Scripture does.

Mara: Renewing the Mind in a Corrupted Culture frames it this way: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” And then it unpacks the gap between those two words Paul uses — conformed, pressed into a mold from outside; transformed, changed from the inside out.

Pip: That distinction matters because it locates the problem. If formation is always happening, the question is just who’s doing it.

Mara: The post uses a river image to make it concrete — anything placed in a swift current moves with it by default. Spiritual drift is always easier than spiritual growth. And it asks a pointed diagnostic question: do you filter culture through the Bible, or the Bible through your culture?

Pip: Testing the Message, Not the Mood takes that same concern and narrows it to the teaching we receive. The argument there is that false teaching often succeeds not because it’s obviously wrong but because it feels right.

Mara: It leans on Jeremiah 17:9 — the heart is deceitful, not malicious, but easily influenced. Emotions shift with circumstances. So a message that only ever comforts and never confronts is worth examining closely.

Pip: Feeling affirmed without being transformed is a clean summary of the problem.

Mara: Why Discernment Is an Act of Love rounds out the theme by reframing discernment itself. The post pushes back on the idea that testing teaching is unloving — it argues the opposite: leaving people exposed to false ideas is the less loving choice.

Pip: And it pairs that with a humility check. The goal isn’t winning arguments; it’s protecting hearts. That’s a harder posture to hold than either pure skepticism or pure acceptance.

Mara: All three posts are pointing at the same discipline — staying rooted in Scripture as the primary shaping force, not as a supplement to everything else.

Pip: Sovereignty in chaos and discernment under pressure — different problems, same anchor.

Mara: Keep running, keep testing, keep your eyes on what’s actually true. More on that next time.

He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends.
Proverbs 17:9

Jesus Revolution

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War Room

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Climbing Your Mountain

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Boundary Waters wilderness burning at U.S

Wildfires flared earlier this week and destroyed thousands of acres in Manitoba, Ontario, and Minnesota, with many of the fires straddling the U.S.-Canadian border. The Western Fire Chiefs’ map on Thursday afternoon tracked…

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Reflecting Christ: The Power of Being Present for Others

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man in white shirt helping an elderly person

When life feels overwhelming, one of the most powerful ways to reflect Christ is simply to be present for someone else. God calls us to pray for others, forgive freely, and carry one another’s burdens, revealing His love through both our words and our actions.

In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis wrote, “Do not waste your time bothering whether you ‘love’ your neighbor act as if you did. As soon as we do this, we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him. If you injure someone you dislike, you will find yourself disliking him more. If you do him a good turn, you will find yourself disliking him less.”

Our Daily Bread, February 14.

One of the greatest ways we can reflect the heart of Christ is by being there for others. God’s love is not distant or indifferent. He cares deeply about people and desires that they know His truth, experience His grace, and receive His salvation. As followers of Jesus, we are called to share that same concern for those around us.

praying hands of a person on white textile

Being there for others often begins with prayer. Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy that God desires all people to come to the knowledge of the truth. When we pray for family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and even strangers, we participate in God’s work in their lives. Our prayers become an expression of His love and our willingness to care about what matters to Him.

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,  who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 

1 Timothy 2:3-8

God’s desire is far greater than we often realize He wants all people to come to the knowledge of the truth and experience salvation through Jesus Christ. These verses remind us that Christ willingly gave Himself as a ransom for all, bridging the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God. Because of this incredible gift, believers are called to pray for others, including leaders and those in authority, so that God’s peace and truth may spread. Our prayers should reflect God’s love for people, free from anger, division, or selfish motives. As we seek God, we become partners in His mission of reaching the world with the gospel.

But being there for others also requires forgiveness. Relationships are rarely perfect. People disappoint us, misunderstand us, and sometimes hurt us deeply. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6 that forgiveness is essential for those who have experienced God’s mercy. When we choose forgiveness, we remove barriers that can keep us from loving and serving others well. Forgiveness creates room for compassion, healing, and restoration.

Sometimes being there for someone means offering encouragement. Other times it means listening without judgment, helping carry a burden, extending grace, or simply showing up when someone is struggling. These acts may seem small, but they can have a lasting impact. Through them, people often experience a glimpse of God’s love in a tangible way.

women embracing each other

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 6:14-15

We can see that Jesus taught that forgiveness is not optional for those who follow Him. Having received God’s mercy, we are called to extend that same mercy to others. Forgiveness does not mean excusing wrong behavior or pretending the hurt never happened. Instead, it is a decision to release bitterness and surrender judgment to God. Unforgiveness can harden the heart and hinder our fellowship with the Lord, while forgiveness brings freedom, healing, and peace. As we remember how much God has forgiven us through Christ, we find the strength to forgive those who have wronged us and walk in the grace He freely gives.

Today, ask God to help you see people through His eyes. Pray for those around you, forgive freely, and look for opportunities to serve. Your presence, prayers, and compassion may be exactly what someone needs to experience the love of Christ.

Thought to Ponder

Who in your life needs your prayers, forgiveness, encouragement, or support today?

Journaling Prompt

Write down three people God has placed on your heart. How can you intentionally pray for them and demonstrate Christ’s love to them this week?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being present in my life through every season. Help me reflect Your heart by caring for others as You care for them. Teach me to pray faithfully, forgive generously, and serve willingly. Open my eyes to those who are hurting, lonely, or in need of encouragement. Use me as an instrument of Your love and grace, so that others may see Christ through my words and actions. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Matthew 4:7; It is Written

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What is the definition of theology?

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A Father Who Stands Strong in Faith

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A Father Who Leads with Wisdom

Godly leadership requires more than strength; it requires wisdom. Dads are called to seek God’s direction so they can guide their families according to His truth.  Bible Verse:”Trust…

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A Father Who Loves Like God

A Dad’s love can leave a lasting imprint on a child’s heart. God calls dads to reflect His unconditional love through patience, grace, and compassion. “Do everything in…

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What is the Pentateuch?

At times, another person’s insight can help us see God’s Word in a fresh and meaningful way. In this article, we share content designed to encourage your faith,…

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When Silence Protects the Wrong

One of the deepest forms of church hurt happens when abuse, misconduct, or harmful behavior is ignored, minimized, or covered up—especially when trusted leaders or respected members are…

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1 Peter 1:6–7

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that…

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1 Timothy 1:13-15

Though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and…

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First job gives Pittsburgh-area man with disabilities newfound confidence

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Curved paved path through a green park with people walking and jogging and a city skyline in the background

It’s said you never work a day in your life if you love what you do. For some, barriers prevent them from getting the opportunity to work.  For the past two and a half months, Jack Hartley’s routine has followed a rhythm. “You do the liner, then the pads, then the bag, then the divider,” he said about his job task. He’ll go through that process dozens of times, getting boxes together at Grandpa Joe’s Robinson Township warehouse.  “It’s actually a very important job,” Hartley said while putting the boxes together. It’s his first time in the workforce. Hartley has disabilities and battled mental health problems, but he didn’t want that to define him. “I really, really wanted to find something purposeful,” he said. Through a partnership with Achieva, he’s now thriving in his job. It’s part of a broader program called Integrated Vocational Engagement and Support Team, or InVEST.

It’s funded by the state’s Department of Labor and Industry and supports people with disabilities getting meaningful jobs. Hartley works for Grandpa Joe’s and is paid a competitive wage. “Everyone deserves an opportunity to work at a competitive wage. Some of the individuals with disabilities are some of your best employees,” Achieva associate director of business services Amber Westwood said. According to Achieva, they have been partnering with businesses across western Pennsylvania for about 15 years. Hartley is the first employee in this program for Grandpa Joe’s. It hopes to expand with more people filling more roles. “This allowed us to meet those goals while providing meaningful opportunities to individuals,” Grandpa Joe’s vice president of marketing and brand development, Kate Speer, said. “It’s helped me out,” Hartley said about his job. In the program, Hartley has a job coach who helps with resumes, interviews and settling into the job. The goal is for him and others to be independent at the workplace.

“Seeing them take on independence, acclimate themselves to the workplace, and be motivated to be in the workforce is great, and Jack’s been a true success story here,” Achieva job coach Jack Doran said, who works with Hartley directly. With the confidence this job has given Hartley, he now has his eyes on even bigger goals. “This has just been excellent for me. I’m thinking about going back to school,” Hartley said.

Source: First job gives Pittsburgh-area man with disabilities newfound confidence – CBS Pittsburgh

It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, And afterward to reconsider his vows.
Proverbs 20:25

The Brave New Age of Trust-Fund Socialism

Democrats are in the midst of a fun and terrifying transformation. Hating Trump is no longer sufficient to win elections in blue states. Democratic primary voters—specifically the party’s core constituency of…

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Lone Tree Arts Center offering movement classes for Coloradans with Parkinson’s disease

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Lone Tree Arts Center (LTAC) forged a partnership with Parkinson Association of the Rockies to develop a performative movement class. “In performative movement, you really take a look at the sequence: what does it take to throw, then we color it with emotional circumstance,” said Patrick Elkins-Zeglarski, Community Programs Coordinator at LTAC. The class zeroes in on very fine motor skills, the kind of skills that might be lost for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that damages the dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. It causes tremors, stiffness, slow movement, and balance issues, among other symptoms.  “One thing that we do know is that regular movement is really the only way to slow down the progression of the disease,” said Tahreem Pasha, Development Director for Parkinson Association of the Rockies (PAR).  Elkins-Zeglarski developed the class specifically for PAR. 

“It lends itself beautifully for the type of things that folks in the Parkinson’s community are looking for to build community, but also to challenge themselves in a comfortable, supportive space,” Elkins-Zeglarski explained.  Performative movement is a technique that actors use to develop their characters. Elkins-Zeglarski hopes it will help work against rigidity and create more fluid, extended movements. “This, to me, is such a fun way to really move your body, channel the creative side of your brain, but then also be part of the community,” Elkins-Zeglarski added. LTAC is committed to building community and making the center accessible to everyone. 

Source: Lone Tree Arts Center offering movement classes for Coloradans with Parkinson’s disease – CBS Colorado

For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.
Philippians 1:29

Prayer for Boldness; Acts 4:24-31

When opposition rises against God’s people, the natural response is often fear. Yet the early church teaches us that the answer to intimidation is not retreat, but prayer to have…

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Critically endangered Bali mynah chick hatches at Zoo Atlanta

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Zoo Atlanta’s family has just become a little bigger, and its newest baby is critically endangered. The zoo announced on Wednesday that they have successfully hatched a rare Bali mynah chick. Found in southeastern Asia’s forests, the Bali mynah is known for its bright white feathers and its skill at mimicking other animals, including humans. The small natural range of the bird and poaching have left around 20 of fewer Bali mynahs left in the wild. Thankfully, more than a thousand members of the species live in zoos and breeding programs around the world. The new addition came after the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan recommended a breeding pair at the zoo, and this is the pair’s first successful offspring. While the little chick is growing up behind the scenes, it may eventually be found year-round at Zoo Atlanta.

Source: Critically endangered Bali mynah chick hatches at Zoo Atlanta – CBS Atlanta

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:23-24

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4 fluffy flamingo chicks hatch at San Francisco Zoo

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The San Francisco Zoo’s flock of 41 Chilean flamingos welcomed four new chicks in the last week, marking the first successful hatchings by this flock of flamingos in nine years, the zoo announced on Thursday. Zoo officials credit the birds’ recently updated habitat for providing the flamingos with the right environment to lay eggs. “We made some adjustments to their environment over the past several months by installing a mesh netting enclosure over the habitat,” said Quinn Brown, curator of birds at the zoo, in a prepared statement. “The mesh enclosure allowed us to keep the flock outside, rather than inside their night quarters, and it made a difference in their behavior, allowing them to act more naturally. San Francisco Zoo According to Thursday’s announcement, the new mesh protects the flock from wild predators and avian flu, which they could contract from wild migratory birds.

“We had no expectations of chicks this year, but wanted to see if they would behave differently since they had unlimited outdoor access,” said Brown. Zookeepers observed behavioural changes in the flock in April, and in May zoo staff began to get the flamingo habitat ready for breeding season, the press release said. San Francisco Zoo Chilean flamingos make cone-shaped nests with mud, feathers, and stones that keep their eggs safe from heat and rising tides, and zookeepers provided more nest-building materials by adding extra dirt around the flamingo enclosure. Once the mounds were ready, coupled-up flamingo pairs laid eggs and took turns incubating them, the zoo said. On July 11, staff watched as the first chick hatched. By the end of the week, a second chick emerged, and by Thursday, staff announced chicks three and four. The zoo said the chicks are all healthy and eating well. “There’s nothing sweeter than seeing a flamingo chick having other flamingo chicks to grow up with,” said Brown. San Francisco Zoo Though these chicks were born white and fluffy, as they reach 3 to 5 years old, they will start to become pale pink, turning to the deeper pink associated with flamingos as they mature, the zoo added.

Source: 4 fluffy flamingo chicks hatch at San Francisco Zoo – CBS San Francisco

The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.
Psalm 121:7-8

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Antihistamine recall across the U.S. triggered by heartburn drug contamination risk, FDA says

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open green pill bottle with white tablets on blue surface

A generic version of the brand-name allergy medication Zyrtec is under recall across the U.S. due to potential cross-contamination with a heartburn drug, according to the Food and Drug Administration.  Drugmaker Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories is voluntarily recalling antihistamine drugs, commonly used to treat seasonal allergies, over potential cross-contamination with ranitidine, a heartburn drug. Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories announced the recall on July 18.  A pharmacy technician observed what they described as a red dot on some of the antihistamine drugs — cetirizine hydrochloride tablets USP 5 mg — when counting and bottling the medications, according to the FDA’s recall notice.

Other tablets were discolored, alerting the technician to a possible issue.  The FDA indicated that consumers who are hypersensitive to ingredients contained in ranitidine could experience adverse side effects upon exposure, including hypotension, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, loss of consciousness and other life-threatening reactions.  There have been no reports of adverse events related to the recall, according to the FDA.  What products are affected?  The tablets, distributed by Rising Pharma Holdings Inc. to retailers across the U.S., are packaged in 100-tablet bottles. Products with the following lot numbers, set to expire in October 2028, are under recall:

  • GY825029
  • GY825030
  • GY825031
  • GY825032

Rising Pharmaceutical Holdings has notified its customers about the recall and is arranging for the return of all drugs that are under recall.  Consumers with questions can contact Rising Pharma Holdings directly at 1-844-874-7464, or by email at  pv@risingpharma.com  or qa@risingpharma.com. Patients are encouraged to reach out to their healthcare provider if they experience problems related to the potentially contaminated drugs. 

Source: Antihistamine recall across the U.S. triggered by heartburn drug contamination risk, FDA says – CBS News

He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor.
Proverbs 21:21

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Big Bear bald eagle Jackie rescued by Los Angeles wildlife officials after fight with other eagles

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A member of the beloved Big Bear bald eagle family was rescued by wildlife officials after it was involved in a fight, according to Friends of Big Bear Valley and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.  In a news release, LA County Parks officials said that the San Dimas Raptor Rescue team was dispatched to rescue an eagle at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Saturday. They made the more-than-two-hour trip to Big Bear and located the injured eagle, which was being monitored by San Bernardino County Fire Department personnel from Fire Station 96.  Friends of Big Bear Valley, the local nonprofit wildlife organization behind the famous Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, says that an adult bald eagle was observed on the ground near Dana Point Park late Friday night near Dana Point Park, where it was also observed the prior day as well. 

“Later, that eagle was seen in a short ground altercation with two other subadult eagles,” FOBBV officials said in a social media post. “Cell phone video confirmed that the adult was able to fend off the other eagles by turning over and using its talons, but was unable to fly away.” A bald eagle swimming through water at Big Bear Lake. County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation After it was rescued, the eagle was taken to a rehabilitation facility that specializes in eagle care. LA County Parks officials shared a video that showed some steps of the rescue. “The adult eagle that we picked up was sick, very sick,” said a San Dimas Raptor Rescue official.

“There were no physical injuries, so we were able to do a quick assessment; look at her wings and stuff like that. There was nothing obvious, but she was very skinny and underweight.” The bird’s identity was initially unclear at the time of rescue, but FOBBV said that Jackie has not been seen on their 24/7 eagle nest cameras for several days. They said that Jackie, the so-called matriarch of Big Bear’s beloved bald eagle family, is not banded. They also noted that they’re unsure how many other bad eagles could be visiting the area at the time.  Later Sunday, they said that after reviewing photos and videos from the public and the rehabilitation center, the rescued eagle is “likely Jackie.”

“She is in the best place it can be and getting the care she needs,” said FOBBV’s statement. LA County Parks’ release said that they have been in communication with FOBBV regarding the eagle’s rescue and that she is currently being cared for at a facility in Ojai. The bald eagle rescued from Big Bear Lake by Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation San Dimas Raptor Rescue personnel. County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation Parks officials asked that the public refrain from contacting San Dimas Raptor Rescue for information or updates, as they would be shared by the appropriate organizations. Because bald eagles are a federally protected species, they require specialized rehabilitation permits that are issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and while the San Dimas Raptor Rescue can provide critical rescue services, bald eagles must be cared for by facilities that have “specific eagle rehabilitation authorization and expertise.”

On Tuesday morning, the Ojai Raptor Center said Jackie has more energy as she is eating well with assistance and is even picking up food on her own.  Tests showed that Jackie is anemic and has inflammation affecting her kidneys. They are unsure of the underlying issue causing these symptoms. X-rays did not show any fishing hooks, sinkers or other metal objects. The center is working with several specialist veterinarians to determine the best supportive care at this time.   

Source: Big Bear bald eagle Jackie rescued by Los Angeles wildlife officials after fight with other eagles – CBS Los Angeles

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

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Climbing Your Mountain

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Hiker walking on rocky mountain path toward sunset with snow-capped peaks

Pip: A mountain village, a wandering stranger, a mother weaving a basket by the river — Drink of Jesus has been building a world where ancient scripture lands like it’s happening right now, and this episode walks straight into it.

Mara: We’re covering three territories today: a story that reimagines the prologue of John, the biblical case for living without fear, and a lesson in faith drawn from a corner of Exodus that rarely gets the spotlight. Let’s start with that village and the light it found.

Village Light and Hope

Pip: The post “A Light in the Village” takes John 1 and sets it inside a firelit gathering in a mountain community that has nearly forgotten the old scrolls. The question it’s posing is simple and serious: what does it actually feel like when the Word arrives among people who stopped expecting it?

Mara: The stranger at the center of the story quotes directly from John 1, and the passage lands at the heart of it: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Pip: That line does real work in the story. These are villagers who know darkness in the concrete sense — fear, hardship, loss. The post is asking whether that kind of light is stronger than the kind they already live with.

Mara: And the story doesn’t skip the harder verse. The stranger tells them the light came into the world, was unrecognized, and was rejected even by his own. Little Yani calls it sad. The stranger agrees — but the pivot is that those who did receive him were given the right to become children of God, which unsettles the villagers who assumed only the holy or important qualified.

Pip: Which is the real tension the post is after. Not a theology lecture — a room full of ordinary people realizing the invitation might actually include them.

Mara: Old Mira closes it: “If this light is real, then we must walk toward it. We have lived in shadows too long.” That’s the moment the village turns. And the post grounds it all in John 1:1–18, read aloud from a scroll the children find a year later.

Pip: From a village finding its light to something more direct — what scripture says when fear is already at the door.

Fearless Trust in God

Mara: “Fearless” opens with a declaration: there is no need to be afraid because you have a warrior beside you. The post builds its case entirely through scripture, and the anchor is Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Pip: That verse is the spine of the post. Joshua receiving it before entering Canaan — a moment of enormous personal stakes — and the post is saying that same command extends outward.

Mara: What this means in practice is that the post treats courage not as a personality trait but as a response to a promise already made. The Joshua 1:5 line comes first — “I will not leave you or forsake you” — and the command to be strong follows from that, not the other way around.

Pip: The post doesn’t stay in Joshua. It moves to 2 Kings, where Elisha’s servant is terrified until his eyes are opened and he sees the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire. The unseen army was already there. The fear was real; so was the thing the fear was missing.

Mara: And then Matthew 10:26 closes the scriptural arc: “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” The post is threading a consistent line — what looks overwhelming from one angle looks entirely different when the full picture is visible.

Pip: That’s a thread that runs straight into the next segment, where a mother acts on exactly that kind of trust before she can see how it ends.

Unusual Faith in Scripture

Mara: “Faith Like its Never Been Told” opens with the writer noting that God pointed them toward a story rarely taught as a faith lesson. The setup is Exodus 1 — a new Pharaoh, alarmed by Israel’s growth, orders the Hebrew midwives to kill every newborn son.

Pip: Which puts one mother in an impossible position. And the post’s argument is that what she does next is a masterclass in faith, even though her name barely appears in the text.

Mara: The post names her — Jochebed — and quotes the moment Pharaoh’s daughter finds the basket: “She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her servant woman, and she took it. When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby was crying. She took pity on him and said, ‘This is one of the Hebrews’ children.'”

Pip: Pity from the daughter of the man who ordered the killing. That is either the worst possible outcome or the exact hinge the whole plan turned on.

Mara: The post leans into that tension. Miriam, watching from the reeds, has to think fast — and she does, offering to find a Hebrew nurse. Pharaoh’s daughter agrees, Jochebed is brought back, and she is paid to raise her own son. The post’s conclusion is direct: because she trusted God with the outcome, she raised the man who would free her people.

Pip: The post calls it “faith in action” — not faith as a feeling, but as a thing you weave with your hands and place in the water before you know what happens next.

Mara: Which is the through line across everything today: light that doesn’t wait for recognition, courage that precedes the outcome, and a mother who lets go before the story resolves.

Pip: A stranger walks into a village. A warrior stands beside you. A basket floats downriver. The same trust, three different shapes.

Mara: And next time, more of what that trust looks like when the stakes get even harder to hold. Stay with us.

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
Galatians 5:17

Psalm 1:1–3

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Fort Collins pays $500,000 to settle lawsuit over wrongful Colorado DUI arrest of good Samaritan

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A Nebraska man who stopped to help victims of a devastating motorcycle crash instead found himself handcuffed, jailed and accused of driving under the influence — despite repeatedly asking officers to administer a breath test that he believed would prove his innocence. Now, nearly five years later, the City of Fort Collins has paid Jesse Cunningham $500,000 to settle his lawsuit. Cunningham’s attorney says it is the largest settlement ever reached in a wrongful DUI arrest case, though no national database tracks such settlements. As part of the agreement, the city does not admit wrongdoing.

Fort Collins Police Chief Jeff Swoboda said on Monday, “..we chose to resolve this one (lawsuit) initiated by Cunningham to avoid the continued expense and disruption of ongoing litigation. The agreed- upon financial settlement is not an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the City and Police Services.” The settlement stems from Cunningham’s arrest following a serious motorcycle crash in Fort Collins in July of 2021. According to police body camera video, investigative reports and court records obtained by CBS News Colorado, Cunningham, who has medical training, rushed to assist the injured riders while he, his wife and their daughters were wrapping up a Colorado vacation. Cunningham provided first aid that he says helped save the life of one of the injured motorcyclists.

But as emergency responders secured the crash scene, attention shifted away from the victims and onto Cunningham. Fort Collins Police Officer Jason Haferman reported smelling alcohol on Cunningham. Cunningham told the officer he had consumed two beers several hours earlier. Within minutes, Cunningham went from good Samaritan to DUI suspect. “Just the audacity of how I felt the situation had turned. I was in shock. I couldn’t believe what was going on,” Cunningham told CBS Colorado. Repeated requests for a breath test Body camera video shows Cunningham repeatedly asking Officer Haferman to administer a breath test. “Can we do a breath test?” he asks.

Cunningham maintained that a breath test would quickly demonstrate he was not impaired. Later, after continuing the DUI investigation, Cunningham again questioned why he was not being allowed to take one. “So even if I pass a Breathalyzer I still get charged?” he asked Haferman. Instead, Haferman required Cunningham to perform roadside sobriety tests, which the officer concluded Cunningham failed. The breath test Cunningham repeatedly requested was never administered. Haferman arrested Cunningham on suspicion of DUI. Because Cunningham’s minor daughters were in the vehicle, he was also arrested on suspicion of child abuse. Haferman said he did not allow Cunningham to take a breath test because the Nebraska resident had a prescription for Adderall. Haferman expressed concern that Adderall could affect the breath test.

Cunningham had told the officer that he had not taken any Adderall recently because he had not brought the medication with him on vacation. He eventually took a blood test. Charges dismissed after laboratory results The consequences of the case extended well beyond the arrest. Cunningham said the arrest cost him a possible promotion at work. Child Protective Services opened an investigation into the child abuse allegation, visiting his home in Nebraska, interviewed his daughters, contacted their physician and Cunningham says he was required to submit to regular urinalysis testing while the criminal case was pending. Three months later, laboratory testing was complete. According to test records from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, blood tests from Cunningham showed no alcohol or drugs. Prosecutors dismissed the criminal case.

“Now I can with 100% surety say that I was innocent that evening,” said Cunningham. Although the criminal case ended, Cunningham said he could not simply move on. He filed a federal lawsuit against Officer Haferman and the City of Fort Collins, alleging that he was wrongfully arrested despite repeatedly requesting a breath test and despite laboratory evidence ultimately establishing that he had neither alcohol nor drugs in his system. “There’s certain things in life and certain things that I know you have to draw a line in the sand, and I need to stand up and do what’s right. This is one of those line-in-the-sand moments,” said Cunningham. A lasting impact Cunningham’s background made the experience particularly jarring. He served two combat tours in Iraq as a military police officer, later worked for the Federal Protective Service and now leads a nonprofit honoring members of the military and first responders, including police officers.

Despite that background, he says the arrest permanently changed his perception of law enforcement. “It just made me extremely cautious. I shouldn’t feel uneasy when law enforcement is around. Unfortunately, now I do.” Cunningham said no financial settlement can undo what his family endured. “It was me standing up for myself and defending myself against what I felt was extreme injustice.” Questions about DUI enforcement The Cunningham case was not the first DUI arrest by Officer Haferman that later unraveled after laboratory testing. A previous CBS News Colorado investigation documented nine DUI arrests in a single year in which people arrested by Haferman were later found through laboratory testing to have no alcohol or drugs in their systems. Haferman resigned from Fort Collins Police Services in 2022, one day before Police Chief Jeff Swoboda planned to terminate his employment.

Colorado law allows officers investigating impaired driving to request chemical testing after an arrest. Officers also commonly use preliminary roadside breath tests during DUI investigations, although those tests are generally considered investigative tools rather than evidentiary tests. Whether to administer a roadside breath test rests with the investigating officer under the circumstances of the stop. Cunningham’s lawyer, Sarah Schielke, was asked what she hoped other law enforcement agencies learned from this case and the settlement. “If you as a police agency say the more DUI arrests you make the better you’re doing at your job, then officers are going to have incentives to arrest innocent people,” said Schielke. She questioned the police Chief’s explanation for settling the case for $500,000. “Cities don’t pay half a million dollars to settle a case when they believe they made a good DUI arrest,” observed Schielke.

Colorado state records show Haferman is no longer certified as a peace officer in the state. Cunningham says he still respects law enforcement as a whole. But he says, “There’s no sense of justice when you’ve been victimized, no amount of money is going to make up for what my family went through.”

Source: Fort Collins pays $500,000 to settle lawsuit over wrongful Colorado DUI arrest of good Samaritan – CBS Colorado

We love Him because He first loved us.
1 John 4:19

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The Path to Godly Fatherhood: Leading with Faith

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Father and son hiking on a grassy hill path with a sunset over distant mountains
Father kneeling in prayer facing a seated young boy at sunset

Pip: Drink of Jesus has been doing something quietly ambitious lately — building what amounts to a field manual for fathers, one post at a time, rooted entirely in Scripture.

Mara: That’s exactly the territory we’re covering today. The posts move through what faithful fatherhood actually looks like in practice — leading with faith, disciplining with wisdom, and loving with the kind of compassion that mirrors God’s own heart toward His children.

Pip: Three angles, one through-line. Let’s start with what it means to lead a family by following God first.

Faithful Fatherhood

Mara: The central question running through these posts is this: what does it actually mean to be a godly father, not a perfect one?

Pip: And A Father After God’s Own Heart answers that directly. The post holds up King David — a man of genuine failures — as the model, because he kept returning to God.

Mara: The post draws on Joshua as its anchor: “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” What the post emphasizes is that Joshua didn’t leave his family’s spiritual direction to chance — it was a deliberate, personal commitment before it was a household one.

Pip: So the upshot is that godly fatherhood starts with a private decision, not a public declaration. You have to follow before you can lead.

Mara: The Importance of a Dad’s Faith in Family Leadership makes exactly that point. It argues that a father’s walk with God is the foundation his family builds its faith upon — and that children learn far more from what they see than from what they hear.

Pip: Which is a quietly demanding standard. Your life is the curriculum.

Mara: A Father Who Stands Strong in Faith extends this further, addressing what happens when circumstances get hard. It says standing firm in faith doesn’t mean being perfect — it means continually turning to God for strength, so that a father’s trust in God becomes an anchor for the whole family.

Pip: The legacy piece matters here too. The post on fatherhood notes that money and achievements fade, but a spiritual legacy planted through prayer and biblical truth can bear fruit for generations.

Mara: And that connects directly to the next question — how a father actually shapes character day to day.

Wisdom And Discipline

Pip: Discipline is where the theology of fatherhood meets the Tuesday afternoon reality of it — and Nurturing Through Discipline: God’s Wisdom for Fathers doesn’t flinch from that.

Mara: It opens with this: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4. The post’s argument is that discipline is guidance, not control — and that the model is God’s own discipline toward His children, which is always motivated by love.

Pip: So discipline driven by anger risks wounding a child’s spirit. Discipline guided by love shapes character. The difference isn’t the correction — it’s the motive behind it.

Mara: Right. And the post says a godly father corrects behavior while preserving the relationship — teaching truth, modeling forgiveness, pointing toward God’s standards rather than just enforcing rules.

Pip: A Father Who Leads with Wisdom picks up the other side of this — the decisions a father faces that aren’t about correction at all, but about direction.

Mara: That post leans on Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” The point is that wise fathers know they don’t have all the answers — and that dependence on God models for children exactly where wisdom comes from.

Pip: Humility as leadership. Not a bad lesson to demonstrate before they’re old enough to notice you’re teaching it.

Mara: And that kind of love — patient, grace-filled, consistent — is what the next segment is really about.

Love And Compassion

Pip: A Father Who Loves Like God makes a claim that’s simple on the surface and genuinely demanding underneath: that a dad’s love for his children is meant to reflect God’s love for His.

Mara: The post anchors on a short verse with a wide reach: “Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14. And it unpacks that by saying children don’t only need provision — they need affection, encouragement, and the knowledge that they are, in the post’s own words, valued, treasured, prized, and cherished.

Pip: What this means in practice is that a father’s words and actions are forming a child’s first picture of what God’s love looks or feels like. That’s a significant weight to carry.

Mara: The post names it directly — a loving father creates an environment where children feel secure and accepted, and through that, they gain a better understanding of God’s heart toward them.

Pip: The thread running through all of this — the faith, the discipline, the love — is that none of it is about performance. It’s about proximity to God.

Mara: Which is where the next episode picks up. These questions don’t stay inside the home.

Pip: Follow God, lead with wisdom, love like He loves. Simpler to say than to live — which is probably why there’s more to explore.

Mara: There is. We’ll keep going.

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
James 4:7

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God never called His people to panic about the future. He called them to be awake, ready, and full of hope. “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour…

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God’s Delays Are Not Denials

What feels late to us is often perfectly timed by God. Heaven’s clock never runs behind schedule. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise… but is longsuffering to…

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Grace, Not Perfection

God does not ask you to be flawless before coming to Him. He asks you to come as you are. “For by grace are ye saved through faith… not…

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When You Feel Alone

When life feels like you’re walking into the battle alone, remember this: you never take a single step without God beside you, His strength goes before you, His presence…

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Confronting Church Hurt: Seeking Truth & Healing

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One of the deepest forms of church hurt happens when abuse, misconduct, or harmful behavior is ignored, minimized, or covered up—especially when trusted leaders or respected members are involved. The pain becomes even heavier when those seeking help are silenced, doubted, or made to feel responsible for protecting the reputation of the church. But Scripture never teaches believers to hide evil for the sake of appearances. God calls His people to walk in truth, justice, and accountability.

The Bible repeatedly warns against leaders who abuse their authority. In Ezekiel 34, God rebuked shepherds who failed to protect the flock and instead used people for their own benefit. Jesus also condemned religious leaders who looked righteous outwardly while hiding corruption inwardly (Matthew 23:27–28). Ephesians 5:11 says, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” God does not bless secrecy that protects sin while harming people.

When trusted people fail us, confusion and grief can shake our faith deeply. Yet human failure does not change God’s character. Healthy biblical leadership welcomes accountability, protects the vulnerable, seeks repentance, and pursues restoration through truth—not denial. Healing begins when darkness is brought into the light, wise counsel is sought, boundaries are established, and justice is taken seriously.

God cares deeply for the wounded. Psalm 34:18 reminds us that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” Even when people fail, the Good Shepherd never abandons His sheep.

Thought to Ponder:
Protecting truth and protecting people should always matter more than protecting reputations.

Journaling Prompt:
Have past experiences caused you to confuse God’s character with the failures of people who claimed to represent Him?

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, highlight and show truth where there has been silence and healing where there has been so much pain. Protect the vulnerable and unguarded, expose what has been hidden, and raise up leaders who walk in integrity and humility. Help me trust You even when people fail. Restore what has been broken and lead Your church in truth and love. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Luke 4:1-13

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. He ate nothing in those days.…

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Deuteronomy 8:3

He humbled you, allowed you to be hungry, and fed you with manna, which you didn’t know, neither did your fathers know, that he might teach you that man does not live…

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Matthew 12:25

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. This verse reveals the wisdom and…

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Matthew 4:6

And said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and, ‘On their hands they will bear…

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Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in…

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Titus 3:3

For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. This verse reminds believers of who they once were…

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2 Timothy 3:16-17

Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that each person who belongs to God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.…

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Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. In this verse it declares the eternal power and authority of Jesus Christ: “Heaven and earth shall pass away,…

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Your Tears Have a Witness

When life feels too heavy to carry and every door seems shut, God is still moving in places you cannot see. Your breaking point may be the very place where His healing…

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 Accept the Invitation; Come and See

One invitation can change everything, but you have to be willing to follow. When Jesus says “come and see,” He’s not offering information, He’s offering transformation.  Bible Verse:He saith unto them, Come…

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John 1:39

He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about the tenth hour. In this verse Jesus invites…

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 God Orders Your Steps

When your steps feel uncertain, remember they are not random, God is directing every move with purpose. Even when the path looks unclear, He is steadying your footing and delighting in the…

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Psalm 37:23

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. This verse reminds us that the steps of a righteous person are not left to chance,…

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Hebrews 6:10

For God is not unrighteous, so as to forget your work and the labor of love which you showed toward his name, in that you served the saints, and still do serve…

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2 U.S. service members killed, 1 missing after Iran strike on Jordan, military says

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Uniformed soldier saluting in cemetery with American flags on graves and flag at half-staff

Two U.S. service members were killed overnight Friday in an Iranian strike on a military base in Jordan, U.S. Central Command said Saturday. A third service member was also missing in action from the attack, CENTCOM said. Four other U.S. service members were medically evacuated to a hospital in Jordan and have since been discharged. Other service members were treated for minor injuries, according to the military. The identities of the American service members who died have not been released, pending notification of the next of kin. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reacted to the deaths of two U.S. service members in Jordan, saying Saturday in a social media post, “Godspeed, heroes.” “Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve,” Hegseth said on X. Following that Iranian attack, U.S. forces launched a new round of airstrikes against Iran at the direction of President Trump, CENTCOM said Saturday evening.

It marked the eighth straight night of strikes on Iran since ceasefire talks broke down. “The strikes are designed to further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and swiftly punish Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces who launched attacks against American service members in Jordan last night,” CENTCOM said. The deaths in the latest round of fighting mark the 15th and 16th among U.S. service members in the war with Iran. Prior to Saturday, the most recent death was that of a U.S. Navy pilot who died when his MH-60S helicopter made an emergency landing at sea last month, though the Navy said there was “no indication” of hostile action. Six service members were killed in an Iranian attack on a base in Kuwait in March. Also in March, six were killed when a refueling plane crashed in Iraq, and one was killed in an Iranian strike on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

Source: 2 U.S. service members killed, 1 missing after Iran strike on Jordan, military says – CBS New York

Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11

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Christian street preacher cleared of hate speech charges

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Pastor John Sherwood, the Christian street preacher arrested last year in West London for alleged homophobic hate speech, has been cleared in Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court. His colleague Peter Simpson confirmed his acquittal on April 7 to the Conservative Woman website. Mr Sherwood’s defence centred on his freedom “to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority” as set out in Article 10 of the 1998 Human Rights Act, Mr Simpson said. On April 23 2021 Metropolitan police officers arrested the pastor near Uxbridge tube station. He had been preaching on Genesis 1:27 and said that the family unit as ordained by God consisted of a father and a mother, not two fathers or two mothers. Some passers-by complained to the police that he was using homophobic hate speech.

The pastor, then 71, was arrested, held overnight at a police station and in September was charged under Section 5 of the Public Order Act, which outlaws “threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress”. The nature of Mr Sherwood’s arrest, which was captured on video, was condemned as “brutal” by campaign group Christian Concern. At the trial almost a year later, “the public gallery was full with Christians showing their support for a man of God who is willing to stand up for the truths of Scripture,” Mr Simpson reported. Pastor Sherwood defied the convention in English courts since the Covid outbreak of defendants and witnesses not holding a holy book but instead reading out from a card the affirmation that they will speak the truth. He insisted on bringing his own Bible and the presiding judge allowed him to swear on that. “How appropriate to swear on the book which would form the basis of his defence,” Mr Simpson said.

Source: Christian street preacher cleared of hate speech charges | ChristianToday Australia

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
Ephesians 1:7

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Prayer for Boldness; Acts 4:24-31

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When opposition rises against God’s people, the natural response is often fear. Yet the early church teaches us that the answer to intimidation is not retreat, but prayer to have supernatural boldness.


“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:29-31

In Acts 4 we can see that it records a moment when Peter and John had been threatened by religious leaders for preaching about Jesus. Instead of asking God to remove the persecution, they did something that most would consider weird, the believers prayed for courage to remain faithful. They acknowledged God’s sovereignty, trusted His power, and asked Him to strengthen them for the mission ahead. Their prayer reveals that true boldness does not come from self-confidence but from the filling of the Holy Spirit. We can see that God answered immediately by shaking the place where they gathered, symbolizing His presence and approval. The result was not less opposition but greater courage. This passage reminds us that God empowers His people to stand firm, speak truth, and serve Him faithfully regardless of the challenges they face.

Thought to Ponder:
Do I spend more time asking God to remove difficulties, or asking Him to give me the courage to honor Him in the midst of them?

Journal Prompt:
What areas of your life require greater spiritual boldness? Write about a situation where fear has kept you silent or hesitant, and ask God to fill you with His Spirit so you can walk in faith and obedience.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of the early church. When fear, opposition, or uncertainty arise, help me not to shrink back but to trust You completely. Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit and grant me boldness to speak Your truth, share the Gospel, and live faithfully before others. Strengthen my heart when I am tempted to be afraid, and remind me that You are with me wherever I go. May my words and actions bring glory to Jesus Christ, and may Your power be evident in my life. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Never Forsaken

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by Drink of Jesus


Faith Through Fire And Peace; Podcast Episode 9

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Two people sitting on a couch chatting and holding drinks in a cozy living room
Glowing embers and a burning rock with flames in a metal firepit

Pip: Drink of Jesus is a site that takes ancient words seriously — the kind that hold steady when everything else is shifting, which, if you look around, is basically the job description of Scripture right now.

Mara: This episode covers three territories: finding peace, refuge, and daily strength in God’s Word; guarding the heart against slow spiritual drift; and what it actually means when faith gets refined by fire.

Pip: Let’s start with the refuge question — what it looks like to stand firm when the ground won’t stop moving.

Finding Refuge and Strength in a Shifting World

Mara: The anchor post here opens with a direct challenge to divided loyalty — the kind of split-focus living where you’re half in God’s Word and half in whatever the noise of the day is serving up.

Pip: And the Psalm it draws from doesn’t soften that tension at all. The writer isn’t asking God for comfort — he’s asking to be upheld so he doesn’t collapse under the weight of his own hope.

Mara: The text puts it this way: “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word. Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God.”

Pip: That’s not a passive posture. Calling God a hiding place while simultaneously telling evil to leave the room is a pretty active form of trust.

Mara: The post makes exactly that distinction. It reads verse 120 — “My flesh trembleth for fear of thee” — not as terror but as awe, a holy reverence that comes from recognizing God’s holiness rather than being paralyzed by it.

Pip: So the trembling is a symptom of proximity, not distance. That reframe matters.

Mara: It connects directly to Let Christ’s Peace Rule Your Heart, which takes Colossians 3:15 as its anchor — “let the peace of God rule in your hearts” — and argues that this peace isn’t passive. It governs when emotions compete and choices feel heavy.

Pip: Peace as a governing force rather than a feeling. That’s a different ask than “calm down.”

Mara: Find Strength in God’s Grace Today extends this into the daily grind — the exhaustion that comes from carrying tomorrow’s weight today. It draws on Isaiah 40:31: “they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.”

Pip: Waiting on God gets redefined there too — not as doing nothing, but as relocating your trust.

Mara: God’s Mercy Transforms Unworthy Lives brings in Paul’s self-description from 1 Timothy — blasphemer, persecutor, violent opponent — and the point is that his past isn’t hidden, it’s highlighted, specifically to show how far grace reaches.

Pip: The argument being that the thing you think disqualifies you might be exactly where God wants to demonstrate mercy most.

Mara: And God Orders Your Steps closes this territory with Psalm 37:23 — steps established by God, detours included. The post frames uncertainty not as abandonment but as purposeful direction, with God personally involved in the path of those who seek Him.

Pip: From refuge to peace to daily grace to mercy to ordered steps — that’s a full map of what it looks like to trust God across an entire life, not just a hard morning.

Mara: Which sets up the next question naturally: if the heart is the center of all of that, what are you actually letting shape it day by day?

Guarding the Heart Against Daily Drift

Pip: The premise here is uncomfortable — that spiritual formation is happening constantly, whether you’re intentional about it or not.

Mara: Guarding Your Heart: The Slow Influence of Daily Choices puts it plainly: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” The word “above all else” is doing real work there — it signals urgency, not suggestion.

Pip: So the heart isn’t just where feelings live. It’s the control room.

Mara: Right — the post defines the heart as the center of desire, deliberation, and decision. And the argument is that what enters repeatedly will eventually shape who you become, through habits, speech, relationships, and what you normalize over time.

Pip: When Walking the Walk Feels Exhausting lands in the same territory from a different angle — the fatigue of consistent obedience when results aren’t visible.

Mara: That post holds a simple but grounding line: God doesn’t call you to produce results, He calls you to remain obedient. The outcome belongs to Him.

Pip: Faithfulness measured by obedience rather than outcomes — that’s the thing that keeps the heart from drifting toward performance.

Mara: Which is exactly the kind of daily choice the first post is talking about. What you feed your spirit shapes who you become.

Pip: And if the heart is being slowly formed either toward God or away from Him, trials are where you find out which direction it’s actually been going.

Refined Through Trials and Fire

Mara: Faith That Endures the Fire opens with the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego — and the declaration they make before entering the furnace is the spine of the whole piece.

Pip: They don’t negotiate. They don’t hedge. They just say what they believe and walk toward the fire.

Mara: “Our God is able to deliver us… but even if He does not, we will not serve your gods.” That is the definition of faith untethered from outcome.

Pip: God didn’t stop them from going in. He went in with them. Which is a very different kind of protection than most people are asking for.

Mara: The post names three functions of the fire: it reveals what you actually believe, it refines what needs surrendering, and it becomes testimony. When the Smoke Clears You’ll Be Stronger on the Other Side picks up James 1:2–4 — trials produce endurance, endurance produces completeness.

Pip: And Don’t Waste the Fire makes the practical ask: don’t rush through it or try to escape it, because the process itself is the point.

Mara: Romans 8:28 grounds that one — all things working together for good, but only for those who trust the process rather than just demand the exit.

Pip: Refuge, guarded hearts, refined faith — it’s all the same territory, really. Learning to trust something steadier than your circumstances.

Mara: That’s the thread. And it doesn’t resolve cleanly — it just keeps asking you to go deeper.

Pip: More on that next time.

Hot, humid Tuesday in Twin Cities, with storms set to arrive late

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photo of city buildings

Tuesday will be another hot and sunny day in the Twin Cities, with possibly severe storms arriving late. Highs will be in the upper 80s, and it will be humid. The best chance for storms in the metro arrives Tuesday night. Clouds will stream in from out west before the threat arrives, likely around 8 p.m. Strong winds and hail are possible. A few showers and thunderstorms may linger into Wednesday before conditions gradually improve. After that, dry weather will return for the rest of the week, with seasonable summer temperatures. Heat and humidity will build heading into next week, with increasing potential for a prolonged hot stretch.

Source: Hot, humid Tuesday in Twin Cities, with storms set to arrive late – CBS Minnesota

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
John 1:12

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Daily Bread; Psalm 91:4

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Revelation 21:4: A Vision of Eternal Comfort

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Woman in gray sweater being comforted by glowing spiritual figure inside church
rescue

Revelation 21:4 – The Promise of a Tearless Eternity

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4 (NIV)

One of the few verses in the Bible that captures the hope of heaven as vividly as Revelation 21:4. This verse found near the end of Scripture, is a passage that shines as a beacon of comfort, offering a vision of what awaits Christians when God makes all things new. It is a verse that has carried countless hearts through grief, sustaining the weary in seasons of suffering, reminding us all that pain will not have the final word.

The Context of Revelation 21:4

If you want to fully understand this verse, we need to learn it within its context. Revelation is a book of the word given to the Apostle John while exiled on the island of Patmos. Throughout this book, John records dramatic and often difficult images of judgment, tribulation, and spiritual warfare. But as the book nears its close, the tone shifts dramatically.

In Revelation 21, John describes the vision of the New Heaven and New Earth. The old, broken order of creation has passed away, and God ushers in His eternal kingdom. The New Jerusalem descends from heaven, and God dwells with His people in perfect fellowship. At this point, in this breathtaking vision, John records one of the most tender promises in Scripture:

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes…”

This is not some elaborate poem—it is a declaration of the radical transformation that awaits all who belong to Christ.

What does it all mean

1. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes”

This is a deeply personal image. God Himself is pictured as gently wiping away the tears from His children’s faces. It’s not because all sorrow will end; it’s because God actively comforts His people. The intimacy of this moment reflects His love and care.

It tells us that every tear we’ve shed—there is no difference between grief, betrayal, disappointment, or physical pain—it matters to Him. In Psalm 56:8, David declares that God keeps our tears in a bottle, symbolizes that He knows showing His compassion. Revelation 21:4 shows us that those tears will one day be permanently wiped away, never to return.

2. “There will be no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain”

With the following four experiences—death, mourning, crying, and pain—it summarizes the brokenness of life in our fallen world. Ever since the fall of Adam and Eve, humanity has been plagued by these realities. But in God’s eternal kingdom, they will cease forever.

This isn’t just an simple modification of life as we know it—it’s the complete removal of suffering. Death will no longer hold dominion, mourning will no longer shadow our hearts, and pain will no longer weigh down our souls.

3. “For the old order of things has passed away”

Why does the suffering end? It is because He proclaims the old order—the world tainted by sin, death, and decay—will be replaced by God’s new creation. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This renewal that has been promised to individuals in salvation, will one day extend to all of creation.

comfort coffee

Why This Verse Matters Today

It can be easy to degrade Revelation 21:4 to the “someday” category, seeing it only as a far-off hope. But its power is not limited to the future—it speaks into our present lives with profound encouragement.

1. Comfort in Grief

When we stand at a graveside or walk through seasons of mourning, Revelation 21:4 highlights that death is not the end. The grief, anguish, sorrow and pain of today will one day give way to eternal joy. We can be confident that those who die in Christ will experience this tearless eternity.

2. Strength in Suffering

For those of us that struggle with chronic illness, mental anguish, or deep personal pain, this Revelation 21:4 provides strength to endure. Our present sufferings are real, but they are temporary. Paul echoes this in Romans 8:18: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

3. Hope in Brokenness

When we look around this world often feels irreparably broken. Wars, injustice, poverty, and loss can overwhelm us. But Revelation 21:4 assures us that the brokenness we see is not permanent. God is actively working toward a day when His kingdom will bring perfect peace and restoration.

Living in Light of Revelation 21:4

How should this promise shape our lives today?

1. Live with Eternal Perspective

Because we know and promised that sorrow, pain, and death are temporary, it helps us endure trials with faith and hope. It lifts our eyes from the present moment to the eternal reality ahead.

2. Extend Compassion

Knowing that God Himself cares enough to wipe away tears should inspire us to reflect His compassion. We can be His hands and feet, comforting those who mourn and walking alongside those in pain.

3. Share the Hope of Christ

Revelation 21:4 is a promise reserved for those who belong to Christ. It should stir in us a desire to share the gospel so others may also experience the hope of this tearless eternity.

4. Anticipate with Joy

This promise should not only comfort us but also fill us with joy and anticipation. Just as a bride eagerly awaits her wedding day, we too can eagerly look forward to the day when Christ makes all things new.

A Sample of What’s Coming

Daily, we can experience glimpses of Revelation 21:4. You can see God bring peace in the midst of turmoil, when He comforts us in grief, or when we witness healing and restoration, we are experiencing samples of His eternal kingdom. These moments are reminders that a greater fulfillment is yet to come.

Always remember that the ultimate promise is the complete removal of sorrow and pain awaits us in eternity. This is not wishful thinking; it is the assured destiny of all who place their faith in Christ.

Conclusion

Revelation 21:4 is not just a verse about how great heaven is but it’s a verse about hope. This is God’s promise that the brokenness, despair, and sickness of this world is not final. Every tear will be wiped away, every sorrow will end, and every wound will be healed.

When we are walking through loss, this verse offers comfort. For those enduring suffering, it offers strength. For those discouraged by the state of the world, it offers hope. And for all of us, it points to the incredible love of a God who not only redeems but also restores.

So let us hold tightly to this promise: the day is coming when the old order of pain and death will pass away, and God Himself will dwell with His people, wiping every tear from our eyes.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, be my guide and protect me from these things that surround me that I do not understand or that influence me in ways that are not from You. Lord I want to be and act as close to You as You’ve always wanted Your children to be. Lord give the strength to stand against the evil in this world, the distractions and influences. Help me to not fear and worry about these issues that continue to affect everything around us. Thank you Lord for Your protection, direction, and love. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..

The Story of America: The Formation of the Army

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Fireworks in red, white, and blue above the White House and Washington Monument at night

The White House Salute to America 250 Task Force has partnered with Hillsdale College to provide a history series that tells the remarkable story of American Independence. It will highlight the stories of the crucial characters and events that resulted in a small rag-tag army defeating the mightiest empire in the world and establishing the greatest republic ever to exist. This is the story of America. This is our shared heritage and our proud destiny that will continue to lead us to unimaginable achievements in the centuries to come.

Source: (630) The Story of America: The Formation of the Army – YouTube

Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, By His name Yah, And rejoice before Him. A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, Is God in His holy habitation.
Psalm 68:4-5

Primary Elections; May 19, 2026

Today, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, is a major primary election day in six states: Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. These are mostly partisan primaries…

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‘Found Unconscious, Possible Heart Attack:’ Inside Mitch McConnell’s Health Scare

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Former Senate Majority Leader and Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell was reportedly found unconscious at his Washington, DC, home on June 14 after a possible heart attack, according to multiple media reports citing emergency services dispatch audio. McConnell, 84, is serving his seventh six-year term representing Kentucky and has experienced several health scares in recent years. His office confirmed that he was hospitalized on June 14 but has released few details about his condition. According to Senate records, the Republican senator has not voted since June 11.

On July 1, multiple outlets, including The New York Post, TMZ, and The New Republic, reported that emergency dispatch audio from the morning of June 14 referred to an “unconscious” person at McConnell’s Washington, DC, residence shortly before 9 AM local time. According to the reported audio, emergency personnel later discussed “CPR in progress” for a “cardiac arrest.” When asked about the reports, McConnell’s office declined to answer questions regarding his condition, whether he remains hospitalized or the authenticity of the dispatcher audio. Instead, spokesperson Stephanie Penn referred to the office’s previous statement. “Senator McConnell is still working closely with staff on Senate business and Kentucky matters as he continues his recovery. However, he will not be voting this week,” Penn said in an email.

The statement was originally issued on June 22, when the senator’s office announced that he would not return for Senate votes before lawmakers left Washington for a break. Recent Health Concerns McConnell has faced multiple health issues in recent years. In February, he spent eight days in the hospital after experiencing what his office described as “flu-like symptoms.” In October 2025, he tripped and fell while being questioned by an activist, adding to a series of highly publicized falls and freezing episodes that have raised concerns about his health. McConnell, the longest-serving party leader in US Senate history, was first elected to the Senate in 1984 and stepped down from his Republican leadership role in 2024. Senate Republicans are now led by South Dakota Sen. John Thune. Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Andy Barr is running against former Kentucky state Rep. Charles Booker, a Democrat, in the race to succeed McConnell next year.

Source: ‘Found Unconscious, Possible Heart Attack:’ Inside Mitch McConnell’s Health Scare | Times Now

Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
Psalm 56:3

Organ Harvesting in China

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Faith, Endurance, And Discernment, Podcast Episode 8

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Two people sitting on a couch chatting and holding drinks in a cozy living room
Dark storm clouds above ocean with rain showers and light reflections

Pip: Drink of Jesus is a site that takes seriously the idea that ancient words still do something in a noisy world — which is either countercultural or just stubborn, and honestly, maybe both.

Mara: Today we’re covering two stretches of territory: what it looks like to keep going when exhaustion sets in, and how believers are supposed to hold onto truth when the culture is pulling hard in the other direction. Let’s start with endurance in hard seasons.

When the Ground Feels Unstable

Pip: The question underneath this segment is a real one: when everything around you feels chaotic, where does a believer actually plant their feet?

Mara: God Is Not Caught Off Guard goes straight at that. Setting up the stakes, it reads: “Just because there is chaos on earth does not equal chaos in heaven.”

Pip: So the upshot is that disorder in the news cycle doesn’t map onto disorder in God’s governance. The post is making a structural argument, not just an emotional one.

Mara: Exactly. And it draws on Isaiah 46 to reinforce that point — God declares the end from the beginning, which means He is not reacting, He is ruling. The post puts it plainly: when the Church forgets this, anxiety replaces trust.

Pip: Running the Race in Weary Times picks up that thread and carries it forward — because sovereignty is one thing, but what do you do on the days when you’re just tired?

Mara: That post sits in Hebrews 12 and names the weight directly: tired of fighting sin, tired of cultural pressure, tired of waiting. The answer it lands on is refocus, not try harder.

Pip: Which is a genuinely different prescription than most people expect.

Mara: Both posts land in the same place — the foundation holds, but you have to keep choosing to stand on it. From there, how you think becomes as important as where you stand.

Renewing the Mind, Testing the Message

Pip: This segment is about a specific kind of threat — not dramatic apostasy, but the slow drift that happens when culture shapes your thinking more than Scripture does.

Mara: Renewing the Mind in a Corrupted Culture frames it this way: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” And then it unpacks the gap between those two words Paul uses — conformed, pressed into a mold from outside; transformed, changed from the inside out.

Pip: That distinction matters because it locates the problem. If formation is always happening, the question is just who’s doing it.

Mara: The post uses a river image to make it concrete — anything placed in a swift current moves with it by default. Spiritual drift is always easier than spiritual growth. And it asks a pointed diagnostic question: do you filter culture through the Bible, or the Bible through your culture?

Pip: Testing the Message, Not the Mood takes that same concern and narrows it to the teaching we receive. The argument there is that false teaching often succeeds not because it’s obviously wrong but because it feels right.

Mara: It leans on Jeremiah 17:9 — the heart is deceitful, not malicious, but easily influenced. Emotions shift with circumstances. So a message that only ever comforts and never confronts is worth examining closely.

Pip: Feeling affirmed without being transformed is a clean summary of the problem.

Mara: Why Discernment Is an Act of Love rounds out the theme by reframing discernment itself. The post pushes back on the idea that testing teaching is unloving — it argues the opposite: leaving people exposed to false ideas is the less loving choice.

Pip: And it pairs that with a humility check. The goal isn’t winning arguments; it’s protecting hearts. That’s a harder posture to hold than either pure skepticism or pure acceptance.

Mara: All three posts are pointing at the same discipline — staying rooted in Scripture as the primary shaping force, not as a supplement to everything else.

Pip: Sovereignty in chaos and discernment under pressure — different problems, same anchor.

Mara: Keep running, keep testing, keep your eyes on what’s actually true. More on that next time.

So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you.
Exodus 23:25

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Utah wildfires: Three firefighters killed in Colorado as wildfires rage across the Southwest

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Five firefighters standing on a rocky ridge looking at a large forest wildfire at night

Three firefighters have died battling a fast-moving blaze along the Colorado-Utah border, officials said, as dozens of infernos rage across the Southwest, with Utah imposing sweeping restrictions on Fourth of July fireworks ahead of the nation’s 250th Independence Day. The National Weather Service has issued the highest possible fire weather risk, warning that dry air and windy gusts pose an “extremely critical” risk of fire conditions over the Four Corners region this weekend. The three firefighters died while battling the fast-growing Snyder Mesa Fire, which has burned more than 28,000 acres along the Utah-Colorado border, the US Wildland Fire Service said late Saturday.

Two others were injured and transported to hospital, the service said. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency Saturday in Mesa County in reaction to the blaze, which he said had crossed into Colorado from Utah, and authorized the state’s National Guard to support response efforts. Utah’s governor announced last week firework restrictions for Fourth of July, saying a historic drought, hundreds of wildfires and unprecedented fire behavior have stretched Utah’s firefighting resources to the brink. “Utahns love celebrating the Fourth of July with family, friends and fireworks. I do too. But this year is different,” Cox said. “We are seeing fire behavior that even our most experienced firefighters say they’ve never witnessed before.”

The fire threat is so severe that the National Weather Service office in Salt Lake City issued its first-ever “particularly dangerous situation” red flag warning, which covers central and southern Utah and includes the Cottonwood Fire, the state’s largest active blaze. “This is a temporary measure for an extraordinary year,” Cox said of the fireworks ban. “It protects lives and homes while allowing local leaders, working alongside their fire officials, to identify areas where fireworks can be used safely.” In some municipalities, local leaders working alongside fire officials will designate approved areas where fireworks can still be used under safer conditions. The Cottonwood Fire, burning through the Fishlake National Forest east of Beaver, Utah, has grown to more than 92,000 acres as of Saturday morning, an area bigger than Salt Lake City, in just a few days and remains 0% contained as of Saturday night.

Evacuations are in place for the fire, which state and local officials believe is likely Utah’s most destructive and costly wildfire on record. Its cause is still under investigation. A total of 1,066 personnel are battling the Cottonwood Fire, where crews have been warned to stay vigilant of the dangerous and unpredictable fire behavior. “We always have safety first out there, and as soon as we see things or we start getting feelings, we’ve told the guys they don’t like it, disengage, get to a safe place,” Alyssa Mason, a spokesperson for the fire’s emergency management team, told CNN affiliate KSL. State officials also warned that anyone whose illegal actions ignite a wildfire could face steep criminal charges and substantial civil liability for the damage caused. Beloved cabins and lifelong memories reduced to ashes As officials continue assessing the ongoing damage, the full toll of the Cottonwood Fire remains unknown.

But across the Beaver Mountain community, residents are already grieving the loss of cherished cabins and family retreats that held generations of memories. For Evan Stapley, Beaver Mountain was more than a weekend getaway — it was woven into his family’s history. “To me, nothing’s more beautiful than Beaver Mountain in the fall,” Stapley told CNN affiliate KSL. “The aspen yellow, and you get the reds in there and all the greens. There is nothing more beautiful in the world.” Now, the cabin where those memories were made has been reduced to ash. Stapley said he learned it had burned in the Cottonwood Fire after a friend sent him video of the spot where it once stood. “I saw that and went, ‘That’s just unbelievable,’” he told KSL. “The fire must have moved so fast and twirled around in there and just took it … I cried,” he added.

“I’ve got too many memories, too many memories of that place.” The fire also dealt a devastating blow to Eagle Point Ski Resort, where several buildings were damaged or destroyed. In a Facebook post, owner Shane Gadbaw said the resort will remain closed as it recovers from what he called a catastrophe. “We are thankful that to our knowledge, there have been no human casualties from the fire,” Gadbaw said in a Facebook post. Residents gathered Friday in Piute County as the Cottonwood Fire pushed closer, with flames visible in the distance and smoke settling across the valley, to hear updates and discuss emergency response plans, CNN affiliate KSTU reported. During the meeting, Nick Schenk of Great Basin Team 5, one of the first responders who fought the blaze Monday, delivered an emotional account of the battle against the fire. “We did everything we absolutely could.

We called for every bit of help we could find. And about all we could do was get people out of the way of it,” Schenk told KSTU. Photos shared by the resort Thursday showed a handful of lodges still standing amid a landscape of blackened trees. Farther north, the Iron Fire near Eureka, Utah, has burned more than 40,000 acres after forcing evacuations earlier this week. Nearby, the Cherry Fire, sparked by lightning Friday morning, has already grown to more than 30,000 acres. Another blaze, the Wild Goose Fire, ignited near Holden on Friday, adding to a growing list of active wildfires across Utah. State fire officials estimated by Saturday evening it had burned over 10,000 acres as crews worked to assess and contain its spread.

Source: Utah wildfires: Three firefighters killed in Colorado as wildfires rage across the Southwest | CNN

For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?
Psalm 18:31

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4 dead in Kentucky floods, governor declares state of emergency as search and rescue efforts underway

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Flooded residential street with submerged houses and vehicles

Widespread flooding across Kentucky has left at least four dead Saturday, prompting dozens of rescues after heavy rains wiped out bridges, inundated roads and flooded homes, with more significant rainfall on the way. Search and rescue efforts have continued throughout the day. Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed one person died in Jackson County and three others died in Madison County, including a man and woman who officials said drowned in a home that was underwater. A few hours earlier, Beshear said one motorist was killed after being swept away by flash flooding.

The governor declared a state of emergency to deploy more resources while announcing six to seven inches of rain deluged some areas of the state. A second round of rainfall is expected in the evening, and the governor urged people to be cautious and avoid unnecessary driving. ⛈️ Get your forecast on CNN Weather for iPhone “When it gets dark, it’s going to get even worse. So please, do not drive after dark if you can avoid it,” Beshear said. The severe weather is the latest in a history of catastrophic flooding in Kentucky, including deadly flash floods in early 2025 when more than a month’s worth of rain deluged much of the state in less than 24 hours. Dozens of people in Kentucky were killed in 2022 when unprecedented flooding inundated houses and swept away some from their foundations.

Precautionary evacuations are underway in one part of Bullitt County, which has been hit particularly hard by Saturday’s flooding. Officials there are closely monitoring a dam. A portion of the embankment has experienced a landslide, but the dam is holding and there’s no indication of an “imminent failure,” county emergency management officials said. The Millon Church in Richmond appeared to have collapsed, a video showed. Earlier in the day, the church announced its Saturday service was canceled due to the storm, adding: “Praying everyone stays safe.” Photos provided by police in Richmond – about 30 miles south of Lexington – show officers blocking off flooded streets and checking on stranded vehicles almost entirely submerged by rising floodwaters.

In Richmond, the two people who died from suspected drowning were trapped in the basement of a flooded home, police said. The residence was already underwater when police and fire officials arrived at the scene and could not make contact with anyone inside, police said. Rescue teams were later able to make entry and found the bodies of a man and woman, the agency said. Major intersections in the city are flooded, Richmond Mayor Robert Blythe said. He has been receiving calls from residents concerned about their neighbors whose homes are filling with rising water, Blythe told CNN. Richmond, to a certain extent, had been “spared” tragic weather affecting the surrounding area in recent years, the mayor said. But now, he added, “It appears to be our turn.”

Elsewhere in Madison County, “significant roads” are under water, with five search and rescue teams on the ground, the governor said. Five counties, including Bullitt, Madison, Meade, Mercer and Spencer have declared a local state of emergency, the governor’s office said. CNN has contacted those five counties under a local state of emergency for further information about the effects of the flooding. At least 12 roads across the state are flooded and cannot be accessed, while numerous bridges in counties like Jessamine have been “entirely wiped out,” the governor said. Dozens of rescues have been made, Beshear said. The state’s emergency management, state police and swift water rescue teams are responding to emergency requests in local communities, he added. “We know we’ve already lost at least a handful of Kentuckians. I don’t want to lose anymore,” he said, adding the storms have become “much more severe than most would have thought.”

Source: 4 dead in Kentucky floods, governor declares state of emergency as search and rescue efforts underway | CNN

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

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Faith and Courage Stories; Podcast Episode 7

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Two people sitting on a couch chatting and holding drinks in a cozy living room

Pip: A mountain village, a wandering stranger, a mother weaving a basket by the river — Drink of Jesus has been building a world where ancient scripture lands like it’s happening right now, and this episode walks straight into it.

Mara: We’re covering three territories today: a story that reimagines the prologue of John, the biblical case for living without fear, and a lesson in faith drawn from a corner of Exodus that rarely gets the spotlight. Let’s start with that village and the light it found.

Village Light and Hope

Pip: The post “A Light in the Village” takes John 1 and sets it inside a firelit gathering in a mountain community that has nearly forgotten the old scrolls. The question it’s posing is simple and serious: what does it actually feel like when the Word arrives among people who stopped expecting it?

Mara: The stranger at the center of the story quotes directly from John 1, and the passage lands at the heart of it: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Pip: That line does real work in the story. These are villagers who know darkness in the concrete sense — fear, hardship, loss. The post is asking whether that kind of light is stronger than the kind they already live with.

Mara: And the story doesn’t skip the harder verse. The stranger tells them the light came into the world, was unrecognized, and was rejected even by his own. Little Yani calls it sad. The stranger agrees — but the pivot is that those who did receive him were given the right to become children of God, which unsettles the villagers who assumed only the holy or important qualified.

Pip: Which is the real tension the post is after. Not a theology lecture — a room full of ordinary people realizing the invitation might actually include them.

Mara: Old Mira closes it: “If this light is real, then we must walk toward it. We have lived in shadows too long.” That’s the moment the village turns. And the post grounds it all in John 1:1–18, read aloud from a scroll the children find a year later.

Pip: From a village finding its light to something more direct — what scripture says when fear is already at the door.

Fearless Trust in God

Mara: “Fearless” opens with a declaration: there is no need to be afraid because you have a warrior beside you. The post builds its case entirely through scripture, and the anchor is Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Pip: That verse is the spine of the post. Joshua receiving it before entering Canaan — a moment of enormous personal stakes — and the post is saying that same command extends outward.

Mara: What this means in practice is that the post treats courage not as a personality trait but as a response to a promise already made. The Joshua 1:5 line comes first — “I will not leave you or forsake you” — and the command to be strong follows from that, not the other way around.

Pip: The post doesn’t stay in Joshua. It moves to 2 Kings, where Elisha’s servant is terrified until his eyes are opened and he sees the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire. The unseen army was already there. The fear was real; so was the thing the fear was missing.

Mara: And then Matthew 10:26 closes the scriptural arc: “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” The post is threading a consistent line — what looks overwhelming from one angle looks entirely different when the full picture is visible.

Pip: That’s a thread that runs straight into the next segment, where a mother acts on exactly that kind of trust before she can see how it ends.

Unusual Faith in Scripture

Mara: “Faith Like its Never Been Told” opens with the writer noting that God pointed them toward a story rarely taught as a faith lesson. The setup is Exodus 1 — a new Pharaoh, alarmed by Israel’s growth, orders the Hebrew midwives to kill every newborn son.

Pip: Which puts one mother in an impossible position. And the post’s argument is that what she does next is a masterclass in faith, even though her name barely appears in the text.

Mara: The post names her — Jochebed — and quotes the moment Pharaoh’s daughter finds the basket: “She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her servant woman, and she took it. When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby was crying. She took pity on him and said, ‘This is one of the Hebrews’ children.'”

Pip: Pity from the daughter of the man who ordered the killing. That is either the worst possible outcome or the exact hinge the whole plan turned on.

Mara: The post leans into that tension. Miriam, watching from the reeds, has to think fast — and she does, offering to find a Hebrew nurse. Pharaoh’s daughter agrees, Jochebed is brought back, and she is paid to raise her own son. The post’s conclusion is direct: because she trusted God with the outcome, she raised the man who would free her people.

Pip: The post calls it “faith in action” — not faith as a feeling, but as a thing you weave with your hands and place in the water before you know what happens next.

Mara: Which is the through line across everything today: light that doesn’t wait for recognition, courage that precedes the outcome, and a mother who lets go before the story resolves.

Pip: A stranger walks into a village. A warrior stands beside you. A basket floats downriver. The same trust, three different shapes.

Mara: And next time, more of what that trust looks like when the stakes get even harder to hold. Stay with us.

Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5

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FIFA World Cup Fans are saying “USA …We Are SORRY Says WORLD 😊” –

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Group of enthusiastic soccer fans tailgating with flags and grill outside Lumen Field stadium at sunset

I’ve got to say collectively we owe the USA an apology. And when I say we, I mean the entire world and that apology is needed purely because of how much judgment the world has thrown onto the US over the last few years. The American people are probably the most genuine, welcoming, humble people that I’ve ever met in my life. 100% if you get the chance, go to the US and travel and see it for yourself. I promise you, you won’t regret it. t’s just been really cool. And I think one of my favorite parts even about World Cup is the fact that there’s so many people coming in from all over the world and they’re enjoying America.

Like they’re truly truly enjoying America, enjoying all of the little things that sometimes we overlook. And you see the little like Tik Toks or stories from there. There’s Freddy LA7 who is currently on Twitter and it’s like they’re just enjoying the little things about this country that maybe we sometimes overlook like having a big gas station like going to Bies, even just talking about like the neighborhoods, how quaint our neighborhoods are or how kind people are in America. It It’s almost like we needed people from different parts of the world to remind us how great our country is and know our country isn’t perfect and there’s definitely some things that can be better, but there’s also just a lot of good here and there’s a lot of good people here.

There’s a lot of amazing things here. There’s a lot of small things that I feel like sometimes us Americans take for granted because it’s just something that we’ve gotten used to our entire life. And so that’s been one of the things that I also just think has been really cool, seeing our country through the eyes of people who don’t live here. I think we owe you a big apology because what we think America’s like is exactly not what it’s like. Like the news outlets in the UK say America’s this, say America’s that, say America’s this, America’s that. I’m not going to get into detail, but listen, when you go to America, you actually see what it’s like with your own two eyes. Honestly, people are so nice here. The hospitality is amazing. People are just so accommodating.

And anything you want, they will do it. And the thing is, the people here are so nice, so polite. And in the UK, we think the complete opposite. We think people are not nice. We think it’s very dangerous here. But it’s not, guys. You need to go to America to experience it. Cuz if you’re not, then you’re missing out. You’re 100% missing out of what it’s like in the USA. So to me, to you, I give you guys a huge apology because us Brits are missing out of the USA. honest guys. America, you deserve and are owed an apology. And I’m going to say sorry on behalf of all the countries outside America and their media and the narrative they paint about America. Hundreds and thousands of fans for the World Cup are now seeing America through their own eyes, realizing the narrative they’ve been fed is false.

And they’re now realizing America is not the place that they thought it was. And I am sorry the media in these countries outside of America paints you the way they do. America is rich in culture, scenery, the people are amazing. And the media in the countries outside of America paint this weird narrative that it’s a place that you shouldn’t go. But now the tides are changing. There is a shift that is happening. And I’m sorry you’ve been painted in this light for so long. And I’m so happy America is finally receiving the flowers that it deserves.

Source: (606) “USA …We Are SORRY” – Says WORLD 😊 – YouTube

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering.
Colossians 3:12

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