WHAT’S ON WHAT’S UP TODAY:

Housing First for the homeless was an absolute disaster.

John Bonura explains what once worked.

At one time, the homeless were given temporary housing in addition to medical and mental health care and even drug/alcohol treatment.

And this worked fabulously until liberal government got involved.

Plus: is God your pilot or co-pilot?

And: THE MILLENNIAL JOB INTERVIEW

Biblical Literacy: David Fleming, subbing for Mark Lanier: Work in Progress

Champion Forest Pulpit sermon: Dr. Conner Bales: SUFFERING IS NOT SINGULAR

Closing Prayer:
Merciful Father,
Look upon your humble servant with compassion. Overwhelm me with your love today. More below….

Discussed by Terry Lowry
with Host of the What's UP Radio Program

Host Terry Lowry interviews influential and knowledgeable guests on relevant topics for today.

HELPING THE HOMELESS WITH HOPE AND A FUTURE

Discussed by John Bonura
with Texas Public Policy Foundation (www.TexasPolicy.com)

A federal judge has curtailed the efforts of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to end the disastrous policy of Housing First. But, why? I thought they were helping the homeless!

John Bonura is a policy analyst for the Taxpayer Protection Project with the Texas Public Policy Foundation. The Project believes that homelessness is a complex issue, which requires more than a one-size-fits-all approach and policymakers should evaluate the efficacy of these efforts based on performance measures and audited data.

Click here to read more on this topic from John.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Who are the homeless?

What was the original purpose of transitional housing? John explains that the homeless were given temporary housing in addition to medical and mental health care and even drug/alcohol treatment. And this worked fabulously for many, many years. Until….

How did the Housing First mandate from the federal government (under the Obama Administration) change that approach?

Hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent to eradicate homelessness in Austin and across Texas. Has all the money flowing into non-profits reduced the homeless population? SHORT ANSWER: NOPE.

On average, how much does it cost to help a person who is currently homeless, but has no desire to re-enter society as a productive citizen? FLIP SIDE: On average, how much does it cost to help a homeless person who does want to re-enter society as a productive citizen? John reveals the federal government’s flawed plan and why money is wasted. He also discusses the restrictions placed upon faith-based organizations, which limit their ability to truly help people.

Are there any good solutions? John has some fantastic suggestions and discusses some legislation that has been filed that has potential.

Click here to help support the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

GOD IS MY PILOT

Discussed by Sara Tracey
with The What's UP Radio Program

NOTE: This story was found on a random Facebook page with no link to the original source. If you would like a copy of the transcript, please use our feedback link.

THE MILLENNIAL JOB INTERVIEW

Discussed by Special Guest
with Special Guest

Click here to watch and share The Millennial Job Interview video.

YOU ARE A WONDERFULLY MADE WORK IN PROGRESS

Discussed by David Fleming
with Lanier Theological Library (www.LanierTheologicalLibrary.org)

Day 1

IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE BOTH WONDERFULLY MADE AND A WORK IN PROGRESS? IF GOD CALLS US TO BE PERFECT LIKE JESUS, WHY SHOULD WE ALSO NOT STRIVE FOR PERFECTION? CAN THAT LEAD TO OUR DOWNFALL?

It’s summer time and that means special lessons from various guests for the Biblical Literacy Lesson at Champion Forest Baptist Church. The series is featuring various Scripture passages that are familiar, but the presenter will be teaching it in a brand-new light.

This week, David Fleming clears up some confusion on those questions, redirecting our focus to Scripture instead of doubt.

To view David Fleming’s video for this lesson, click here.

If you have a prayer request, need Scripture encouragement, or would like a copy of Mark’s lessons each week, email wantmore@biblical-literacy.org

QUESTIONS / ISSUES DISCUSSED:

Why do we gravitate to sharing our strengths with others? How can our weaknesses be a lesson to others? David shares four poles (if you watch the video, you’ll understand what he means): resignation, wonderfully made, work in progress, and perfectionism. The two extreme poles are the first and the last, while the poles in the middle are who and what we really are in Christ.

Why should we be careful about clinging too tightly to perfectionism? David shares some stories from his childhood and teenage years, warning us that striving for perfectionism always leaves us unsatisfied.

For more information about Mark Lanier’s Biblical Literacy class, click here.

SUFFERING IS NOT SINGULAR

Discussed by Dr. Conner Bales
with Dr. Conner BalesDr. Conner Bales (https://www.connorbales.com/)

Day 1

Last week, General Doug Carver kicked off the special 2026 Summer Sermon Series with a great reminder that God is our strength and refuge and we can find joy in Him through every life lesson.

This week, the very special guest is Dr. Conner Bales, the pastor at Quails Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. The question he will be tackling this week is: HOW DO WE SUFFER WELL?

Scripture Passage: Romans 8:16

Click here for more information about Dr. Conner Bales.

Find Dr. Conner Bales’ sermon here.

If you have questions about a sermon, please contact Champion Forest at questions@cfbc.org

QUESTIONS / ISSUES DISCUSSED:

Job suffered terrible tragedies in his life. How was he able to continue to praise God through the pain?

Paul also suffered greatly. Was he able to praise God like Job did?

Can God really make something good out of something that seems so bad? Dr. Bales closes this segment sharing a little about his family. Click here to view their beautiful family photo (fast-forward to the 44-minute mark).

If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, or if you have a prayer request, text: 281.688.2630 and follow the text prompts.

For more details about Champion Forest Baptist Church, click here.

PRAYER

Discussed by Terry Lowry
with Host of the What's UP Radio Program

Merciful Father,

Look upon your humble servant with compassion. Overwhelm me with your love today.

Forgive me when I choose not to do good. Blot out the times I openly rebel against your precepts.

May I not cause any to stumble because of my words or actions.

May I see with spiritual eyes today. How can I be your hands today, helping those around me?

Not my will. Not my plans. Here I am Lord, use me for good – the good that will last for eternity.

And if I am granted tomorrow, Precious Lord, let’s repeat.

All for the cause of Christ,

Amen and Amen.