WHAT’S ON WHAT’S UP TODAY:

WHERE DOES GOVERNMENT GET ITS MONEY?

ANSWER: You and Me….

Government is constantly looking for more ways to take our hard-earned money.

Will it every stop?

PLUS: Can government fix our broken health care system?

Biblical-Literacy: David Capps, subbing for Mark Lanier: Be Still and Know.

Special Guest in the pulpit at Champion Forest: GENERAL DOUG CARVER: Life Lessons.

Closing in prayer:
Heavenly Father, Creator and Sustainer of All, Hear the cries and pleas from your children, for many are our foes, foreign and domestic, which are pressing in from all sides... 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.

WHERE DOES GOVERNMENT GET ITS MONEY?

Discussed by Tom Schatz
with Citizens Against Government Waste  (www.cagw.org)

The America government is constantly looking for more ways to take our hard-earned money. Will it every stop?

Tom Schatz is the President of Citizens Against Government Waste. Today, Tom gives a little history lesson and then jumps to what the future could look like if we, the American citizens, don’t put a stop to the wasteful spending.

Click here for the latest from Citizens Against Government Waste.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Leading up to July 4 1776, did ordinary citizens agree that the government in England was taking too much of their hard-earned money without accountability?

Is the battle over or still raging on? Tom praises the work that VP Vance and the Department of Labor are doing to expose and stop the waste, fraud, and abuse that has occurred for decades and is still happening today.

Are too many in government more focused on collecting money than looking for ways to cut spending?

Can we demand more accountability in how government spends our money? Tom encourages everyone to attend local board meetings, city council meetings, write letters, make phone calls, and whatever else they think will help. Stay involved!

Why is Citizens Against Government Waste laser-focused on reducing wasteful government spending?

What is the GRACE Commission? Click here to learn more.

Click here to help support Citizens Against Government Waste and to learn how you can make a difference.

HOW TO FIX THE HEALTH CARE PROBLEM IN AMERICA

Discussed by Representative Randy Hultgren
with Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries (www.ahcsm.org/)

On July 4, while we celebrated our country’s 250th anniversary, the federal government funding ban on Planned Parenthood expired. What are the next steps?

Former Illinois Congressman Randy Hultgren is the Executive Director of the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries. Click here to learn more about their organization. Today, Randy explains the ban and the benefits of health care sharing.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Lawmakers initially intended to halt Planned Parenthood’s federal funding for ten years, but it was shortened to just one year, which ended on July 4, 2026. Why only one year?

How can Congress re-instate the ban on funding to Planned Parenthood?

Are the health care industry problems still prevalent today? Randy passionately discusses the need for true health care freedom for all.

What is Reconciliation 3.0?

Click here to TAKE ACTION with Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries.

NEW STANDARDS FOR TEXAS SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM

Discussed by Mary Elizabeth Castle
with Texas Values (TxValues.org)

The Texas State Board of Education saved 250 years of history a week before we celebrate the 250th milestone of our country.

Mary Elizabeth Castle is Director of Government Relations at Texas Values. Today, she explains what the Texas SBOE recently passed and what the changes mean to those in public schools across Texas.

Click here to read Mary’s op-ed on this very important topic. Make sure you share on social media, too, so you friends can be aware.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

REVIEW: What is the purpose of the Texas State Board of Education?

Does the Texas State board of Education approve standards in public schools? Mary Elizabeth discusses the purpose of the TEKS and what the standards are.

Do the Social Studies standards determine what the next generation of Texans believe about their country and themselves? THIS IS KEY! PAY ATTENTION!

Was there considerable effort from the Left to re-write American history?

What was the final vote? Mary Elizabeth explains the process of voting and the final vote.

Are those who have a wrong view of America forbidden from teaching their views? Terry and Mary Elizabeth discuss why teachers have a motivation to teach what is required and not insert their personal opinions.

How must we protect our children and grandchildren going forward?

Click here to help support Texas Values.

BE STILL AND KNOW

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

Day 3

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU HEAR THE WORD “STILL”? WHAT DOES “ME TIME” LOOK LIKE TO YOU? DO YOU EVER JUST SIT IN THE PRESENCE ON THE LORD AND LISTEN?

It’s summer time and that means special lessons from various guests for the Biblical Literacy Lesson from 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, Dr. David Capes discusses Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”

Dr. Capes is the Director of Academic Programming at the Lanier Theological Library.

To view Dr. Capes’ 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 is it important to understand Scripture as a whole and not just bits and pieces? Click the link above and fast-forward to the 36-minute mark to view the beautiful AI-generated picture Dr. Capes shares.

What man-made disaster did David write about in Psalm 46:6?

How can we have hope and joy in the midst of sorrow? Dr. Capes shares a personal story about a former professor and friend who recently passed away.

Do you “really” rely on God for strength? Or do you constantly try to fix things your own way?

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

LIFE LESSONS

Discussed by General Doug Carver
with Special Guest

Day 3

LIFE IS FULL OF DISAPPOINTMENTS AND HARDSHIPS. SOMETIMES IT’S HARD TO FIND THE STRENGTH TO GO ON – LET ALONE THE JOY TO PRAISE GOD THROUGH THE TEARS.

This week, very special guest General Doug Carver presents the sermon from Champion Forest Baptist Church. General Carver is the Chief of Chaplains for the United States Army and he definitely has some harrowing stories to tell. But, through every story, there is courage, strength, and joy found in Jesus.

Scripture Passage: Joshua 1:1-9

Click here for more information about General Doug Carver.

Find General Doug Carver’s sermon here.

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

QUESTIONS / ISSUES DISCUSSED:

July 4, 2007: General Doug Carver was celebrating the festivities overlooking Washington, DC, when a soldier approached him with an incredible story. This soldier had a tough decision to make that would change his life forever. How did General Carver encourage this young soldier?

Yesterday, General Carver asked: What impossible task has God placed in your path? Today, he gives an amazing motivational talk, reminding us that God is our refuge and strength and we can do all things through Him. In fact, He PROMISES to never leave or forsake us and NOTHING can separate us from the love of God. Take comfort in that today! (Psalm 73:25; Psalm 23; Isaiah 43:2)

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

Heavenly Father, Creator and Sustainer of All,

Hear the cries and pleas from your children, for many are our foes, foreign and domestic, which are pressing in from all sides.

They wag their tongues against you, doubting your very existence. May we not listen. May we or follow their evil, perverse ways.

Break them with a rod of iron and dash them into pieces like a potter’s vessel.

Save us, O Lord. Answer your children as we call out to you. Be our shield.

Pour out your blessings upon all who seek refuge in your arms.

As we stand in the gap for our family and friends, grant us boldness to share the Good News.

Holy Spirit speak through each.

Lord Jesus, shine through your sons and daughters.

May the harvest be abundant.

And if we are granted tomorrow, let’s repeat.

All for the cause of Christ,

Amen and Amen.