North Carolina lawmakers are pushing to overhaul the state's budgeting process with zero-based budgeting, requiring agencies to justify every dollar spent. Meanwhile, a lawsuit challenges the state's ban on ballot selfies, citing First Amendment rights. The debate over state taxes and a long-term budget continues in the General Assembly. [... more]

As Christians, we must strive towards dependability, a spiritual discipline that helps believers grow into something others can depend upon. This discipline is about being consistent, trusting, and obeying God even when it's difficult. Pastor Jack Hibbs teaches that dependability, along with patience and humility, is essential to face life's obstacles with faith rather than giving up when things get tough. [... more]

Jesus' compassion for human need is a model for Christians to follow, emphasizing the importance of seeing, feeling, and acting on the needs around us, and praying for the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest field. [... more]

Peter Rosenberger discusses the importance of taking ownership and responsibility for one's actions, rather than blaming others or using language that creates distance. He explores how this concept is relevant in both personal and public life, using examples from his own experiences as a caregiver and observations of politicians and pundits. [... more]

James Comey's indictment and the implications of free speech, the controversy surrounding Sec War's quote from Pulp Fiction, a list of the 100 best vocalists that has sparked outrage, and the rising tide of hate and disagreement in society, as well as the importance of identity theft protection and the craftsmanship of Kohler cast iron products. [... more]

A true friend is a gift from God, elevating and strengthening their companion in Christ. Real friendships are costly, selfless, and sacrificial, building godliness in one another's lives. A friend will make you a better person, sharpening your life and preparing you for spiritual battle, and a real friend will make you more like Jesus. [... more]

Christians are called to freedom, but this freedom is not a license for selfishness. Instead, it is a call to servanthood, where individuals use their freedom to serve others and live according to God's will. Dr. Tony Evans explains that true freedom is not about doing whatever one wants, but about living a life of love and service to others. [... more]

Chip Ingram explores the concept of hypocrisy and its effects on individuals and the church, highlighting the importance of authenticity and selflessness in living a life of faith and morality. [... more]

Conflict is a natural part of life, but it can be devastating to relationships and marriages when left unchecked. Selfishness is often the root cause of conflict, and it can manifest in subtle and obvious ways. The Bible teaches that prayer and faith are essential in dealing with conflict and seeking God's will. By admitting our selfishness and seeking God's intervention, we can begin to work towards healing and reconciliation in our relationships. [... more]

We're naturally rebellious due to our fallen state, but through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, there's forgiveness. However, in our fallen state, we continue to rebel against authority, seeking self-autonomy and self-indulgence. As followers of Jesus Christ, submission is to be our lifestyle, characterized by humility and obedience to God's word, which is the supreme authority for all of us. [... more]

Jesus' final request in his high priestly prayer is for those whom God has given him to be with him and see his glory, a selfless desire rooted in the love of the Father for his Son, and a promise of eternal life and union with God. [... more]

Jim Murphy, a performance coach and author of Inner Excellence, shares his insights on the importance of selflessness, confidence, and belief in achieving extraordinary performance and living the best possible life. He discusses the four daily goals of giving one's best, being fully present, being grateful, and focusing on routines and what one can control. [... more]

Rapid spending on autism therapy in North Carolina's Medicaid program is projected to exceed a billion dollars within the next two years, prompting state lawmakers to raise alarms and press health officials to explain these rapidly rising costs. Meanwhile, a legal challenge in North Carolina is testing the limits of body camera footage access, and a ballot selfie ban is being appealed to the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. [... more]

Chip Ingram shares the importance of authentic community in spiritual growth, emphasizing that it's not just about meeting superficial needs, but about showing up with the real you, meeting real needs, and doing it for the right reason and the right way. He highlights the role of humility, dependence on God, and genuine service in building authentic community, which is essential for supernatural transformation and connecting with God. [... more]

The love of God is a selfless and sacrificial love that changes us from being critical and self-serving to being people who put the needs of others first. This love is active and authentic, and it changes our personalities, relationships, and marriages. It even impacts our encounters with complete strangers, and it is the extraordinary love that we are called to as followers of Jesus. [... more]

Paul's letter to Titus emphasizes the importance of older men in the church, encouraging them to pursue temperance, dignity, and soundness in their faith, love, and perseverance, serving as role models for younger men and demonstrating the power of the Spirit of God. [... more]

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is calling for a $1.4 billion critical needs budget to address the state's budget crisis, which has been ongoing for over two and a half years. The budget would provide raises for teachers, state troopers, and other state law enforcement, as well as fund Medicaid and other critical needs. Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Ted Budd is voicing his support for President Trump's approach towards Iran, citing the regime's history of terrorism and pursuit of nuclear weapons. In other news, a federal judge has ruled against a Libertarian voter who challenged North Carolina's ballot selfie restrictions, citing the state's interest in preventing vote buying and coercion. Additionally, North Carolina's charter school infrastructure is set to receive a major boost from a record-breaking $52.9 million federal grant, which will support the establishment of new charter schools and career and technical education programs. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie explains that happiness comes from putting God first in one's life and following Him, rather than chasing after it. He emphasizes the importance of selflessness and bearing the cross, which means denying oneself and putting God's will above one's own. He also discusses the concept of being born again and the need for a spiritual awakening in America. [... more]

The Apostle Paul's boasting in his weaknesses, as seen in 2 Corinthians 11, serves as a harsh grace to jolt the Corinthian church out of their blind adoration of impressive but false teachers. Paul's strategy is to turn their world upside down by boasting about the things that should have impressed them, such as his sufferings and love for the church, rather than the things they valued, like rhetorical strength and poise. This passage highlights the importance of humility, selflessness, and dependence on God, and warns against loving self-gratification and self-promotion. [... more]

When we stray from God's will, there are always consequences, and our sin impacts not only ourselves but also others. God's discipline is an act of love, a severe mercy, and a sign of His love for us, always acting in our best interests. [... more]