Today’s News at a Glance:

1. Record heat waves torch the US and Europe!

2. Is Joe Manchin running for president?

3. More updates on the dramatic saga of Hunter Biden.

Thanks for joining us today for PrayNews! There are a lot of challenging events happening in the world today. But we have the assurance that although the world has its troubles, we worship the one who has overcome the world.

"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?" James 2:14

Dear Heavenly Father,

We understand from Your Word that faith is not a passive belief but an active commitment that must be demonstrated through our actions and deeds. We understand that faith without works is dead and that our faith is made evident to the world through our deeds. We pray for the strength and courage to live out our faith daily. Help us not merely to say we believe but to show we believe through acts of kindness, generosity, compassion, and love. May our lives be an outward manifestation of the faith that resides within our hearts. In a world that often values words over actions, teach us the true meaning of servant leadership, as exemplified by Jesus Christ. Let His life of service, sacrifice, and love inspire us to mirror His deeds in our own lives. Forgive us when we fall short, when our deeds do not align with our proclaimed faith. Guide us back onto the path, remind us of Your eternal love, and renew our spirits so we may continue striving to live a life that truly reflects our faith in You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Smaller Bites

Here’s today’s news: cut short and sweet with a prayer…

1. When Heat Rises, So Do We: Heat Wave Grips the World

A dangerous heat wave impacting over a third of the U.S. population has provoked grave warnings from the National Weather Service. The extreme heat has strained Phoenix's healthcare system and ignited wildfire season in Southern California. Heat records are about to be broken in several cities, and a heat dome over the southern U.S. and northern Mexico, responsible for the heatwave, is intensifying. This heat wave also affects Europe, causing wildfires and potential long-term economic impacts on the region's tourism industry.

Prayer Request: Heavenly Father, we pray for all those affected by this dangerous heat wave, both in the United States and Europe. We ask for Your divine intervention to bring relief from these extreme temperatures and protection for all those at risk, particularly the vulnerable. Guide those battling the wildfires and grant strength to the healthcare workers tending to heat-related cases. Lastly, we pray for the Christian community and all others, that they might continue to embody Your love and compassion, offering aid to those in need during these challenging times. Amen.

2. No Labels: Joe Manchin’s Possible Third-Party Bid

Senator Joe Manchin’s recent visit to New Hampshire has sparked speculation of a potential 2024 presidential run. Attending a 'No Labels' event in the state, which is often considered the springboard for presidential campaigns, Manchin interacted with influential moguls and hinted at the possibility of a third-party run. While expressing his concerns over the polarization of American political parties, he clarified that updates about his political future would be made at the end of the year. Political analysts suggest that a potential third-party run might be a strategic move for Manchin, positioning him to swiftly respond should President Joe Biden opt out of the next election.

Prayer Request: Almighty God, we pray for discernment and wisdom for everyone in the 2024 presidential race. We ask that You guide them and all those involved in the process to make decisions that are aligned with Your divine will. If there be any corruption or greed entangled in their intentions, we pray that you would weed them out. Additionally, we pray for our nation's electorate - that they may vote responsibly, keeping their faith and values at the forefront. Lord, remind us that our hope is not in political leaders but in You, who controls the times and seasons. Amen.

3. IRS Whistleblower Unmasked: More Updates on the Hunter Biden Saga

The unnamed Whistleblower X, who alleged political misconduct in the Hunter Biden investigation, has been revealed as IRS special agent Joseph Ziegler. With over a decade of service in the IRS's criminal investigative division, Ziegler and his supervisor Gary Shapley, another IRS whistleblower, are set to testify about alleged political interference in the investigation into the President's son. Ziegler plans to argue that Hunter Biden should have faced more serious charges and expose contradictions between President Biden's statements and the content of reviewed communications. Both whistleblowers will share their experiences of procedural deviations, stalled investigations, and blocked access, all of which they claim are evidence of a "corrosion of ethical standards and the abuse of power."

Prayer Request: Heavenly Father, we ask for Your wisdom and truth to prevail in the ongoing Hunter Biden investigation. We pray for justice to be served and for our leaders to be guided by Your righteousness. We also ask for strength and courage for those under scrutiny, that they may choose to do what is right. May this situation serve as a reminder for all of us to walk in honesty and integrity, following the path You have laid before us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

When Heat Rises, So Do We:
Heat Wave Grips the World

A dangerous heat wave, threatening more than a third of the U.S. population with potentially fatal triple-digit temperatures, has prompted serious warnings from the National Weather Service. Firefighters are grappling with wildfires in the searing heat, and hospitals are overwhelmed with heat-related cases. The sweltering weather conditions have hit Phoenix especially hard, leading to an unfortunate 17-day streak of temperatures above 110 degrees. Heat records are on the verge of being shattered. Similarly, El Paso's 33 consecutive days of reaching 100 degrees or higher and Miami's 38 straight days with heat indexes over 100 are also set to extend.

The National Weather Service forecasts a 60-90% chance of above-normal temperatures across a large part of the country's western half and much of Florida. From July 26 to August 1, the possibility of above-normal temperatures will remain at 60% or higher for much of the South, with slight changes in Arizona, California, and the Southeast.

The heat dome over the southern United States and northern Mexico, responsible for the heatwave, is intensifying and could potentially be the most intense heat dome on record over the southern United States.

The situation has pushed Phoenix’s healthcare system to the brink, with local hospitals grappling with a surge in heat-related patients. Emergency rooms are crammed with patients suffering from heat exhaustion, a clear illustration of the crisis at hand.

The heat wave has also ignited the wildfire season in Southern California. The Rabbit fire, which broke out near Beaumont, California, quickly engulfed steep terrain and thick vegetation, expanding to 7,600 acres in a few days. This marks the commencement of California's wildfire season. Air quality concerns have heightened due to wildfire smoke and high ozone levels produced during the heat wave. Furthermore, the severe heat has touched Death Valley, pushing temperatures to nearly the highest ever recorded on Earth. Death Valley recently hit 128 degrees Fahrenheit, just six degrees shy of the world's hottest temperature ever recorded, 134 degrees in 1913. Instagram influencers have traveled across the globe to take pictures in fur coats next to Death Valley’s giant thermometer.

This heat wave isn’t just affecting the US. Europe is currently experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures reaching 104°F in Rome, 102°F in Madrid, and 107°F predicted in Athens. Wildfires have been reported in Greece, Spain, and Switzerland, causing authorities to advise people to stay indoors during peak hours. The heatwave and wildfires could have long-term economic consequences on tourism in southern Europe, a region heavily dependent on this industry.

In these trying times, the Christian community is rising to the occasion, offering support and demonstrating Christ's love through action. Churches are opening their doors as cooling centers, distributing water and sun protection items, and reaching out to vulnerable populations, particularly the homeless, susceptible to these severe weather conditions.

The teachings of our faith remind us to care for the least of these in their time of need (Matthew 25:40), encouraging us to extend our hands in support to those struggling in the heat wave. When the heat rises, so should the body of Christ to respond to the needs. Furthermore, the Bible reminds us to have hope and faith even in times of struggle and to remember that "We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed" (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

Remember to stay safe out there, and keep your eyes open to those suffering and needing aid. Remember the words of James 2:14-18, “What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him? And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food, and one of you tells them, ‘Go in peace. Be warmed and filled;’ yet you didn’t give them the things the body needs, what good is it? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself. Yes, a man will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” Let us be people mobilized by faith to help those in need during times of crisis.

No Labels:
Joe Manchin’s Possible Third-Party Bid

Senator Joe Manchin’s recent visit to New Hampshire has spurred a whirlwind of political speculation. Senator Manchin has been associated with potential preparations for a 2024 presidential run. The senator attended a ‘No Labels’ event in New Hampshire, a state widely recognized as the traditional launch pad for presidential campaigns. No Labels, a third-party organization funded by private equity moguls, hedge funds, and other major players, has raised $70 million and is on track to secure ballot access in all 50 states.

Manchin's visit to New Hampshire was conducted amidst the challenges faced in his re-election campaign in West Virginia. Despite his popularity among West Virginians and adeptness at local politics, he faces strong partisan opposition in his home state. His affiliation with the Democrats and his support for the American Rescue Plan, among other Democratic initiatives, has put him on shaky ground for re-election in 2024.

At the No Labels event, Manchin's presence was interpreted as a not-so-subtle invitation to join the organization as an independent candidate. As Manchin sat with moguls discussing the necessity of "common sense solutions," he continued to tease the possibility of a third-party run.

When asked about his potential bid, Manchin explained that he believed American political parties had gone "too far right and too far left." He suggested that the only way to bring them back to the center is through the threat of independent candidates capable of attracting voters from both sides. However, he also clarified that he wouldn't make any decisions until the end of the year.

Political analysts have suggested that Manchin's possible third-party run could be a strategic move if President Joe Biden decides not to run in the next election due to health or other reasons. The idea is to position himself to quickly jump into the fray if the opportunity arises.

However, critics question the likelihood of voters seeing much of a difference between Biden and Manchin. Furthermore, the No Labels approach is seen as somewhat cynical, exploiting American fatigue with the political system to strengthen the status quo. Many Democrats fear that a Joe Manchin third-party run would hurt Joe Biden’s chances at reelection, deterring left-leaning voters away.

This seems like a good time to mention third parties. Some third-party candidates have thrown their hats into the presidential race. Green Party Candidate Cornel West is currently polling highest among all third-party voters, and Lars Mapstead is the current frontrunner for the Libertarian Party. We haven’t heard much from them because the two-party system dominates the current media landscape. However, a recent poll by Quinnipiac University suggests that more Americans now than ever are open to a third-party candidate.

From a Christian perspective, this development is a reminder of the diverse array of viewpoints within our nation and the ongoing struggle to find a balance between them. Since we live in a representative democracy, our votes should reflect our values. We are encouraged in Colossians 3:17, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” That includes voting. May party affiliation never eclipse our dedication to Christ and his Kingdom. Ultimately, our hope is not in political leaders or parties but in God, who "changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others" (Daniel 2:21). We trust that His will shall prevail in our nation's political landscape.

IRS Whistleblower Unmasked:
More Updates on the Hunter Biden Saga

We have an update on a previous story regarding the most recent Hunter Biden investigation. The identity of the unnamed Whistleblower who alleged political misconduct in the Hunter Biden investigation has been revealed as IRS special agent Joseph Ziegler. A Democrat with over a decade of service in the IRS's criminal investigative division, Ziegler is now set to testify before the House Oversight Committee.

Ziegler, who appeared publicly for the first time alongside his supervisor, Gary Shapley, another whistleblower within the IRS, will discuss alleged political interference in the long-running federal probe into the President's son. Shapley has previously alleged in media interviews that prosecutors concealed evidence from investigators and stalled steps such as conducting interviews and serving document requests.

As a special agent within the IRS' Criminal Investigation Division for 13 years, Ziegler is expected to argue that Hunter Biden should have been charged with a tax felony rather than the lesser misdemeanor charge. He will also attempt to reveal contradictions between President Biden's public statements about his non-involvement in Hunter's overseas business dealings and the content of reviewed communications and text messages.

Ziegler is expected to cast light on "the corrosion of ethical standards and the abuse of power that threaten our nation," which he claims to have witnessed firsthand. He plans to outline several instances of prosecutors allegedly deviating from standard procedure, slowing the investigation, and creating roadblocks that hindered the case, including blocking the questioning of Hunter Biden's adult children.

In his testimony, Ziegler will call on Congress and the Biden administration to consider appointing a special counsel for the Hunter Biden investigation and all related spin-off inquiries. He believes an official channel should be established for federal investigators to flag such issues to senior officials.

In line with Ziegler's testimony, Shapley will testify that Delaware's U.S. Attorney's Office delayed critical investigative steps, such as serving document requests and pursuing physical search warrants in multiple states, until after the 2020 presidential election. He will provide insight into the investigation's dealings with Hunter Biden's laptop and his communication with CEFC China Energy executives.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. It’s difficult to report on stories like this without appearing biased in favor or against someone. As with recent probes into former President Donald Trump, we don’t want to make habits of declaring someone guilty before they have been declared so under a court of law. That being said, Hunter Biden has already been found guilty of several charges. We will keep a close eye out on how this story unfolds.

For now, we want to take this opportunity to look at our own relationship with the truth. We are reminded of the words in Proverbs 12:22, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in trustworthy people.” We think lies will somehow save us from trouble, but they always seem to find us in the end. Do you remember when Abraham lied about Sarah being his wife to Pharoah in Genesis 12? He thought his lies would save him, but they created a ripple effect of tragedy for him, his wife, and Pharoah. Stories like Abraham’s and this ongoing investigation into Hunter Biden should act as cautionary tales for us. If these allegations are true, they cause deep concern, reflecting a betrayal of the public trust and a deviation from ethical standards.

Let's pray for the truth to prevail in this situation, for justice to be served, and for our leaders to be guided by the wisdom and righteousness of God. We must also remember to pray for those under scrutiny, that they might find the courage to do what is right.

Disclaimer: This article is based on available information as of the publication date. Please follow our publication for future updates and developments regarding this ongoing story.

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