December 17, 2025

A Warning from the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center

I have been hesitant to write this post so close to Christmas, not wanting to weigh you down during this joyous time of year. However, in light of the increase in radical Islamist terrorism of late, I feel it is necessary to do so. 

One doesn’t need to be prophetic to realize that thousands of people with evil intentions entered our nation during Biden’s, Harris’s, and Mayorkas’s open borders. Agencies in our government are now confirming what we knew to be true. It is inconceivable that these individuals were unaware that this was happening. They, and those in their party who sanctioned it, are more than incompetent; they are liars and traitors. 

Though somewhat long, I’m going to share with you the opening remarks of Joe Kent, Director of the United States National Counterterrorism Center. This was in his recent testimony at a Congressional hearing on December 11, 2025 (YouTube link). His comments confirm these concerns:

From Mr. Kent

“Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, ranking members, and all the members of the House. I appreciate the opportunity to appear before you and discuss the threats posed to our nation. 

“Despite the progress we’ve made so far in the Trump administration, the threat posed by terrorists of all brands remains very high right now. We’ve made significant progress under President Trump’s leadership. We have the jihadis of ISIS and al-Qaeda on the run in Iraq and Syria, thanks to the decisive action and strikes that we’ve taken since President Trump took office in January. However, we have a persistent threat from the individuals who were allowed into this country by the previous administration. 

“The number one threat that we have right now, in my view, is the fact that we don’t know who came into our country in the last four years of Biden’s open borders. What we have identified is alarming, and I want to share that with you today. We just recently put out a warning of the heightened risk of terrorist attacks posed to the homeland by terrorists, pretty much of all stripes, but in particular from ISIS and al-Qaeda. NCTC has been crunching the numbers and going through the sheer volume of known and suspected terrorists in the country that came in under the Biden administration. So far, NCTC has identified around 18,000 known and suspected terrorists the Biden administration let come into our country. These are individuals who, under normal circumstances, would never be allowed to enter our country because of their ties to jihadi groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda. Yet the Biden administration not only let them into the country but, in many cases, facilitated their entry into the country, just like the entry of the Afghan terrorist who committed the terrorist attack here just before Thanksgiving, killing one of our National Guard members and wounding another. That Afghan was brought into the country in a group of over 100,000 Afghans brought here during the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. 

“These individuals, despite what has been reported, were not vetted properly to come into the United States. The individual terrorist who committed the attack in DC, was vetted to serve as a soldier in Afghanistan. The Biden administration essentially used his tactical-level vetting as a ruse to bring him here and into our communities. And we’ve seen the tragic results of that. Now, that Afghan, that attacker, that terrorist is just one of 88,000. We’ve identified 2,000 of that group of 88,000 who have ties to terrorist organizations. We’re working right now hand-in-hand with DHS and with the FBI to run down these 2,000, the Afghans who came here under “Allies Welcome,” who have ties to terrorist organizations.

“And additionally, the other 18,000 individuals with ties to terrorist organizations that Biden let into our country. That is probably the top terrorist threat that we face right now. And that doesn’t include the individuals who came here illegally through the open border. That number, alarmingly, remains unknown at this time. We’re trying to figure out who those individuals are as well. 

“Also, adding to this elevated threat, we have ISIS and al-Qaeda that have found sanctuary in places like Afghanistan and Syria, due to the transitional nature of those governments, and also again in Iraq and some of the hinterlands of Iraq. And these terrorists are able to communicate and spread their propaganda and a lot of their know-how, thanks to the proliferation of encrypted apps and also due to just the internet at large. The new terrorist tactic that we’re seeing more and more is moving away from very deliberate cellular attacks that we can infiltrate easily while they communicate, into an inspirational methodology where you have key members putting out media and how-to guides to reach out and touch individuals inside the United States. 

“We recently disrupted one of those attacks just before Halloween, thanks to the work of the FBI with support from the entire US intelligence community in the joint terrorism task force model in Michigan. That plot touched multiple states and had ties to ISIS inside Iraq and Syria. Another issue that we are addressing right now, thanks to the decisive leadership of President Trump, is the scourge of fentanyl, gang, and cartel violence. Under President Trump’s leadership, we’ve designated these cartels and gangs as terrorist organizations. And rightfully so. These individuals, these terrorists, have killed hundreds of thousands of Americans, as these Angel Families will tell you firsthand. What President Trump has done by designating them as terrorists has allowed us to turn the tools of the intelligence community against them and watch-list them as terrorists, to prevent them from ever coming into America in the first place. 

“To date, we’ve added about 35,000 of these narco terrorists to our terrorist watch list. And we’ve stopped around 6,000 of these terrorists from ever entering our country, from setting foot inside America, so they can no longer kill Americans with impunity. These are just some of the issues that we’re covering 24/7/365 at the National Counterterrorism Center. And I look forward to discussing more with you all today. Thank you.” 

My Comments

Though many have known that radical Islam has been one of the greatest threats to peace and safety throughout the world, most Americans have given it little thought. It was, after all, an ocean away. Biden, Harris, and the Dems changed that. The terrorists are here. Not only are thousands of them here, but we also have no idea where most of them are located within our nation. We must now pray diligently against this threat, asking God to give supernatural aid in finding and removing them. It will require His supernatural help to prevent many Americans from being maimed and killed before they are found. 

Pray with me:

Father, we as Americans have been foolish, complacent, and irresponsible. Government leaders, judges, and millions of American citizens refused to oppose the fraud and corruption of the 2020 elections, allowing our government to reach its pinnacle of corruption. Combined with the preceding years of corruption and sin, we now face a crisis on many points. We need Your grace and mercy. 

And yet, You have promised these blessings to us. You said mercy was our new currency and that America would be saved. As intercessors, we have repented of America’s irresponsibility and sinful actions and humbly asked for cleansing. We now lay hold of Your gracious promises by faith (1 Timothy 6:12), declaring that You will deliver us from evil (Matthew 6:13). Please expose the terrorists in our land. Give those who search for them breakthrough and unprecedented skill. We ask that You give President Trump and those working with him great wisdom and strategy. Break the back of radical Islam here and throughout the world. 

Save millions of Muslims here and throughout the world in this hour. Lift from them the veil of deception and reveal God’s Son and Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, to them. Break the hold of principalities and powers that blind their minds and reveal Your great love to them. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 

Our decree:

We decree that terrorists will be exposed in our nation, and millions of Muslims will come to Christ. 

Click on the link below to watch the full video.

https://youtu.be/IDE-xVvcOJE

Here is a YouTube link to the testimony above.

December 16, 2025

“Live to Give”

A Christmas Message

“Jimmy was nine when his mom told him his little sister was sick and would die if she didn’t get a blood transfusion – and that Jimmy was one of the only people in the world who had the rare blood type needed. She asked him if he would be willing to let the doctors give his blood to his sister.

“Jimmy was very somber. He didn’t know what was involved, but he loved his sister and agreed to give his blood.

“On the appointed day, Jimmy was solemn, but brave, when the nurse put the needle into his vein and began to drain his blood. After a few minutes of watching the bag fill, he looked scared. The nurse said, ‘Don’t worry, it will be over soon.’

“The boy accepted her assurances and asked, ‘How much longer will it be before I die?’

“The nurse was shocked. ‘You’re not going to die!’ she said, and then wept when she realized Jimmy thought he had to give all his blood to save his sister.”(1)

What a powerful story. No greater love…

The Christmas season is one of the most remarkable times of the year. A time when we celebrate Christ’s birth as a human…so He could give his blood and die. Unlike Jimmy, He had to give all, laying down His life for us.

Because of this, Christmas is, indeed, a time of giving. Appropriately so. As such, it’s also a good time for each of us to take inventory, making sure we maintain the proper heart toward giving and receiving - it’s more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35). The spirit of the age can sink its claws into us at times, without us even being aware it is happening. Christmas is also a great time of year for imparting to our children the spirit of giving. If done properly, they can be marked for life with God’s giving heart and nature. Or, sadly, Christmas can also be a time when we teach them that the greatest thing in life is receiving.

Relax, this is not a post discouraging you from giving your kids gifts at Christmas. It is simply a reminder that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive.

Years ago, my life was marked by a man named Wayne Myers. He was, without a doubt, the person who embodied this truth more than any I have ever known. I’ve watched Wayne give tens of thousands of dollars away on multiple occasions, and be almost giddy with excitement in doing so. Sometimes the gifts were not so large. I once saw him empty his wallet for a Bible school student - while on his way to the airport! This was 40 years ago, when there were no cash machines to replenish his supply. He then asked his wife, Martha, traveling with him, if she had any more cash on her, because he wanted to give more than the amount he had on hand. That was Wayne Myers.

So, some of you may be thinking, a few thousand dollars here and there is not that much for a wealthy person to give; many do that. Perhaps so. But Wayne was not a millionaire businessman or a philanthropist. He was a missionary to Mexico who, for all the years I was blessed to know him, didn’t even own a home. Wayne’s motto in life was “Live to give.”

And he did.

Wayne would become indignant if someone else tried to pick up the check at a restaurant. The giving nature of God oozed out from every cell of his body. His generosity was so infectious that one had to budget the number of times they heard Wayne speak each year because when listening to him, that month’s budget was often blown! Of course, Wayne was full of faith and God would return the money many times over. He demonstrated this hundreds of times. When listening to Wayne, you found yourself believing it, also. What a legacy.

Ceci and I have tried to live by the truth that it is more blessed to give than receive, though nowhere near the level Wayne has walked in. And we have proven over and over the truth that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive.

Personally, although Wayne was used to fan the flames, this mindset was born in me while serving in a food line in Guatemala, after the horrendous earthquake of 1976. It killed 30,000 people in 30 seconds and left 1 million homeless. Having been there when it occurred, I stayed to participate in the relief work. In the village of San Pedro, which was obliterated, I was serving in a soup line. People were holding broken jars, cups, cans - anything they could find in which to receive a small portion of soup. Most hadn’t eaten for days.

As I ladled out small portions, I was watching the soup disappear too quickly. Hoping against hope, I kept scooping...and watching. The last person in line was a lady holding her three-year-old daughter; they were the only two survivors in a family of six. As she got nearer, I could see it coming: there wouldn’t be enough. Still, I hoped. The last of the soup was served just before she held out her jar. As I looked into her eyes, my heart was shattered. It was like someone punched me in the gut. Through tears, I used my broken Spanish and said, “No mas, no mas” (“no more”). 

At that moment, I would have given everything I owned for just one more bowl of soup. My world was wrecked. My definition of success changed, priorities were reordered, and bank accounts were looked at differently. What had really mattered in my life was turned topsy-turvy. I began to truly understand that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Years later, Ceci and I were planning a ministry trip to Mexico City and decided to take our daughters, Sarah and Hannah, ages 9 and 7. We wanted them to see how less fortunate people lived in other countries. When our hosts asked us which tourist activities or places we would like our girls to see, Ceci surprised them. “An orphanage,” she said, “I want you to take us to an orphanage.” They found one two hours away, and our two daughters rocked and held orphaned children for an afternoon. Their journey was beginning as well. They began learning that it is more blessed to give than to receive. 

Do not allow Christmas to be defined solely by the act of receiving. Consider taking some time this year to teach your children the joy of giving to those in need. Perhaps take them to a feeding center and allow them to serve, or load up the family and take groceries to a family struggling financially. Set the entire family down and discuss together what you can do this year to help a less fortunate family enjoy Christmas. Sow a family gift to a missionary who is sharing Jesus with unreached people. Adopt a child through Compassion International, One Child, or another worthy ministry. There are many opportunities, just find one, even in your own community. Mark your children with the heart of Jesus.

Pray with me:

Father, we thank You for the incredible blessings we enjoy in America. Thank You for all You have given us through Your Son, Jesus. You taught us - and demonstrated - that it is better to give than to receive. This Christmas season, keep us reminded of this. We pray for those who are suffering lack this Christmas. The poor, hungry, homeless - we pray that they would find their way out of poverty and loss. Give them a fresh start.

Father, we pray for the families of the soldiers killed by terrorists in Syria, and of those killed by the shooter at Brown University in Rhode Island. We ask for great comfort and grace to be given to them at this time. We also pray for the families of Jews killed and wounded by terrorists in Australia, asking for grace and comfort. Our hearts break for these innocent people. 

And most of all, we pray for those who do not know Christ as Savior. Send messengers to them with the good news. Assign intercessors to pray for them. Open their eyes, lift the veil, and reveal Christ to them. We ask all of this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Our decree:

We declare that greed will not control us; generosity will be our guiding standard.

Click on the link below to watch the full video.

https://youtu.be/-SxeKrMK81c

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1. Adapted from: https://raycenter.wp.drake.edu/2016/04/28/the-ultimate-gift/

December 15, 2025

Introduction

The Christmas season is always a special time. There are glitter and lights to remind us of the upcoming holiday. As Christians, we look forward to celebrating our Savior’s birth. However, with gift buying, Christmas parties, decorating, and so much more, we can lose track of why we celebrate this special day. Today our friend Gina Gholston shares a personal story of how Jesus recaptured her attention. Her title is:

He Takes My Breath Away

Several years ago, a couple of days before Christmas, I was rushing around, doing some last-minute shopping. I went inside one of those stores where everything costs a dollar. While looking for gift bags near the front of the store, I heard the doorbell ring, announcing that another customer had entered the already over-crowded shop. The aisles were packed with shoppers who were in a hurry to get things done and get home. The joy and reason for the season seemed to have been lost in the rush, but that was all about to change!

There was really no need for a doorbell to give an alert for this family’s entrance, for from them rang out the voice of a very excited little boy, accompanied by his grandmother and brother. The quiet and reserved older boy appeared to be around eight years old. The smaller one was about six, and he was far from quiet and reserved. He had one speed: fast! His voice had one volume: loud! We would soon discover that the grandmother had brought them there to buy presents for their family.

While bending over slightly and grasping the small boy’s arm, I overheard Grandmother explain to the children, “Now, you each have only $10. That’s all you have, so spend it wisely.”

“TEN DOLLARS! We can buy EVERYBODY a gift for TEN DOLLARS!”

You guessed it….The little guy had been informed that, in his understanding, he had just won the lottery. His eyes were wide with wonder and his feet were ready to run! It was all the grandmother and brother could do to keep him calm.

Suddenly, my gift bags didn’t matter quite as much. I was totally intrigued by this scene before me. Up and down the aisles they went. The older boy quietly put his selected gifts into the cart, with Grandmother’s smile of approval. The little guy…well, he was announcing to the world his selections and who they were for. With a gleam in his eye, he reached to get a selection of fake flowers, saying very loudly, “THIS IS FOR MOMMY!” and “THIS CUP IS FOR GRANDPA. He needs a new cup!” On and on he bounced through the store, to the chagrin of some other shoppers, but they didn’t deter him, not one bit. He was on a mission!

After about an hour, the boys found their treasures. I could tell that Grandmother was tired, but there was a twinkle in her eyes for the joy she knew this little trip to the dollar store was bringing her grandchildren.

They got into the very long line. There was only one cashier and another lady helping bag the items. I was standing by the gift bags, captivated by this joyous mission I had watched. The little boy was fidgety and the line just wasn’t moving fast enough for him. Finally, the time came for their purchases to be made. “I have TEN DOLLARS!” he announced to the cashier. She smiled graciously.

The older boy placed all his items on the counter. The cashier rang up his purchases, and then it was the little one’s turn. There were at least ten people in the long line behind them, obviously growing more and more impatient, looking at their watches, and rolling their eyes. You get the picture. But the little guy was oblivious to the world around him. He had captured the joy of the season, and wasn’t about to let a few scrooges ruin his moment!

Placing one item at a time on the counter, he announced to the clerk and the whole store once again who would be receiving each item: “THIS ONE’S FOR MOMMY! THIS ONE’S FOR GRANDPA…” On and on until each gift was broadcast to all.

As he was placing the last gift on the counter, the lady behind the cashier stepped aside for a moment, exposing a shelf on the wall behind her. On that shelf were thick glass trinkets with carvings inside them. One of the carvings held an image of the face of Jesus.

Suddenly, when the little boy saw the glass trinket with Jesus inside, he gasped so deeply it felt as if he sucked all the air out of the room. Then he adamantly declared, “I WANT JESUS! I’VE GOT TO HAVE THAT JESUS!” Grandma explained to him, “Honey, you’ve already spent your money. You made your choices.”

His response in that moment shifted the atmosphere in the entire store, and took my breath away.

“I’ll put it ALL back if I can just have that Jesus! Please, Grandma, I’ve got to have that Jesus!” As much effort as he put into searching for his treasures, none of that mattered now. He was willing to go without them if it meant he could have Jesus.

Suddenly, through the voice of a small child, we were all touched, even jolted back into proper perspective regarding what the season was actually about. I could see through the tears in my own tears that many of the other patrons had also been deeply touched by what just happened. Everyone was quiet, then the man in line behind Grandmother and the boys told the cashier to give the trinket to the boy, and he would pay for it.

I was so moved by what I had just seen, that I abandoned my quest for gift bags and went back to my car, collecting my thoughts. As I sat there, quietly reflecting on what had just happened, I heard the Lord say, “That touched Me, too.” Then this question flooded my being, “When was the last time Jesus took your breath away?”

In our fast-paced hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, we often lose sight of the One who is the reason for the season. Born in that manger was the Son of God who came to live and die for each of us, taking on Himself the sins of the world. Our sacrificial Lamb completed His assignment, and through our acceptance of Him as Savior, we, who were in the world without hope and without God, can be reconciled unto God, grafted in to His family. Yeshua! Savior! May we all truly behold Him this season. And may the treasures that were most valuable pale in comparison to the beauty of the One who has made us His own!

In all the craziness of this world today, I pray that each of us will find that place and moment when Jesus recaptures our attention. As we truly behold Him, may everything else fade away as we once again, see the beauty of the One our soul loves. It is my sincere prayer that during this Christmas season, we will see Him again. Spend time with Him. Allow Him to take your breath away, as if seeing Him for the very first time!

Pray with me:

Jesus, may we experience You as You recapture our attention. May everything be moved aside that is hindering us from truly seeing You, and may we stand in awe as we behold You. May we see You as that little boy saw You, with wide-eyed wonder and child-like faith, causing everything else to pale in comparison to the reality of who You are! This is how America will be saved! This is how the world will be changed: when we acknowledge You and bring You back to the center of our focus. May our eyes be opened to truly see You, and may the reality of Your splendor take our breath away!

Our decree:

Jesus is our most valuable Treasure, our Pearl of great price. We decree that obstacles are being removed, enabling us to see Him as we stand in awe of who He is!

Click on the link below to watch the full video.

https://youtu.be/V9I7XMlRQQQ

Today’s post was contributed by Gina Gholston. You can find out more about her at GinaGholston.com.