House Rep Kevin McCarthy heaps praise on Bitcoin

House Rep. Kevin McCarthy heaps praise on Bitcoin

  • McCarthy said that he likes Bitcoin because of the blockchain's security.

  • Unlike Bitcoin, he doesn't like Facebook's Libra and fears that it may control the market in the future.

In a recent interview with CNBC, Kevin McCarthy, the Republican House Minority Leader said:
 

"I like bitcoin … The real thing I like when it comes to bitcoin is I like blockchain because I like the security. I want the government to start using blockchain,"

 

Though Bitcoin and Libra are cryptocurrencies that use blockchain technology, the difference is that a sovereign currency does not back Bitcoin. On the other hand, Libra is a stablecoin backed by an assortment of government-backed currencies. McCarthy is concerned about their apparent lack of decentralization:
 

"When I'm on Facebook, I'm not the customer, I'm the product. Facebook is free because they sell your data to make money. Now they want to get into the business, and they're not Bitcoin, in this Libra. They're not decentralized."

 

McCarthy said that he was looking to determine whether Facebook has considered its 'potential anti-competitive behavior':

"I want to see decentralization because Libra concerns me that they're going to control the market."
 

Fellow Republican Pat Toomey, on the other hand, is willing to have a more open mind about Libra. He told CNBC:

 

"I don't want to presume in advance that we've got to prevent the development of some new innovation..I am very curious about what the ultimate business motive is for Facebook here."

Rajarshi Mitra

FXStreet

Alan Zibluk Markethive Founding Member

God’s Way To Self-Esteem

Do you love yourself?

Written by GodLife on 02/08/2016

Series: Weekly Devotional

Tags: FaithGrowthIdentitySelf EsteemShame


A second [commandment] is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Matthew 22:39

When Jesus quoted Leviticus 19:18, He was not teaching us to love ourselves. In stating that we already love ourselves, He was using the quality of that already-present love for ourselves to teach us how to love others. One who really loves is fully-invested in the loved one's best interests. Here are three ways that attitude towards self is supposed to be altered when God gives us a new heart (Psalm 51:10) with His love poured out (Romans 5:5) in it.

1. Practice repentance: Guilt brings shame and hopelessness.

The whole time God is working through the things which happen to you to conform you to Christ's image (Romans 8:28-29), the world is also trying to force you to conform to its own. (Romans 12:2) One of the ways this is done is through subtle reasoning meant to make you arrogantly ignore God and your obligation to obey Him. (2 Corinthians 10:5) Two equally harmful reactions to guilt feelings are often advised by the wisdom of this world. We can excuse them by labeling them "false guilt", or we can blame others (parents, teachers, or other authorities) for them. But the Bible warns us, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?" (Jeremiah 17:9) Guilt feelings are usually due to real guilt. Our new nature still wars with an old one, (Galatians 5:17) and we still sin. Obeying God, (and loving ourselves His way), means confessing and agreeing with Him about our sin. (1 John 1:7-9)

2. Practice humility: We do not want to be judged by our actions.

An unhealthy self-image tends to bounce back and forth between the hopelessness of guilt and the pride of accomplishment. Spiritually speaking, you are in one of two categories. If you are "in Adam," you are destined to be judged by your works—and will perish. If you are in Christ, you are credited with His perfection—and destined for eternal life. (1 Corinthians 15:222 Corinthians 5:21) Embracing God's plan to conform you to His image (Romans 8:28-29again) means making God's will, (Christ's exaltation, not yours), the point of your life. (Matt. 5:16Luke 22:42Philippians 2:5-9)

3. Accept Assurance: We have value to God!

Look to Jesus to find your identity. To keep from bouncing back and forth from pride to shame, center on God Himself. He wants all people everywhere to turn away from sin and a selfish life, (Acts 17:30), and find security in Jesus' statement on the cross: "it is finished!" (John 19:30) Your sin has been paid for. Christ's sinless record can be credited to you.

Esteem means value. Value of self, apart from what God says about us or wants for us, is idolatry. On the other hand, God's investment in you is total. He has invested His image in you. (Genesis 1:27) He has invested His life's blood in you. (Acts 20:28) He is not ashamed to call you His children, brothers and sisters to Christ. (Hebrews 2:11-131 John 3:1) Will His investment in you bring a return?


Pray this week:

Father, I confess I have gone my own way like a straying sheep. I have no confidence in my own work but only in what Jesus has done for me. Show me His way, and help me to follow it, I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.


Where does your value come from?

Alan Zibluk Markethive Founding Member

Bitcoin price plunges following Senate hearing into Facebook’s Libra cryptocurrency

Bitcoin price plunges following Senate hearing into Facebook's Libra cryptocurrency

Bitcoin price plunges following Senate hearing into Facebook’s Libra cryptocurrency

The price of bitcoin plummeted Tuesday after a Senate hearing that questioned a Facebook Inc. executive on Libra, the company’s proposed cryptocurrency.


 

Bitcoin fell 12% today to a 24-hour low of $9,266.56 as of 10:45 p.m EDT before recovering slightly, to $9,402.28, an hour later. The decline means bitcoin hit its lowest level in a month, extending a bear market that saw bitcoin start to plunge following news of a crackdown on bitcoin mining in China over the weekend.

Bitcoin itself isn’t directly related to Facebook’s Libra, but it’s the attitude held by those in power and the potential to impose new laws that has spooked cryptocurrency markets.

David Marcus, the head of Calibra, the Facebook-owned division that plans to provide Libra services, testified before the Senate Banking Committee that the cryptocurrency would be regulated in Switzerland, but he did not find a receptive audience. Despite Marcus clearly stating that Libra would comply with all U.S. regulations and that Calibra itself would be regulated by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, the senators on the committee were skeptical.

Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown led the anti-Facebook push, saying that “like a toddler who has gotten his hands on a book of matches, Facebook has burned down the house over and over, and called every arson a learning experience.” He added, “We would be crazy to give them a chance to experiment with people’s bank accounts, and to use powerful tools they don’t understand, like monetary policy, to jeopardize hardworking Americans’ ability to provide for their families.”

The disdain for Facebook and Libra was bipartisan, with Republican Senator Martha McSally saying that “I don’t trust you guys” and “instead of cleaning up your house you are launching into a new business model.”

The reaction to Libra from Washington D.C. has been negative from the day it was announced. Both sides of politics criticized it June 18, with President Trump joining the pile-on July 11. Pre-judging Marcus’ testimony, Democratic Congress members started circulating a proposed law July 15. The “Keep Big Tech Out of Finance Act” would ban large tech companies from providing financial services, including digital currencies.

The negative reaction to Libra has led to fears that a crackdown by lawmakers on Libra could involve a legal crackdown on all cryptocurrencies, bitcoin included. “The Libra announcement has heightened the need for policymakers and regulators to establish clear rules of the road,” Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo told CNN.

 

BY DUNCAN RILEY

Alan Zibluk Markethive Founding Member

The Selfish Life? Or Jesus?

A follower is made for God’s calling.

Written by GodLife on 09/08/2016

Series: Weekly Devotional

Tags: EvangelismGrowthIdentityLeadershipSelf Esteem


I answered, 'Why should someone like me have to run and hide in the temple to save my life? I won’t go!'

Nehemiah 6:11

Nehemiah was a leader who did not let pressure, apathy, ridicule or opposition stop him. He knew what to do and how to do it. Most of all, he knew his identity: a chosen and beloved servant of the most High God.

Here are three ways God can give you the same identity:

1. God makes sure you can relate to sinners

Sometimes new believers are surprised to find that their old nature is not gone. You’ll always need God’s grace. Without Christ as your center, you can do nothing. (John 15:1-5Colossians 2:6 says "As you have put your trust in Christ Jesus the Lord to save you from the punishment of sin, now let Him lead you in every step." If you have nothing you did not receive, (1 Corinthians 4:7), and nothing to hide, (Proverbs 28:13) judgmentalism and hypocrisy make no sense.

2. God means for you to make His mission your own

Hebrews 2:10 says that God "…chose to bring many children into glory.” In chapter 12, we are told how to follow Him: "…by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross…" (Hebrews 12:2) For Jesus, the joy was anticipating you with Him in glory! Soon, heaven will be your home! But while we’re still on earth, will you be “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19) to those who have never heard His name?

3. God gives you a new nature

Last week's devotion described turning away from a selfish life. Once you put all your hope in Jesus, many great things happen to you: Christ comes into your life, (Revelation 3:20), you become God’s child, (John 1:12) and receive the Holy Spirit, (Romans 8:15). All your sins are forgiven, (Colossians 1:14)and you have the gift of eternal life! (1 John 5:11) You go from being a child of wrath (Ephesians 2:3) to a worker alongside God Himself! (1 Corinthians 3:9) God even approves you to represent Him to the world: "So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, 'Come back to God!'" (2 Corinthians 5:20) Like Nehemiah, you are a servant of the Most High God! https://www.fgcoetzee.blogspot.com


Pray this week:

Father, teach me what it means to represent you to the world.


What does it mean to live your life in a way that is fitting for the gospel? (Philippians 1:27)

Alan Zibluk Markethive Founding Member

Bitcoin’s recovery stalled on approach to 11000

 Bitcoin's recovery stalled on approach to $11,000

Bitcoin's recovery stalled on approach to $11,000

  • Bitcoin and major altcoins have recovered from the recent lows.

  • The upside momentum has faded away on the approach to critical resistance levels.

The cryptocurrency market is recovering after a sharp sell-off registered during the weekend. Bitcoin (BTC) and all major altcoins are gaining ground, though the critical resistance levels have yet to be broken.

The total capitalization of all digital assets in circulation jumped to $291 billion from $272 billion this time on Monday. The total trading volume is registered at $71 billion, while Bitcoin's market share increased to 66.6%, the highest since April 2017.

Top-4 coins price overview

Bitcoin (BTC/USD) is hovering around $10,800 after a short-lived dip below $10,000 during early Asian hours on Monday. The first digital coin has gained over 7% in recent 24 hours and stayed unchanged since the beginning of the day as the recovery momentum has faded away on approach to the critical resistance level of $11,000.
 

Ethereum, the second largest digital asset with the current market capitalization of $24.6 billion, is also in recovery mode. ETH has grown by 5% in recent 24 hours and settled above $230.00 on Tuesday, moving away from the recent low of $202.80. However, on short-term timeframes, the coin is moving within a bearish trend as an upside momentum is fading.

Ripple's XRP has gained 3.4% since this time on Monday to trade at $0.3166 by the time of writing. The third largest digital asset with the current market capitalization of $13.4 billion settled above $0.31 handle, though the recovery is capped by $0.3200.

Litecoin (LTC/USD), now the fourth largest digital asset in the global cryptocurrency rating, is losing ground on Tuesday. While staying in a green zone on a day-to-day basis, LTC/USD has lost about 1.5% in Asia. At the time of writing, LTC/USD is changing hands at $88.90, off the intraday high of $91.79 hit during early Asian hours.

 

Tanya Abrosimova

FXStreet

Alan Zibluk Markethive Founding Member

Jesus is Better Than Anything

As we learn in the book of Hebrews, Jesus offers us better hope, better promises and more.

Written by GodLife on 20/08/2018
Series: Weekly Devotional
Tags: Bible, Jesus, Better, Hebrews
Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation.

Hebrews 6:9
What was the point of Jesus coming to our sinful world? And how did He accomplish everything we needed in order to be reconciled to God?

We get answers to these questions in the book of Hebrews. And it starts in Hebrews 6:9 — “Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation.”

What are these better things, though?

Better hope – “For the law made nothing perfect; but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.” (Hebrews 7:19)
Jesus is first introduced as a better hope in Hebrews 7:19. He is compared to the law, which ‘made nothing perfect,’ but he, the better hope, is the way in which we can draw near to God. His priesthood, as opposed to the priests of the Old Testament, gives us the ability to be made perfect, through His death and resurrection (not by our own works).
Better covenant – “This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.” (Hebrews 7:22)
The first covenant, which came with the law, could not be perfectly upheld, because the priests and followers were themselves not perfect. But Jesus can save the ‘uttermost’ (Hebrews 7:25) because of His perfection and sacrificial death and resurrection. The covenant that included the law was good but ultimately impossible to uphold, but the new covenant (1 Corinthians 11:25) is perfect because God Himself (Jesus) fulfills every requirement.
Better promises – “But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.”  (Hebrews 8:6)
We are also told in Hebrews that this new, better covenant was ‘enacted on better promises.’ What does this mean? Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Ezekiel 37:26-28 both show that within the Old Testament was the expectation of another covenant. This new covenant promised that He would “write his law on their hearts” (Jeremiah 31:33), all His people would know Him and He would no longer remember their sins against them (Jeremiah 31:34), it would be “everlasting” (Ezekiel 37:26), and He would live among His people (Ezekiel 37:26-28).
Better sacrifice – “For then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Hebrews 9:26)
Jesus died after living a perfect life, which allows His death to stand once and for all as a saving sacrifice. Before, in the old covenant, there was a requirement for spotless animals to be sacrificed over and over again, with no end in sight. But Jesus’ perfect sacrifice allows us to rest in His finished work.
Better possession – “For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.” (Hebrews 10:34)
Our possession — which is eternal life through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection — is infinitely more valuable than any possessions we could have on Earth. In this verse, the writer of Hebrews is saying that nothing in this world is worth giving up the possession we have of eternal life in Jesus. The writer calls it ‘lasting.’
Better country – "But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city." (Hebrews 11:16)
Does this mean that Jesus gives us a great country here on Earth? No! We receive a heavenly country in the future. Jesus offers us a perfect community — though the church is not perfect here on Earth — in heaven to look forward to.
Better resurrection – “Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.” (Hebrews 11:35)
This whole chapter is really God’s definition of faith (Hebrews 11:1, 6). It reads like the evidence log of God’s courtroom, into which He has entered men and women who trusted Him enough to overcome the world by their faith (1 John 5:4). Several of them seemed to supernaturally know details that would only be revealed in the New Testament. In the case of the martyrs this chapter mentions, it seems God has revealed the message of 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 to them: they looked forward to work that would survive the fire of testing.
Jesus is the ‘something better’ that we are all looking for. If you want to learn more about Jesus, including the miracles He performed, the prophecies He fulfilled and more, visit our sister site: somethingbetter.us.

Pray this week:
Lord, show me how to trust you to be the perfect sacrifice for me. Thank you so much that you have done what I could not — follow the law perfectly — and then be sentenced to death for my sins. I praise you for your resurrection, Jesus, and for how your work on the cross and in the grave has saved me from destruction. I love you, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Do you act as if you can earn your salvation outside of the work Jesus did on your behalf? What does Hebrews tell you that goes against that thought?

Alan Zibluk Markethive Founding Member

Increase your health wealth and happiness working from home viewing our advertisements

Hashing Ad Space is a new advertising and paid to mint company with a new utility token earned called ASIMI.

Increase your health, wealth and happiness working from home viewing our advertisements. "Earning at home has never been easier" 

Simplify the way you advertise and earn We sell advertising space on our site Members mint Asimi by watching the ads.

https://www.hashingadspace.com/index.php?ref=fakes 

Increase your leads, sales and profits with thousands of qualified home based businessentrepreneurs looking at your website daily.

I am an online entrepreneur for 2+ years and never seen an awesome platform like this. It's pretty much easy to get tons of visits and impressions to my offers and links. 

FREE ADVERTISING PROMOTION BELOW

Access simple, powerful online advertising to build your leads, sales and profits in any business or product that you choose.

The hashing ad space compensation plan is fairly simple

Alan Zibluk Markethive Founding Member

The Way of Jesus is Better

Jesus is the ultimate prize.

Written by Jesse Bradley on 26/06/2018

Series: Weekly Devotional

Tags: ServiceSoccerWorld CupCompetitionGoal


I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14

When you are watching the World Cup, do you shout, sing, or yell at the referees? Do you enjoy the adrenaline rush of competition? 

Do games and tournaments bring out the best in you? Are there some aspects of competing that can be negative? This Summer, the nations have their eyes and hearts focused on one particular soccer championship. There are many spiritual lessons to be gleaned as you consider specific elements of the World Cup.  

A clear goal

In the World Cup, each country wants to return home as national heroes and the best soccer team on earth. Teams train for four years with intense aspirations. What does success look like for you in life? Do you have goals you are trying to achieve? Many people do not recognize their purpose, and consequently conform to the patterns of the world. In Jesus, you have been given a new identity and a compelling vision for your life. The apostle Paul writes, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) God is with you, and He also goes ahead of you to set up unique opportunities just for you. Every day is a gift from God, and you have incredible abilities and timely situations that He has given you to make a difference in this world. Helping an orphan or a widow can be far more significant than playing in the World Cup in God's eyes. When you make being faithful to Jesus your ultimate goal each day, God will do wonderful works through you, and many lives will be transformed. God will give you everything you need to accomplish what He asks you to do. 

A new strength

Many athletes attempt to be self-reliant. They have no source of power greater than what they can muster up themselves. It is common to go through life with the illusion of self-sufficiency. People stop acknowledging God as the giver of their life and talent. Pride swells. Egos grow. Boasting abounds. Is there a different option? The truth is your God-given assignments cannot be accomplished on your own strength, but relying on God will give you the perseverance, patience, hope, insights, and love you truly need. Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in Him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) Are you still trying to call the shots, or have you given Jesus the steering wheel of your life? Make a decision today to honor Jesus in every aspect of your life and ask God for help to live out what you truly believe. There is no higher goal in life than to glorify Jesus, who is your source of strength.  

An attitude shift

All participants in a competition want to win. When there is a title and a trophy on the line, motivation runs high. Even children want to finish in first place and beat their opponents. However, on the field, there are different guidelines than other arenas of life. One danger about competition is that it can promote a me-first attitude. Selfishness can destroy families, friendships, and work environments. Jesus models a life of humility for us. Matthew writes, "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28) Your attitude should be the same as Jesus, looking for ways to care for people and putting others first. Real love sacrifices, serves, and is marked by generosity. 

There is a competition every day between good and evil, God and the devil, and light versus darkness. When you make it your primary goal to be faithful to Jesus, rely on the Holy Spirit, and seek to serve people you will consistently win. You can have confidence in God as you declare: "Thanks be to God! He has given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57)


Pray this week:

God, I pray that I would be fully reliant on you. You are the vine; I am the branches. May I remain in you and draw everything from you — not trying to do anything by my own power. I am powerless. Fill me with your Spirit to go out and serve others in the name of Jesus Christ. I love you! Amen.


Who can you serve this week? 

Alan Zibluk Markethive Founding Member

Bitcoin price analysis – BTCUSD loses over 1000 in a matter of hours the worst not over yet

 

Bitcoin price analysis – BTC/USD loses over $1,000 in a matter of hours, the worst not over yet

  • BTC/USD retreated below $12,000 after a short-lived spike above $13,000

  • Intraday RSI implies that the sell-off is not over yet.

Bitcoin is changing hands at $11,850 after a strong sell-off from the recent high of $13,195. The first digital currency lost over $1,000 of its value in a matter of hours and settled under $12,000 to much disappointment of BTC bull that expected to see it at new 2019 highs. BTC/USD has lost over 8% in recent 24 hours and nearly 3% since the beginning of Asian trading on Thursday. All major altcoins have also extended the decline.

While the fundamental reasons behind the sell-off remain unknown, it is worth noting that the move was accompanied by a spike in trading volumes, which means that traders were locking profits after a strong upside move

Bitcoin's technical picture

The initial resistance for BTC/USD comes at $12,000. This psychological barrier is strengthened by SMA100 (Simple Moving Average) on the 1-hour chart. It is followed by the middle line of the 1-hour Bollinger Band at $12,360 and SMA50 (1-hour) at $12,550.

Once this barrier is cleared, the recovery may be extended towards $13,000 and $13,300 (upper boundary of 1-hour Bollinger Band).

On the downside, the initial support lies at $11,600 created by SMA100 4-hour. This barrier is followed by $11,300 (the lower boundary of 4-hour Bollinger Band) and psychological $11,000. Considering the downward-looking RSI (Relative Strength Index) on the intraday charts, further sell-off towards the above said support area looks likely.

BTC/USD, 1-hour chart

 

 

Tanya Abrosimova

FXStreet

Bitcoin price analysis -  BTC/USD loses over $1,000 in a matter of hours, the worst not over yet

Alan Zibluk Markethive Founding Member

Parabolic Bitcoin Headed for 30000 Predicts Morgan Creek CEO

Parabolic Bitcoin Headed for $30,000, Predicts Morgan Creek CEO

Parabolic Bitcoin Headed for $30,000, Predicts Morgan Creek CEO

The bitcoin price is once again trading above the $12,000 level, and the current market cycle could take the price to a new all-time high. Morgan Creek Capital Management CEO Mark Yusko was featured on CNBC, where he emphasized that bitcoin is the best-performing asset since October 2018 by a long shot.

“I think we’re in the next parabolic move. That will take us probably into the $30,000 level before we get another little correction.”

He points out that the bitcoin price has soared 70 percent since October 2018, while the stock market over the same period is about flat with those levels. Yusko, who previously ran an endowment fund, didn’t stop there, suggesting that bitcoin’s “path to $100,000 by 2021 is really quite easy to draw out.”

That’s about a 733 percent increase over the next couple of years, which is unheard of in other asset

Yusko’s bullish price prediction is not even the most aggressive one out there, with billionaire venture capitalist Tim Draper attaching a $250,000 price target on the biggest cryptocurrency in the next few years. Draper expects that at the pace that engineers are currently working on bitcoin’s scalability issues, the leading crypto could be used instead of the dollar for everyday purchases in as little as two years.

Bitcoin has been looking attractive from both a fundamental and technical perspective, with catalysts such as institutional adoption and price momentum helping to fuel the gains. Crypto could also be benefitting from the slowing global economy, the uncertainty of which stands to drive investors into the arms of bitcoin.

For example, the U.S. and China still haven’t settled their trade differences, and there’s no guarantee that they will reach an agreement recent progress notwithstanding. Meanwhile, some are saying that EU is already in mired a “mild recession” while that the U.S. is headed for one, too.

Morgan Creek’s Yusko is of the belief that it’s doom-and-gloom for the stock market, saying that stocks are “overvalued” and any upcoming interest rate cut is a sign of a weak economy, not a strong one.

 

 

source CNN

Alan Zibluk Markethive Founding Member