A "journey" song. The post The Rolling Stones song Taylor Hawkins compared to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ first appeared on Far Out Magazine.

by Geoffrey Grinder, Now The End Begins: Comrade Kamala Harris is vowing to enact the first federal law against price gouging from food suppliers and grocery stores as part of her wide-ranging Socialist economic plan to bring down the cost of living. Comrade Kamala is threatening a Socialist takeover of the food supply chain she and […]

August 23, 2024 The Refill of RestJACKIE SMITH-BELL Lee en español "... [Jesus] said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'" Mark 6:31 (NIV) As I was driving along the highway, panic set in - I realized I had five miles until my gas tank was empty. Running on fumes, I coasted into the nearest filling station, reflecting on the similarity between my soul and my fuel tank, both needing to be replenished. Life had been moving at a breakneck speed, leaving me emotionally drained, and I hadn’t slowed down to recover. Exhausted by my mounting to-do list, I longed for moments of rest to refill my soul with peace and joy only God could provide. Initially, I convinced myself I’d find time later that day, after finishing dinner and laundry, or the next morning. However, I kept making excuses, focusing on other things instead. Do you ever make excuses about why you haven't spent time with God? Do you ever wonder why your relationship with Him is "low on fuel" and rest feels nonexistent? You aren't alone, friend. We live in a world where busyness and excuses are commonplace and quiet time with God feels optional. If we aren't careful, life’s demands can easily have us speeding toward an unsustainable pace that drains our senses. Prioritizing rest is essential to replenishing our souls.  Even Jesus, who was fully God and fully man, embraced rest (Luke 5:16; Matthew 8:24). And just as our Savior welcomed rest, we need it to recharge and reinforce our well-being, enabling us to show up as the best versions of ourselves in service to God and others. In Mark 6, Jesus sent His disciples out on a ministry assignment. After completing this assignment, preaching, healing people and spreading the gospel, the disciples returned home emotionally, physically and spiritually exhausted. Jesus, the ultimate source of rest, said: "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest" (Mark 6:31). Jesus' request was not just casual but was a command to prioritize spiritual replenishment and soul care, leaving no room for excuses. He tells you and me to do the same in our assignments as wives, mothers, friends and more within our spheres of influence. We often coast through our days and try to sustain ourselves with tasks that were never meant to fulfill us - then wonder why we aren’t experiencing abundant life. Sometimes our souls' emptiness indicates our need to spend quiet time in the presence of Jesus, our true Sustainer. His presence is the place where grace flows and life's pressures lighten. Resting in Jesus enhances our day. We can start small, like waking up 30 minutes earlier for prayer or taking a 15-minute walk outdoors to appreciate His creation. The outcome is the same: He restores the joy and peace we thought were lost. Jesus loves to fill our emptiness with His presence. Dear God, on the days when life has emptied my reserves of peace, joy and rest, fill my heart with Your Truth. Help me to reevaluate my schedule and to be available for You. In Jesus' Name, Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS We all want our relationships to go the distance, but it's inevitable that not all will. As believers, when this happens, how can we move forward without growing bitter and resentful? Lysa TerKeurst; Licensed Professional Counselor Jim Cress; and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, discuss this and more in their recent conversation "How To Move On When Someone Walks Away," where they'll help you navigate goodbyes with biblical wisdom and tender encouragement. Watch here. ENGAGE For more encouragement, you can connect with Jackie Smith-Bell on her Instagram or check out her 3-day Bible plan on YouVersion, "Abiding Hope: Standing in Faith When Life Is Crumbling." FOR DEEPER STUDY Ecclesiastes 7:8, "Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit" (ESV). When can you make time for Jesus today? Is there anything that can be removed from your busy schedule to give you a few minutes of quiet time and rest with Him? Share your thoughts with us in the comments! © 2024 by Jackie Smith-Bell. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 MinistriesP.O. Box 3189 Matthews, NC 28106 www.Proverbs31.org The post The Refill of Rest –  Encouragement for Today – August 23, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.

A Prayer to Trust God and Hand Over WorryBy Chelsey DeMatteis “Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my pleas for mercy! In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness! Psalm 143:1“ There are some parts of this life I truly believe God didn’t intend for us to have figured out. I assume you know what I mean; we all have those 100 questions we’d love to ask God. To name a few of mine: Why did the fall have to occur? Why do awful things happen to the most vulnerable? Why do our minds so easily get caught up in worry when you tell us not to fear? The best conclusion I’ve come to is this: not having all the answers causes me to have to trust God even when I cannot see what He is doing and how He can always make good come from evil. Maybe if you’re like me, you’ll relate to this. In the seasons when I want to shake my fist at people or find myself nearly begging Jesus to come for us now, He reminds me that the enemy of this world does not have the final say. God has already had the final say: He defeated death by sending His son, Jesus, to the cross, and this still carries full authority in our generation today. I no longer have to fear, wonder, and worry if God will take care of things because I can look to His Word and trust in the completed work of the cross. I can also look back at my life and see how good God has always been. The same God who stood in the gap for His people thousands of years ago is still standing in the gaps for us. Remember what David penned in Psalm 143: 1-10, Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my pleas for mercy! In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness! Enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you. For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead. Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord! I have fled to you for refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! This is one of my favorite portions of Scripture in the entire Bible. We have all felt this way. We have all felt as though the enemy had pursued us or those we love in crushing ways. We have seen the world stray farther and farther from what God desires for His people, but in this trouble, we still see God faithful. Again and again He shows up, He leads us, and reminds us that He’s got it. His goodness, holiness, and justice will reign forever more. One day, all my questions and your questions will no longer matter because we will be in the most holy, perfect, heavenly place with our Creator. This world and our time here is but a vapor. God’s eternal glory will be forever, and that is what we can place our hope and trust in. Let’s pray:Lord, thank you for being the One we can bring all our questions, sorrows, and worries to. I praise you for bridging the gap between life and death for your people. In the moments when I cannot understand why you’ve allowed something to happen, would you remind me that you are a just God, you are timely, and you know every detail. You continue to be faithful. Help me recall the goodness you’ve poured out over my life. I pray that my heart will always be faithful to you and to the work you’ve called me to on this side of eternity. In Jesus' name, amen. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/m-imagephotography Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women’s Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com. Related Resource: Remember God’s Enduring Love for You in this Guided Meditation on Psalm 100! This guided Christian meditation from Psalm 100 will help you experience and praise God for his unending love for you. Become aware of God's presence with you, and praise God for his loyal and enduring love from the beginning of time and into the future. Listen to every episode of the So Much More Podcast on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode! Now that you’ve prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below! Visit iBelieve.com for more inspiring prayer content. The post A Prayer to Trust God and Hand Over Worry – Your Daily Prayer – August 23 appeared first on GodUpdates.

A Prayer to Trust God and Hand Over WorryBy Chelsey DeMatteis “Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my pleas for mercy! In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness! Psalm 143:1“ There are some parts of this life I truly believe God didn’t intend for us to have figured out. I assume you know what I mean; we all have those 100 questions we’d love to ask God. To name a few of mine: Why did the fall have to occur? Why do awful things happen to the most vulnerable? Why do our minds so easily get caught up in worry when you tell us not to fear? The best conclusion I’ve come to is this: not having all the answers causes me to have to trust God even when I cannot see what He is doing and how He can always make good come from evil. Maybe if you’re like me, you’ll relate to this. In the seasons when I want to shake my fist at people or find myself nearly begging Jesus to come for us now, He reminds me that the enemy of this world does not have the final say. God has already had the final say: He defeated death by sending His son, Jesus, to the cross, and this still carries full authority in our generation today. I no longer have to fear, wonder, and worry if God will take care of things because I can look to His Word and trust in the completed work of the cross. I can also look back at my life and see how good God has always been. The same God who stood in the gap for His people thousands of years ago is still standing in the gaps for us. Remember what David penned in Psalm 143: 1-10, Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my pleas for mercy! In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness! Enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you. For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead. Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord! I have fled to you for refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! This is one of my favorite portions of Scripture in the entire Bible. We have all felt this way. We have all felt as though the enemy had pursued us or those we love in crushing ways. We have seen the world stray farther and farther from what God desires for His people, but in this trouble, we still see God faithful. Again and again He shows up, He leads us, and reminds us that He’s got it. His goodness, holiness, and justice will reign forever more. One day, all my questions and your questions will no longer matter because we will be in the most holy, perfect, heavenly place with our Creator. This world and our time here is but a vapor. God’s eternal glory will be forever, and that is what we can place our hope and trust in. Let’s pray:Lord, thank you for being the One we can bring all our questions, sorrows, and worries to. I praise you for bridging the gap between life and death for your people. In the moments when I cannot understand why you’ve allowed something to happen, would you remind me that you are a just God, you are timely, and you know every detail. You continue to be faithful. Help me recall the goodness you’ve poured out over my life. I pray that my heart will always be faithful to you and to the work you’ve called me to on this side of eternity. In Jesus' name, amen. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/m-imagephotography Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women’s Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com. Related Resource: Remember God’s Enduring Love for You in this Guided Meditation on Psalm 100! This guided Christian meditation from Psalm 100 will help you experience and praise God for his unending love for you. Become aware of God's presence with you, and praise God for his loyal and enduring love from the beginning of time and into the future. Listen to every episode of the So Much More Podcast on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode! Now that you’ve prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below! Visit iBelieve.com for more inspiring prayer content. The post A Prayer to Trust God and Hand Over Worry – Your Daily Prayer – August 23 appeared first on GodUpdates.

August 23, 2024 The Refill of RestJACKIE SMITH-BELL Lee en español "... [Jesus] said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'" Mark 6:31 (NIV) As I was driving along the highway, panic set in - I realized I had five miles until my gas tank was empty. Running on fumes, I coasted into the nearest filling station, reflecting on the similarity between my soul and my fuel tank, both needing to be replenished. Life had been moving at a breakneck speed, leaving me emotionally drained, and I hadn’t slowed down to recover. Exhausted by my mounting to-do list, I longed for moments of rest to refill my soul with peace and joy only God could provide. Initially, I convinced myself I’d find time later that day, after finishing dinner and laundry, or the next morning. However, I kept making excuses, focusing on other things instead. Do you ever make excuses about why you haven't spent time with God? Do you ever wonder why your relationship with Him is "low on fuel" and rest feels nonexistent? You aren't alone, friend. We live in a world where busyness and excuses are commonplace and quiet time with God feels optional. If we aren't careful, life’s demands can easily have us speeding toward an unsustainable pace that drains our senses. Prioritizing rest is essential to replenishing our souls.  Even Jesus, who was fully God and fully man, embraced rest (Luke 5:16; Matthew 8:24). And just as our Savior welcomed rest, we need it to recharge and reinforce our well-being, enabling us to show up as the best versions of ourselves in service to God and others. In Mark 6, Jesus sent His disciples out on a ministry assignment. After completing this assignment, preaching, healing people and spreading the gospel, the disciples returned home emotionally, physically and spiritually exhausted. Jesus, the ultimate source of rest, said: "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest" (Mark 6:31). Jesus' request was not just casual but was a command to prioritize spiritual replenishment and soul care, leaving no room for excuses. He tells you and me to do the same in our assignments as wives, mothers, friends and more within our spheres of influence. We often coast through our days and try to sustain ourselves with tasks that were never meant to fulfill us - then wonder why we aren’t experiencing abundant life. Sometimes our souls' emptiness indicates our need to spend quiet time in the presence of Jesus, our true Sustainer. His presence is the place where grace flows and life's pressures lighten. Resting in Jesus enhances our day. We can start small, like waking up 30 minutes earlier for prayer or taking a 15-minute walk outdoors to appreciate His creation. The outcome is the same: He restores the joy and peace we thought were lost. Jesus loves to fill our emptiness with His presence. Dear God, on the days when life has emptied my reserves of peace, joy and rest, fill my heart with Your Truth. Help me to reevaluate my schedule and to be available for You. In Jesus' Name, Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS We all want our relationships to go the distance, but it's inevitable that not all will. As believers, when this happens, how can we move forward without growing bitter and resentful? Lysa TerKeurst; Licensed Professional Counselor Jim Cress; and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, discuss this and more in their recent conversation "How To Move On When Someone Walks Away," where they'll help you navigate goodbyes with biblical wisdom and tender encouragement. Watch here. ENGAGE For more encouragement, you can connect with Jackie Smith-Bell on her Instagram or check out her 3-day Bible plan on YouVersion, "Abiding Hope: Standing in Faith When Life Is Crumbling." FOR DEEPER STUDY Ecclesiastes 7:8, "Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit" (ESV). When can you make time for Jesus today? Is there anything that can be removed from your busy schedule to give you a few minutes of quiet time and rest with Him? Share your thoughts with us in the comments! © 2024 by Jackie Smith-Bell. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 MinistriesP.O. Box 3189 Matthews, NC 28106 www.Proverbs31.org The post The Refill of Rest –  Encouragement for Today – August 23, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.

1566 - Beeldenstorm reaches Amsterdam 1919 - "Gasoline Alley" cartoon strip premieres in Chicago Tribune 1920 - American swimmer Warren Kealoha wins first of 2 consecutive Olympic gold medals in the 100m backstroke, beating teammate Ray Kegeris at the Antwerp Games 1944 - Sammellager Drancy freed 1948 - World Council of Churches formed by 147 churches from 44 countries 1954 - First flight of the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. 1970 - Roberto Clemente compiles his record 2nd straight 5-hit game 1975 - Philip Kapleau conducts 1st jukai ceremony in Poland 1979 - Iranian army opens offensive against Kurds 2004 - Winning pitcher Lisa Fernadez (4-0) leads the US to the softball gold medal at the Athens Olympics, beating Australia 5-1 More Historical Events »

Historical Events 1914 - -24] German troops plunder Belgium 1953 - Cyclist Arie Van Vliet becomes world champion sprinter 1966 - Lunar Orbiter 1 takes 1st photograph of Earth from Moon 1972 - Chicago White Sox Dick Allen is 4th player to homer into Comiskey Park's center field bleachers; previously slugged by only Jimmie Foxx, Hank Greenberg, and Alex Johnson 2007 - Hashtag invented and first used in a tweet by US product designer Chris Messina 2020 - Indianapolis 500: 2017 champion Takuma Sato of Japan wins his 2nd title under yellow caution flag after a crash with 3 laps remaining More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1846 - Alexander Milne Calder, Scottish-American sculptor, born in Aberdeen, Scotland (d. 1923) 1913 - Bob Crosby, American jazz singer and bandleader (Bob-Cats), born in Spokane, Washington (d. 1993) 1922 - George Kell, American Baseball HOF third baseman (10 x MLB All-Star; AL batting champion 1949; Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox), born in Swifton, Arkansas (d. 2009) 1927 - Martial Solal, French jazz pianist and composer, born in Algiers, French Algeria 1949 - Shelley Long, American actress (Diane in Cheers, Money Pit), born in Fort Wayne, Indiana 1968 - Cortez Kennedy, American NFL defensive tackle (Seattle Seahawks), born in Osceola, Arkansas (d. 2017) More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1989 - Mohammed Abed Elhai, Sudanese writer and academic (b. 1944) 1994 - Paolo Volponi, Italian communist/author (Machina Mondiale), dies at 70 1999 - James White, Northern Irish sci-fi author (Star Surgeon, Star Healer), dies of a stroke at 71 2007 - Philip Wilkinson, British bank executive (National Westminster Bank), dies at 80 2013 - William Glasser, American psychiatrist, dies from respiratory failure from pneumonia at 88 2021 - Michael Nader, American actor (Dynasty, All My Children), dies at 76 More Famous Deaths »

May Pang famously accompanied John Lennon on his lost weekend: She also got a Christian songwriter to work with Judas Priest