July 26, 2024 Even in the "If"JACKIE SMITH-BELL Lee en español "Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!'" Mark 9:24 (ESV) Struggling to believe God would heal my critically ill child, I tossed and turned all night as worries in my mind grew bigger through a haze of shadowed doubts and prevailing uncertainty. Throughout life, I’d already had overwhelming seasons of uncertainty. Raised by a single mother, I was uncertain if I’d ever marry. When I married, I prayed and waited with bated breath to conceive children. Now here I was, a mom, living in the reality of answered prayers - but still uncertain if God would intervene. I desperately wanted to believe God would restore my child’s health. After all, He had miraculously delivered me from impossible challenges before. Yet doubt began to erase my hopes about the future. When doubt enters our hearts, it can shape our opinions if we don't dispute it. Our opinions inform our beliefs, and our beliefs determine our actions. Thankfully there's hope in scriptures like Mark 9:14-29, which tells the story of a parent who, like me, struggled to believe. This man’s son suffered from muteness and life-threatening convulsions caused by a demon. Seeking help for his son, the father went to Jesus' disciples, but when they couldn't cast the demon out, uncertainty settled in. Desperate, the father approached Jesus, saying, "If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us" (Mark 9:22, ESV). Suspended in the air, the small yet significant two-letter word "if" exposed the father's wavering faith in Jesus' ability to heal. Jesus repeated the father's words, not to mock but to clarify: "‘If you can'! All things are possible for one who believes" (Mark 9:23, ESV). With words that echo my own, the father cried, "I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24). The father’s admission of belief and unbelief is relatable to all of us enduring circumstances that weaken our faith. When we've reached the end of ourselves, whether caring for children or aging parents, wrestling with financial debt, walking through marriage difficulties, or facing other personal insecurities, we, too, may cry out to God, I believe; help my unbelief! For those of us who believe in God yet still have doubtful moments, may these verses remind us that He is willing and waiting for us to acknowledge our struggles honestly, taking our "ifs" to Him. He knows how to ease our fears and wash away our worries. He understands our doubts. He miraculously healed the demon-possessed son in Mark 9! I'm still waiting for my child’s healing, but this story reminds me that God wants us to believe in His power to heal even in our waiting. His answers may take longer than we want and may look different from what we expect, but we know miracles do happen - even if we have to wait. Dear God, I believe; help me to believe more. You understand my doubts, and You know the "ifs" I'm struggling with today. When uncertainty consumes my heart, help my forgetful mind to remember Your faithfulness in my past, and grow my faith and confidence to trust Your capable hands with my future. In Jesus' Name, Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS Pride is probably a word most of us could give a quick definition for. It’s easy to spot in other people, but how can we operate in self-awareness to know how pride is surfacing in our own lives? And what are the costs of letting pride go unattended? Join Lysa TerKeurst, counselor Jim Cress and Dr. Joel Muddamalle, the voices of Therapy & Theology, in a special bonus episode: "Is Pride Really a Deadly Sin?" Watch here! ENGAGE For more encouragement, you can connect with Jackie Smith-Bell on her Instagram. FOR DEEPER STUDY Philippians 4:6-7, "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (ESV). What doubts keep you awake at night? What's one step you can take today to move beyond your doubts and rest in the certainty of God’s promises - no matter how uncertain your circumstances look? 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 Even in the “If” –  Encouragement for Today – July 26, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.

I giggled when watching this

Amazon Sold Clothing That Wishes Death on Donald Trump and His Whole Family

The wreck of a 19th sailing ship still loaded with its cargo of champagne, wine, mineral water and porcelain has been discovered in the Baltic off the Swedish island of Öland. The Baltictech diving group, a Polish association of divers dedicating to exploring shipwrecks in Baltic waters, The sonar images were unremarkable (the wreck looked like a fishing boat, at most), so much so that there was some doubt whether any of the divers would think it was worth exploring. Two divers agreed to give a quick once-over. They ended up being gone for two hours, so the crew realized it was definitely not a fishing boat. Instead, the wreck proved to be a merchant vessel in excellent condition, much of its original cargo still in place. There were so many bottles it was difficult to estimate total numbers. “The whole wreck is loaded to the brim with crates of champagne, mineral water and china,” Tomasz Stachura, the leader of the Baltictech diving group, told AFP. He said: “I have been diving for 40 years and it often happens that there is one bottle or two … to discover a wreck with so much cargo, it’s a first for me.” Divers counted more than 100 bottles of champagne and baskets full of the famous Selters mineral water in sealed stoneware bottles. The shape of the bottles and design of the stamp indicate the water was bottled between 1850 and 1867. The Baltictech group has notified the Swedish authorities about the shipwreck. They will not attempt recovery of any of the champagne or mineral water until they get the go-ahead from Sweden. “[The ship] had been lying there for 170 years so let it lie there for one more year, and we will have time to better prepare for the operation,” Stachura said.

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND— In an unprecedented press conference held at the World Institute of Theoretical Absurdities, leading scientists issued a dire warning: at the current rate of conspiracies turning into verified facts, we may run out of conspiracy theories by 2025. Dr. Harvey Lee, head of the Institute, painted a bleak picture for the future of conspiracy theorizing. “We’ve been tracking the conversion rate of conspiracy theories to factual events over the past decade, and it’s alarming. What used to be harmless speculations whispered in the dark corners of the internet are now becoming front-page news with alarming regularity.” This startling trend has been observed globally. From government surveillance and secret societies to pandemics and alien contact, once-laughable notions are now being taken seriously. “Remember when people thought the government was reading our emails? That was a fun conspiracy theory—until it wasn’t,” Dr. Lee noted somberly. Conspiracy theorist-turned-real-news pundit Alex Serios offered his take on the situation. “We used to have such a rich tapestry of wild ideas—lizard people, fake moon landings, chemtrails. Now, every time I come up with something, it gets verified within a few months. I don’t know what to do with myself!” The economic implications are also significant. The lucrative industry surrounding conspiracy theories—from YouTube channels to merchandise—faces an existential threat. “Our entire business model is based on keeping people guessing,” said Ned Da Tinfoil, CEO of ConspiraCo, a leading producer of conspiracy theory paraphernalia. “If everything keeps getting proven true, what’s left for us? We’re looking at diversification, maybe into satire or outright fiction. But even that’s risky given the current trends.” In response to this looming crisis, scientists are urging a more responsible approach to reality. “We need to slow down the pace of truths emerging from conspiracies,” Dr. Kook advised. “Let’s keep some of the mystery alive for future generations. Imagine a world where kids can’t grow up questioning if Elvis is still alive or if Bigfoot is real. It’s a dystopian nightmare.” Governments worldwide are considering intervention strategies. Some propose regulating the flow of information to ensure a steady supply of conspiracies remains in the realm of speculation. Others suggest creating new, intentionally absurd conspiracy theories to replenish the pool. In a joint statement, world leaders expressed their concerns. “The balance between fact and fiction is delicate,” the statement read. “We must strive to preserve the wonder and curiosity that conspiracy theories bring to our societies. It is essential for the cultural and intellectual growth of humanity.” As we inch closer to 2025, the future of conspiracy theories hangs in the balance. Dr. Kook and her team continue their research, hoping to find a solution before it’s too late. “We’re working tirelessly to ensure that the world remains a place where people can still argue about whether the Earth is flat or if birds are real. These are the debates that make life interesting,” she concluded with a wistful smile. Until then, conspiracy theorists are urged to hold onto their hats—and their ideas. The truth, as they say, might just be out there, but perhaps it’s time to leave a few mysteries unsolved. The post BREAKING: Scientists warn that Earth could run out of conspiracy theories by 2025 if they keep coming true at the current rate appeared first on Genesius Times.