May 8, 2024 You Are Not AloneEMILY MORROW  Lee en español "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)  There's nothing better than sitting in the shade of a big oak tree, looking up as dappled sunshine dances in the leaves. As a "crunchy" mom, I'm an advocate for "green time over screen time" - which means getting my boys outside as much as possible to explore together this big, beautiful world that God has given us. My kids love to collect acorns. I marvel at how inside every acorn is the seed of an oak, one of the mightiest trees, ready to come forth. However, the acorn first needs to break down, fall apart, crumble - die to itself so that the first weak, green sprout has space to emerge. Otherwise, this tender sprout will remain trapped inside the hard shell and never see the light. God asks us to die to ourselves (Matthew 10:39; Romans 6:6) and often allows us to go through struggles so that we can grow closer to Him. About 10 years ago, I went through the worst bout of anxiety I have ever experienced. I let it take control of my life. And while I was going through that, I couldn't see any reason God would allow me to walk through such a trial. Fast-forward 10 years, and my son has just come out of a long period of anxiety that so closely aligned with my own, right down to the need for assurance at 3 a.m. My son's middle name is Oaks. Saying his name reminds me of that acorn. It reminds me of the time I went through all that anxiety and fear, the darkest period of my life, when I was falling apart and couldn't see why any of this was happening. Really, God was preparing me to burst forth like an oak tree - equipped with knowledge and experience to be able to help my child who also struggles with fear and anxiety. God has granted me an opportunity to share empathy and understanding. "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Maybe you don't struggle with anxiety but with loneliness or grief from losing a loved one. Maybe you're exhausted by motherhood or you're struggling with your faith. Maybe you feel like your life isn't going how you thought it would. Whatever it is, I want to encourage you that time and time again, I have seen God use my hurts and challenges to grow me so I can be a comfort to someone else. Friend, God is shaping you and growing you; this isn't for nothing. You are not alone. Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessings You've given me. According to Your perfect will and timing, please grant me grace to overcome the hardship I'm facing now. Give me the peace to know that You are in control. In Jesus' Name, Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS If you're ready to explore “crunchy” living and remove toxins from your life - both chemical and mental - grab a copy of Emily Morrow's new book, Really Very Crunchy, and discover a healthier, more sustainable life. ENGAGE Connect with Emily on her website or on Instagram, YouTube or TikTok. Enter to WIN your very own copy of Really Very Crunchy by Emily Morrow. To celebrate this book, Emily's publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by leaving a comment here. {We'll randomly select 5 winners and then notify each one in the comments section by Monday, May 13, 2024.} FOR DEEPER STUDY Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (NIV). How can you bless someone who is walking through a hardship today that may be similar to something you have experienced? © 2024 by Emily Morrow. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 MinistriesP.O. Box 3189 Matthews, NC 28106 www.Proverbs31.org The post You Are Not Alone – Encouragement for Today – May 8, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.

A Prayer to Seek Solitude with God in a Rushing WorldBy Emma Danzey "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." – Luke 5:16 Each day we have the invitation to join a fast-paced world in running after the wind. Ecclesiastes 1:14 says, "I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind." The concept of following the wind is comical because the wind is unpredictable and unseen. It is solely based on feelings. We feel the wind and see its effects on the world around us. However, we would be foolish to follow the wind because it would lead us in circles.  If we pursue the things of this world, then it is pointless. We will be chasing after temporary pleasures that lead us nowhere with purpose. Jesus knew the answer did not lie in the culture or his feelings, it lied within the truth of God's Word. Jesus withdrew to lonely places because, in solitude, He communed with the Father. We see the word often used in verse 16. Jesus made it a priority and a habit to get away and spend time with the Father. Jesus was the perfect model of humanity untainted but in the world. Why would He have pulled away and gotten alone?  Spiritual Renewal: When we seek the Lord in solitude, our spirits are renewed to face whatever the day holds. Remembering our Purpose: When we seek solitude, we are reminded of our purpose on earth as Christ-followers. Relational Growth: When we spend time with God, we grow in our relationship with Him just like we would when spending time with any other person. Prayer was a major practice of Jesus when He went to solitude. As we prepare to pray to Him today, let us remember the gift of approaching His throne with confidence. He delights to hear from us, and we delight to listen and learn from Him. He guides us, He hears us, and He loves us. Any time that we choose to seek Him, we are not chasing the wind but pursuing the truth that sets us free.  Let’s pray:Dear Jesus,Thank You for the gift of solitude. Whether we are able to physically get away at this moment or not, solitude can be a state of our hearts. Help us to get away with you no matter what we have going on in life. You are our priority. You are our purpose. We are grateful for Your consistency and Your love for us.  Open our minds to comprehend Your Scriptures. Teach us how to pray like Jesus. Show us Your ways and guide us. Hear our prayers. Forgive us for our sins that become barriers in our time together. Lord, our temptation is to believe that faster is better and less time is more desirable. However, You show us that we do not need to rush our time with you. Forgive us for making our relationship with You into a checklist or a time crunch. Enable us to connect with you in a deep way that is fully focused and dedicated. Help us to fight for this even if it means sacrificing other things that we enjoy. Help our hearts be after greater things. God help us not to fall into the trap of the rushing world, but to seek solitude with You. We know that our true treasure is in heaven. You say in Matthew 6:19 that we should not lay up for ourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where our treasures are, there our hearts will be also. Give us the strength of Your Spirit to treasure You above all things. Where we are tempted to be swept up in the wind of this world, keep us anchored on You, our Rock and Fortress. You tell us in Jeremiah 29:13 that when we seek You with all of our hearts, we will find you. Help us to slow down and seek You today. Thank You for always meeting us when we draw near to You. Amen. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/TongTa Emma Danzey's mission in life stems from Ephesians 3:20-21, to embrace the extraordinary. One of her greatest joys is to journey with the Lord in His Scriptures. She is wife to Drew and mom to Graham. Emma serves alongside her husband in ministry, she focuses most of her time in the home, but loves to provide articles on the Bible, life questions, and Christian lifestyle. Her article on Interracial Marriage was the number 1 on Crosswalk in 2021. Most recently, Emma released Treasures for Tots, (Scripture memory songs) for young children. During her ministry career, Emma has released Wildflower: Blooming Through Singleness, two worship EP albums, founded and led Polished Conference Ministries, and ran the Refined Magazine. You can view her articles on her blog at emmadanzey.wordpress.com and check out her Instagram @Emmadanzey. Teach Us to Pray is a FREE prayer podcast hosted by iBelieve writer Christina Patterson. Each week, she gives you practical, real-life tips on how to grow your faith and relationship with God through the power of prayer. To listen to her episode on What to Pray in the Morning for a Worry-Free Day, click below! 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 Seek Solitude with God in a Rushing World – Your Daily Prayer – May 8 appeared first on GodUpdates.

Turning your mistakes into spiritual maturity Do not lurk like a thief near the house of the righteous, do not plunder their dwelling place; for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. – Proverbs 24:15-16 As a young entertainer, Will Rogers' stage specialty used to be rope tricks. One day, on stage, in the middle of his act, he became tangled in his lariat. But instead of becoming frustrated, Rogers laughed and spoke up in his Oklahoma drawl, "A rope ain't so bad to get tangled up in if it ain't around your neck!" The audience roared at his impromptu response. Encouraged by his warm reception, Rogers began adding commentary and satire to all his performances. It was his commentary, not his rope tricks, that eventually made him famous. Had Rogers not become tangled in his rope that day, he might never have discovered his ability to wow crowds with his wit. That's because, very often, our mistakes open doors to new possibilities that we never imagined had things gone the way we originally intended. Understanding this can give us a new perspective on our mistakes. When we begin to see our mishaps as opportunities to learn new things and gain new experiences, it completely transforms our outlook on our lives and ourselves. Don't let your mistakes discourage you. Instead, look for what God is teaching you through them and go in new directions. Being willing to learn from your shortcomings and your mistakes will mature you! Prayer Challenge Pray that God would help you to learn lessons from your mistakes that would spur you on to spiritual maturity. Questions for Thought Think of a mistake you've made in the past that has actually helped you. What would have happened if things had gone the way you originally planned? How can seeing your mistakes as growth opportunities change the way you respond when things don't go your way? Visit the Senior Living Ministries website The post Turning Your Mistakes into Spiritual Maturity – Senior Living – May 8 appeared first on GodUpdates.

The iconic song ‘Billie Jean’ by Michael Jackson is stunningly danced to by a talented 9-year-old. Michael Jackson was an immensely talented musician who enjoyed a highly successful career spanning decades, starting when he was just a child as a member of the Jackson 5. Eventually, Michael, for his many iconic and classic tunes, rightfully earned himself the nickname "The King of Pop." RELATED: Brother And Sister Performed A Stellar Ice Dancing Routine "Thriller," "Beat It," "Smooth Criminal" and "Bad" are just a few of his many hits. Michael could sing! In addition to his world-class vocal talents, Michael was known for his stunning, seemingly unbelievable dance steps. Who could ever forget the moonwalk? Song ‘Billie Jean’ by Michael Jackson Danced to by 9-Year-Old Anyone trying to replicate or imitate Michael's singing or dance moves has their work cut out for them. He's such an iconic entertainer whose presence still looms large over the entertainment world. RELATED: Little Boy Cuts Loose and Completely Steals the Show Dancing at School's Year-End Concert In a clip posted on YouTube, one young man decided to take on the lofty challenge, performing a dance routine to Michael's timeless (and his best) tune, "Billie Jean." The 9-year-old is decked out in a Michael Jackson-type out, complete with white socks, a sparkly jacket and a hat. Seconds into the clip, Billie Jean starts playing and the young man begins strutting his stuff, much to the crowd’s delight. The young man must have repeatedly watched the "Billie Jean" video and other Michael Jackson clips because he has his moves and mannerisms down! If you didn't know any better, you could fool yourself into believing it was a miniature Michael Jackson dancing on that stage. Several people hoot and holler at different points throughout the 1:47 clip as they show their approval. But cheers and applause really ring out loud when, at 1:25, the young man does the moonwalk perfectly! YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 82-Year-Old Man Dancing At A Wedding Goes Viral With His Epic Moves What an absolutely fantastic display of talent! Psalms 149:3 "Let them give praise to his name in the dance: let them make melody to him with instruments of brass and corded instruments of music." WATCH: 9-Year-Old Nails Michael Jackson’s Iconic ‘Billie Jean’ Dance Routine LISTEN: Amy Grant Opens up about Challenges Due to Bike Accident | Baby Mesmerized by Woman Crocheting on a Plane h/t: GodTube Featured Image Credit: YouTube/Rumble Viral The post 9-Year-Old Performs a Stunning Dance Routine to the Song ‘Billie Jean’ by Michael Jackson appeared first on GodUpdates.

A son’s military academy graduation moved his father to tears in this proud moment. All parents desperately want and hope for the best for their children. However, when children grow up and head out into the world, parents have less control over determining what is best for their children. At that point, children make their own decisions and choices. They are the person ultimately responsible for the direction of their life. But, even after children move out and leave the comfort and protection of their parents, Mom and Dad still want their children to be happy and prosperous. Isn't that what all parents want for their children? A parent cannot ask for more if the grown child is happy and safe. Most parents will be beside them with unconditional love and support, whatever the child does. RELATED: Moments Before 1 of the Clemson Football Home Games, Military Dad Steps Out to Surprise Son A video posted on YouTube displays this level of love and support from an obviously proud father. The clip shows a sweet and emotional interaction between a father and his son. The young man in the clip has just graduated from the Virginia Military Institute. The father and the son greet one another by placing a hand on the other's shoulder. Military Academy Graduation Moves Father to Tears The father is beaming with pride over his son's accomplishment. Seconds into the video, tears start flowing from the father's eyes. He removes his glasses and wipes his eyes. The two finally share a long and loving embrace. RELATED: Military Mom And Daughter Get A Huge Surprise The video's description states that this was a rare show of emotion for the father. The young man pointed out that this was only the second time in his life that he'd witnessed his father shedding tears. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Dog's Reaction To Soldier Coming Home After Year Of Military Training Tugs On Every Heartstring What an absolutely beautiful moment between father and son. Both will remember and cherish it for the rest of their lives. Psalm 103:13 "As a father has pity on his children, so the Lord has pity on his worshippers." WATCH: Father Moved To Tears As Son Graduates From Military Academy LISTEN: God is the Secret to Their 75-Year Marriage | Parents Find Note From Son, But It’s the Video That Moves Them h/t: GodTube Featured Image Credit: YouTube/Today The post Dad Can’t Help but Cry at Son’s Military Academy Graduation and It’s Such an Emotional Moment appeared first on GodUpdates.

Comedian Anita Renfroe went viral with ‘The Mom Song’ set to the ‘William Tell Overture.’ And now, it’s a must for Mother’s Day! Christian comedian Anita Renfroe is hilariously down-to-earth. She tells stories about her life, which have her audiences rolling. RELATED: Christian Comedian Anita Renfroe Talks About The Art Of Motherhood “I'd rather people laugh because they relate to something I say than because I wrote a clever punchline,” she says on her website. And no doubt that relatability is the magic behind the parody song that put her on the map! The William Overture Turns Into ‘The Mom Song’ There are just certain phrases and situations to which most moms can relate. And that was the impetus behind Anita Renfroe’s ‘Mom Song’ set to the ‘William Tell Overture.’ RELATED: News Anchor Mom Kayla Sullivan Reports On 2-Year-Old's Melt Down And It's Hilarious As the fast-paced overture plays, Anita flawlessly sings along with her cleverly crafted lyrics of “Momisms.” Barely pausing to take a breath, she lists off so many things a mother says to her children on any given day. Her pace is impressive, and her long list of “Momisms” is equal parts hilarious and relatable! Anita Renfroe performed the ‘Mom Song’ at the Women of Faith Christian Women’s Conference in 2006. And when the video hit YouTube, it went viral almost immediately! “Get up now, get up now, get up out of bed Wash your face, brush your teeth, comb your sleepy head Here’s your clothes and your shoes, hear the words I said Get up now, get up and make your bed” Moms everywhere heard themselves so accurately reflected in this song. The clever ode of “Momsims” launched Anita Renfroe into the status of Internet Legend. And years later, the hilarious lyrics still ring true! The job of a mother certainly isn’t easy. But it’s the rewards and blessings are well worth it. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 10 Christian Comedians We Can't Get Enough Of! Be sure to share this with all the mother figures in your life! “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Proverbs 31:28 WATCH: ‘The Mom Song’ to the ‘William Tell Overture’  LISTEN: Trolls Tear into Gorgeous Grandma in Comments | Woman Switched at Birth Finds Biological Mother h/t & Featured Image Credit: Youtube/Anita Renfroe The post Comedian Anita Renfro with ‘The Mom Song’ to the William Tell Overture Is a Mother’s Day Classic appeared first on GodUpdates.

May 9, 2024 Before You Make That Decision ... Read ThisLYSA TERKEURST  Lee en español "How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word." Psalm 119:9 (NIV) Is there a decision you're wrestling through today? Maybe you're considering a job change, a relationship boundary you need to set, or which events to say "yes" and "no" to this month. Even if it's not one of these things, chances are there is some decision you're praying about, thinking about or anticipating. Here's what I know: The two most powerful words we can say are "yes" and "no." How we use those words not only communicates our decisions but also the intention of our hearts and the direction of our lives. We don't want to overthink every decision we have to make, but we don't want to underthink either. Like Psalm 119:9 instructs us, we can instead bring God into our decisions "by living according to [His] word." So here are a few questions to help you think through your decisions: What will lead you closer to God's best for you instead of detouring away? What decision is supported by the wisdom of trusted friends who lean on God's Word and listen to God's leading? When you ask for advice about this decision, are you withholding any necessary details, hoping other people will agree with you rather than challenge you? When you think about this decision, do you feel more peaceful or panicked? Is this a decision that feels good for today but could have negative long-term consequences? What will this decision cost you, and is it a cost you're willing to pay? Friend, I feel an urgent need to hold your hand and tenderly guide you toward godly wisdom. Sometimes the wise answer won't feel convenient. Sometimes the wise answer won't feel fair or fun. Sometimes the wise answer will require you to trust God patiently and not try to make something happen on your own. But if you and I want to live in the fruitfulness of being wise people, we must choose wisdom over and over in our daily lives. We won't always get this right. In fact, there is no choice that will turn out perfectly in every way. Every decision is a package deal of both good and challenging outcomes. But as long as we seek to please God with our choices, we don't have to be paralyzed by fear about not making the exact right decision. We don't have to be perfect; we just need to be obedient. God's promises are not ultimately dependent on our ability to choose well but rather on His ability to use us well. It's not about you getting every decision right. It's about staying close to God and letting Him lead you through it all. Friend, you can pre-decide right now that no matter what choices seem attractive today, you will go with what most closely aligns with God's Word. Dear Lord, I trust You beyond any fear I have of making the wrong decision. Today, I hand over all my uncertainties to You. Steady my heart as I navigate decisions I have to make. Reveal Yourself to me. In Jesus' Name, Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS Our days can feel like an endless string of choices to be made and options to be weighed. And if we're honest, sometimes when our thoughts stop swirling and our feet stop moving, we wonder if we're even getting it right. Are the countless decisions adding up to a life that counts? Introducing our newest study ... Proverbs: Everyday Guidance for Making Everyday Decisions, starting May 27 in the free First 5 mobile app. Click here to get the study guide! ENGAGE Find real-life encouragement when you connect with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram. FOR DEEPER STUDY Psalm 119:10, "I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands" (NIV). How could you seek the Lord with all your heart in a decision you're trying to make? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments. © 2024 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 MinistriesP.O. Box 3189 Matthews, NC 28106 www.Proverbs31.org The post Before You Make That Decision … Read This –  Encouragement for Today – May 9, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.

A Prayer for God to Bring You through an Exhausting Life PhaseBy Keri Eichberger “The Sovereign LORD is my strength.” – Habakkuk 3:19 "I'm tired of singing the same old ‘tired' song," I confessed to my friend Chelsey last week. And she wasn't the first to hear this tune fall from my frustrated lips. I've felt exhausted since I can't remember when. Did it begin when the twins were born, boosting our family of five to a full house of seven? Or was it when I turned forty, and my body began to ache in all sorts of new places while my hormones whacked out with crazy fresh flips and dips, crashing my energy around right with them? Or, maybe it's simply the compounding years of overstuffed schedules and overcrowded calendars, causing a slow and steady, wear down of my fragile body, soul, and spirit. All are amounting to bottom-out exhaustion. And with no sign of relief. In my world anyway. Because who am I kidding, I'm not getting any younger, the twins have thirteen plus years left at home. And honestly, the reality is, there will always be something. I know you feel that. I came across Habakkuk 3:19 in my attempt to refuel my sunken strength and journal out these thoughts in my morning quiet time. And what spoke to me is this... The Lord's control is my strength. When I'm worn down from trying to control situations, people, their hearts, and responses (my kids mainly)–and I'm depleted of strength–I regain strength by releasing control back to God. I reclaim his strength by acknowledging that I am not in control. Yes, I have been wasting energy while I have assumed control. Sabotaging myself of the strength I'm desperate for. The sovereign Lord (the God that is actually in control), he is my strength. Because he strengthens me as I let this truth, the truth of his sovereignty, leak into my life, penetrate my heart, cover my thoughts, and flow through all my circumstances that I'm trying to control and play God of. My self-controlled surroundings all the while wear me down. It occurred to me that the majority of my exhaustion stemmed from my relentless attempt to control my swirling circumstances instead of resting in a steady, sturdy–yet sometimes brisk–walk of God's will for my life. Trust me, I know from personal day-in-and-out experience that a lot of your busyness you can't budge. But you can shift the focus of your heart in the midst of what's wearing down. And so can I. When we're beyond tired, our bodies feel frail and fragile. Our souls are weighed down with a long season of suffering and discouragement. When we are flat out exhausted and feel the burden press deeper with no relief to be seen on the visible horizon, and a sliver of strength seems impossible to come by, we need to remember that it is the sovereign Lord who is our strength. I need to remember it right now. Friend, together with me today, will you release your cares in your current season to his control? Consider and reflect on every detail that's weighing you down at this very moment, and speak your trust in him over each concern. Your trust that every little bit is in his hands. And allow the truth of his love and control to restore strength to your soul as you rest your heart in his unconditional care. The more you release your load to him, the more you will feel the load lighten. As he carries you one day at a time, one sovereign step at a time. Until at last you are free. Free from the heavy chains of your difficult phase.  It's true we can't guarantee how long each weary phase will linger. But rest assured, we most certainly can guarantee God will always carry, support, and sustain us as we release control and the heaviness to him and rest in the strength of his almighty sovereignty. Let's pray: Lord, I come to you exhausted. Weary and worn down. And I need your strength. God, I don't know when what's wearing me down will end. But I do know that you love me. I do know that you are in control. And if I can just acknowledge that you are in control, and not me, then I can release the weight, bit by bit, ounce by ounce, and rest in your care. And then regain some strength. Help me rest in this truth. That my strength is in you and who you are. Sovereign. Yes, my strength is in the truth of your loving, sovereign control. I am so thankful that you are carrying me with your love, control, and strength. I am thankful that your rest is always awaiting me because of it. Help me rest in your power. Help me rest in your love. Help me rest in you. In your Almighty name, Amen. Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/FOTOKITA Keri Eichberger is a Jesus-loving Kentucky girl. She is married to her best friend, Mike, and has a full house of five kids. After years of writing for an online audience, Keri became ordained through Southeast Christian Church, giving her life to full-time ministry. She is the author of Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes, and has a passion for sharing faith-filled encouragement through devotional writing. Connect with Keri at KeriEichberger.com or Instagram. Teach Us to Pray is a FREE prayer podcast hosted by iBelieve writer Christina Patterson. Each week, she gives you practical, real-life tips on how to grow your faith and relationship with God through the power of prayer. To listen to her episode on What to Pray in the Morning for a Worry-Free Day, click below! 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 for God to Bring You Through an Exhausting Life Phase – Your Daily Prayer – May 9 appeared first on GodUpdates.

How your attitude can affect everything Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. – Philippians 4:8 Norman Cousins, a prominent writer of the 20th century, was diagnosed with a rare, crippling, and incurable disease. Tired of being in the hospital for so long and with little real hope for recovery, he checked himself out and went home. There, he began his own treatment to comfort the pain. He borrowed a movie projector and watched old Marx Brothers films and Candid Camera reruns. He soon found that after 10 minutes of good laughter, he could sleep peacefully for two hours. When the pain returned, he would simply flick the projector back on and he'd have another two hours of painless sleep. Attitude matters. When you're fighting tough battles in life and it's hard to see a way forward, the attitude you have during the struggle will most certainly determine how it affects you. This isn't just emotional. Your attitude can affect you both mentally and physically. Whether it's sickness, hard emotional times, or grief, find reasons to laugh. Instead of withdrawing, do something you enjoy and spend time with others who can bring you up. Be positive no matter what challenge you're facing and you'll be renewed both mentally and physically! Prayer Challenge Pray and ask God to help you face the challenges you encounter with a healthy attitude. Questions for Thought Why do you think it's so easy to fall into a cycle of negative thinking in hard times? What's one thing you love doing? It is possible that spending time doing that when you're facing challenges would help you physically and mentally? Visit the Senior Living Ministries website Visit the Senior Living Ministries website The post How Your Attitude Can Affect Everything – Senior Living – May 9 appeared first on GodUpdates.

A Prayer to Release Sinful AngerBy Emily Rose Massey "Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.” – Ephesians 4:26-27, NASB The other day, my husband and I got into a heated argument. We both became so angry with one another that we continued to go in circles and rehash the argument. I found myself not thinking clearly and saying things that were hurtful towards my husband, things that I did not believe to be true. I constantly interrupted my husband with what I wanted to say and never let him voice his concerns. In my frustration, I became so exhausted and confused that I didn't have any energy to continue the conversation.  Thankfully, before we drifted off to sleep, we both took some time to calm down and began to apologize for our anger and hurtful words. Knowing that anger that is not restrained can often lead to sin, and in this case, it did, we both repented to the Lord and to each other. The Bible provides much instruction and wisdom regarding the sin of unrestrained anger. In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul makes an interesting and helpful correlation between sinful anger and the schemes of the enemy: "Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.” –  Ephesians 4:26-27, ESV Paul doesn't say, "Don't be angry;" he merely says do not sin in your anger. Anger isn't evil, yet anger can easily become the occasion for sin if we are not guarding our hearts. The Lord created us with a ray of emotions and understands that it is completely normal to experience overwhelming feelings when we are stressed, disappointed, offended, rejected, and hurt-especially anger. In Ephesians 4, we read that being angry is going to happen, but that is not the issue. The issue arises when we do not control our emotions and allow our anger to consume us so much that it causes us to react to that anger in sinful words or actions.  For me, when I struggle with this sinful behavior the most, I can often allow myself to outburst by yelling at my children, slamming doors behind me, or saying hurtful words towards the ones that I deeply love. When I allow myself to lose control in those situations, the enemy is given an opportunity to cause destruction in both my own life and others. If anger is not controlled, it can lead to more destructive behavior. Jesus even tells us in the Sermon on the Mount that anger toward a brother is equivalent to murder (Matthew 5). God is after our heart, and He does not want anger to remain in it and breed more sin. Obviously, I see how my flesh and the enemy can lure me into those kinds of sinful behaviors when my emotions get the best of me, but I don't have to take the bait. Anger will inevitably come, but I can choose to process those emotions with the Lord and with those with whom I am feeling angry. It is not healthy to go to sleep angry either, so it is important to settle those frustrations quickly so that reconciliation and peace can be found. We must release the anger and not allow bitterness and resentment to take root. When anger leads us to act out sinfully, we are given an opportunity to run to the throne of grace and receive Christ's mercy when we repent for our sins. God is faithful to forgive us and strengthen us with His grace to overcome every temptation to lash out in anger. May the Lord help us renew our minds with His Word and give us the patience we need to endure frustrations with self-control as we release anger to Him. Let's pray: Heavenly Father,Your Word has so much to say on the sin of unrestrained anger, yet we give in to this temptation all the time when we are challenged by our selfishness. I repent for sinning against those who have been made in Your image when I did not prefer them above myself and allowed my words or actions to cause pain. I know anger will present itself in my heart, but I do not have to be trapped by it or consumed by it. I trust that You will provide a way of escape when I am tempted to sin in my anger. Holy Spirit, help me look to You for help to handle those overwhelming feelings. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for Your grace to empower me to release anger to You and walk more Christ-like. In Jesus' name, Amen. Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Diana Simumpande Emily Massey began writing short stories and poetry as a little girl, entered the blogging world in her early 20s, and published her first book in 2015. She enjoys being a stay-at-home momma while still being able to pursue her passion as a writer. Believing she has been forgiven much, she loves much, and desires to point others to Christ and His redemptive and transforming power, especially by sharing truth found in God's written Word. If you would like to connect with Emily, you can visit www.emilyrosemassey.com Teach Us to Pray is a FREE prayer podcast hosted by iBelieve writer Christina Patterson. Each week, she gives you practical, real-life tips on how to grow your faith and relationship with God through the power of prayer. To listen to her episode on What to Pray in the Morning for a Worry-Free Day, click below! 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 Release Sinful Anger – Your Daily Prayer – April 29 appeared first on GodUpdates.