A Prayer during a Season of WaitingBy Kyle Norman "I waited patiently for the Lord. He turned to me and heard my cry." (Psalm 40:1) On a scale of 1 to 10‚ how patient are you? Do you greet long line-ups with ease? Do you sit in traffic jams in a state of quiet contentment? If you are like me‚ probably not. Instead of patience and calm reserve‚ times of waiting can be met with upset and anxiety. Waiting can be frustrating and annoying‚ even in the life of faith. How‚ then‚ do we respond to David's description of patiently waiting before the Lord? Are we condemned if we find waiting difficult? Does our impatience reveal a lack of faith in God or a lack of trust in God's provisions? No. Waiting is not a negation of faith. In fact‚ while the English translations often render this verse as "I waited patiently for the Lord‚" this is not exactly what David writes. The Hebrew text is much more expressive. Literally‚ this verse says‚ "I waited‚ and I waited‚ for the Lord." Can you hear those strained emotions? Do you recognize the echo of difficulty and strain? This verse doesn't describe David sitting in the lotus position with his eyes closed and his palms outstretched. David remembers his time of waiting and how it felt drawn out and prolonged. One of the hard truths about our life of faith is that God never promises us instant gratification. Faith doesn't mean ease; it doesn't mean prosperity; it doesn't mean a problem-free life. Despite praying for something good and holy‚ our prayers may not be realized right away. Waiting is not a negation of God's promises. The journey of faith‚ for everyone involved‚ involves times of wrestling and waiting.  Are you going through a time of waiting? Are you longing for one of God's promises to be revealed in your life? Have you prayed for a healing that has yet to arrive? The good news is that‚ as hard as the waiting may be‚ this isn't the whole story. David says‚ "he turned to me and heard my cry." Ultimately‚ we have a Lord who hears us. God is never deaf to our cries nor blind to what we go through. Like a parent who reaches down to take the hand of an infant‚ God actively and lovingly reaches out to us.  Times of waiting‚ therefore‚ are times when we are called to trust that Jesus is there and that Jesus is working‚ even if we don't see it. Our external circumstance doesn't dictate God's love for us or God's presence. The incarnation testifies that there is always hope; there is always promise. This is because the full redemption of our lives isn't found in the satisfaction of wants and wishes but in the abiding presence of our Lord.  This may sound strange‚ but a season of waiting may provide the opportunity for us to testify to God's goodness. Waiting can even be a positive experience. It is through the periods of waiting that we experience God's power doing "infinitely more than we can ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20). David's witness to the power of God in his life was enhanced by his waiting‚ and it fueled his testimony. Later in the Psalm‚ David expresses how he would "not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly" (vs. 10). David's experience of waiting‚ and his experience of the Lord in response to that waiting‚ is proclaimed to the people of faith. David's story is told to inspire others to remain faithful to God in the midst of their waiting.  In a similar way‚ our story of waiting is part of our witness. Waiting opens us to ministry. Waiting provides the opportunity for us to experience the delights of God in sometimes miraculous ways. Our season of waiting‚ therefore‚ should not be looked down upon or condemned. Rather it should be lifted up and celebrated. As we hold ourselves open to God's loving presence‚ we may just find ourselves experiencing the promises of God in a profound way. This‚ then‚ becomes an inspiration and an encouragement to others.  How might Jesus be asking you to use your time of waiting for His purposes? Let us pray: Lord of all time and space‚ I give to you this season of waiting. I ask that use this time for your purposes. Where I am tempted to be frustrated or angered‚ may you bestow peace. Where I am tempted to long for my own will‚ help me desire yours; where I am tempted to desire only my satisfactions‚ turn my attention to the presence of my Savior. Help me wait with you‚ in you‚ and for you. Dearest Jesus‚ I pray that this season of waiting be one where I grow in steadfast faith. Help me to hold onto your promises in joyous hope‚ and even if I don't see your promise revealed in this moment‚ help me to trust in your goodness‚ your grace‚ and your love. In this time of waiting‚ I pray that you give me a deeper vision of your presence. Help me‚ O Lord‚ to recognize the movement of your hand and the gentle guiding of your Spirit. Equip me with the gifts I need to proclaim your word and show forth your goodness. May my testimony increase and my witness extend as a result of this time of waiting. But more than anything‚ may you be glorified above all things. This I pray in the name of the one in whom I wait. Amen. Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Elena Noviello The Reverend Dr. Kyle Norman is the Rector of St. Paul's Cathedral‚ located in Kamloops BC‚ Canada.  He holds a doctorate in Spiritual formation and is a sought-after writer‚ speaker‚ and retreat leader. His writing can be found at Christianity.com‚ crosswalk.com‚ ibelieve.com‚ Renovare Canada‚ and many others.  He also maintains his own blog revkylenorman.ca.  He has 20 years of pastoral experience‚ and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement. 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 during a Season of Waiting – Your Daily Prayer – February 2 appeared first on GodUpdates.

Joe Biden is whip-smart and operating at the top of his game‚ according to late night host Jimmy Kimmel who described the idea that Biden is suffering from dementia as a “crazy conspiracy theory.” Kimmel [...] The post Jimmy Kimmel Says Biden Suffering Cognitive Decline Is a ‘Crazy Conspiracy Theory’ appeared first on The People's Voice.

The suicidal recipe of becoming your own god. The post Glazov Gang: Leftism and the Delusion of Beating Death appeared first on Frontpage Mag.

In a world overrun with plastic waste‚ the potential hero may arise from the humble realm of fungi. With between two and four million species worldwide‚ these often overlooked creatures hold possibilities ranging from alternative building materials to cleansing environmental toxins. Scientists are now using the power of mushrooms and mycoremediation to address the growing plastic pollution catastrophe. Understanding mycoremediation Mycoremediation‚ a subtype of bioremediation‚ uses fungi to degrade environmental contaminants. Unlike bacteria-based bioremediation approaches‚ fungi employ their mycelia‚ or thread-like root systems‚ to devour contaminants externally. Enzymes break down molecules in pollutants and poisons‚ effectively turning them into nutrients. Fungi: unsung heroes in environmental cleanup Mushrooms have demonstrated their worth in cleaning up various types of industrial and agricultural waste. Oyster mushrooms‚ for example‚ have successfully cleaned E. coli from contaminated water and toxic ash from wildfires. Now‚ the focus is on their ability to combat one of our generation’s most prevalent pollutants: plastic. Mycoremediation in action Plastic‚ known for its inability to degrade‚ presents a massive hurdle. However‚ research has revealed the amazing potential of a certain fungus. Pestalotiopsis microspora‚ discovered by students on a class research trip in the Amazon rainforest‚ has emerged as a possible remedy. This unusual mushroom‚ according to a 2011 Yale University study‚ can break down polyester polyurethane‚ a common plastic‚ in two weeks. Pestalotiopsis fungi demonstrate the ability to consume plastic as their primary source of carbon and transform it into organic matter. The result opens the possibility of using mycoremediation in landfills‚ waste treatment facilities‚ and even ocean plastic gyres. Non-recyclable plastics: addressing the challenge Certain plastics‚ such as polypropylene‚ pose significant recycling issues. The University of Sydney’s research shows that fungi‚ notably Aspergillus terreus and Engyodontium album‚ are effective at breaking down polypropylene. After 90 days of incubation‚ the plastic had decreased by 25-27 percent. This intriguing outcome opens up possibilities for handling non-recyclable plastics on a larger scale. In 2017‚ Sehroon Khan of the Kunming Institute of Botany conducted a pioneering experiment in a metropolitan rubbish dump in Islamabad‚ Pakistan. Khan collected Aspergillus tubingensis‚ a fungus capable of breaking down polyurethane‚ and revealed the fungus’ ability to break down plastic within weeks. This experiment demonstrated the potential of fungi in tackling plastic waste in real-world circumstances. Innovations in plastic waste management Fungi aren’t limited to research labs; they are making strides in practical applications. Fungi Solutions conducted an experiment in Melbourne‚ which revealed oyster mushrooms’ outstanding capabilities. Within seven days‚ the trial showed their ability to break down toxins and microplastics present in cigarette butts. The group estimates that this technology can remove 1.2 million cigarette butts from landfills‚ giving a real solution to a widespread plastic waste problem. The Fungi Mutarium‚ designed by Katharina Unger in collaboration with Utrecht University in the Netherlands‚ incorporates novel recycling mechanisms. Oyster and split gill mushrooms feed on agar pods and UV-treated plastics. This system not only demonstrates the feasibility of smaller-scale household solutions but also envisions larger systems in recycling centers for community use. Furthermore‚ some mushrooms that feed on plastic in these settings‚ such as the Fungi Mutarium‚ produce edible mycelia. Sustainable solutions to a global crisis As the plastic pollution problem worsens‚ mycoremediation appears as a natural and sustainable answer. With 8.3 billion tons of plastic created since the 1950s‚ the need for environmentally sustainable alternatives grows. The potential of mycoremediation offers hope for global plastic waste management. Mycoremediation demonstrates fungi’s extraordinary powers‚ which have the potential to change our approach to plastic waste management. From landfills to everyday plastic use‚ mushrooms offer a sustainable and environmentally beneficial solution in the fight against plastic pollution.  The post Are mushrooms Mother Nature’s built-in solution to plastic pollution? first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Valentine’s Day may be about love for most people‚ but it’s not so sweet for Mother Nature. This holiday supports some of the major users of pesticides by boosting the chocolate and flower industries and sending billions of greeting cards to landfills each year. Luckily‚ there are several eco-friendly alternatives to traditional Valentine’s Day celebrations. Keep the romance (and the planet) alive and have Valentine’s Day to remember with these suggestions. Cards Sending a Valentine’s Day card is a lovely and simple way to put your sentiments into words and share them with your sweetheart. If you prefer paper greeting cards‚ this year try expressing your individuality by making one from recycled materials. If you lack the crafty skills to do so yourself‚ find a local artist who creates greeting cards out of repurposed materials. Another option for this year is to send an e-card to express your love for your companion. There are many places online where you may send an e-card to a loved one for free. Flowers A Valentine’s Day bouquet is a classic way to show your love for someone. However‚ the reality is that flower arrangements may barely last a week or so. Instead of this fleeting gift‚ why not give your sweetheart a house plant? You can even opt for herbs that are both beautiful and will enhance the flavor of the meals you prepare together. If you’re set on sticking with the tried-and-true method of sending flowers‚ read this article we wrote about choosing ethical and sustainable bouquets. Chocolate and wine When planning a romantic evening‚ most people reach for a bottle of wine or champagne. Instead of grabbing just any bottle‚ do some research to find out whether what you’re selecting is created from organic grapes and/or farmed in a sustainable manner. You can also look into what the corks are made of. Are they made sustainably‚ or do they contain bad plastic that plagues so many bottles? In terms of chocolate‚ an essential part of the Valentine’s Day tradition‚ look into what options are fair trade. Romantic getaway Getting away for the weekend is a terrific way to celebrate and have a weekend of love. Luckily‚ the number of B&;Bs and other small hotels that provide environmentally friendly services and amenities is growing. Due to their bigger carbon footprint‚ huge hotels are not the best option when considering where to stay. By supporting a neighborhood establishment‚ you may take advantage of both a more personal atmosphere and the satisfaction of knowing that your money is staying in the area. If a days-long trip isn’t attainable at the moment‚ you could also celebrate a more environmentally friendly Valentine’s Day by spending time in the great outdoors. Enjoy the winter weather and get some exercise by going ice skating‚ skiing‚ or snowshoeing. If the weather is nice‚ bring a picnic and eat outside. Dining If you’re talented in the kitchen‚ then consider cooking your significant other a romantic dinner using only organic foods. Visit your neighborhood farmers’ market to stock up on seasonal ingredients. The fact that you can decide what goes into your dinner gives it an extra personal touch. Gifts You should skip the standard teddy bear this year and instead go for environmentally friendly presents that require a bit more thought. Diamond rings‚ earrings‚ and bracelets manufactured from ethically sourced stones are a great choice for the fashion-conscious shopper. If you’re looking for a unique piece of jewelry that will also suit your partner’s taste‚ consider something produced from recycled materials or a stunning vintage piece.The post 6 sustainable ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

I preached my first sermon when I was in eighth grade. Our Baptist church had a “youth Sunday” where teenagers from the congregation led the music‚ preached the sermon‚ collected the offering‚ and served as ushers. My pastor was generous with his time and helped me to do my best as I prepared a sermon for the first time. Predictably‚ my text was 1 Timothy 4:12: “Let no one despise you for your youth‚ but set the believers an example in speech‚ in conduct‚ in love‚ in faith‚ in purity.” I’ve often looked back on my notes for that sermon with gratitude. The manuscript wasn’t fantastic‚ but my experience preaching it was. My church was tremendously affirming during that opportunity‚ gave me more opportunities‚ and by their affirmation encouraged me to think in the direction of ministry. A more typical experience might be like the one I had during my sophomore year of college. I was licensed to the gospel ministry by that same church‚ and I was granted many more opportunities to teach and preach there. Looking back on that time fills me with fond nostalgia and gratitude. My local church kindly affirmed my gifting and character‚ and they set me on a path to pastoral ministry. How can we do the same for young men today? Remarkable Opportunity Years of pastoral ministry later‚ while serving as an adjunct professor of preaching at Southern Seminary‚ I regularly asked students if they’d ever preached in a local church. Few had. I wanted these young men to know the experience I’d had. So I invited any student who wanted a preaching opportunity to do so at my church‚ usually on a Sunday evening. Local churches in my city are used to hearing seminary preachers. But I wanted these preachers to hear feedback from a local congregation. It’d be markedly different from what the students heard in seminary classrooms. I introduced our congregation to the evaluation guides that preaching classes use at Southern‚ and our people have spoken openly and honestly with these young preachers after they delivered their messages. It has been remarkable. Let Young Men Preach to Everyday People It’s an affirming experience for a young man to preach to God’s people and hear an “Amen” in response for the first time. It helps him see he can preach to a church and communicate the Bible well‚ pointing God’s people to Christ through the Scriptures. Don’t misunderstand; I’m all for preaching labs and practicum courses where preachers deliver messages to their classmates and professors. But there’s nothing like preaching to the people of God outside the classroom. While the congregation may not be as aware of the preacher’s interpretational accuracy‚ he learns to preach in the kind of environment he’ll later minister in. It’s an affirming experience for a young man to preach to God’s people and hear an ‘Amen’ in response for the first time. Effective illustrations in a context where the majority of the hearers are seminary trained may not work with a blue-collar audience. Explaining complex theological ideas requires intentionality when you can’t assume the people have read the same authors you have or studied the topic you’re addressing. When writing sermon applications for people who aren’t fellow students‚ the preacher must learn to think outside his situation. This is a vital discipline for pastoral ministry. Let the People Affirm the Young Preachers How can your church let young men preach? Depending on your context‚ consider having a youth Sunday. Give young men attending Bible college and seminary near you opportunities to preach. Open other opportunities like Sunday school classes and youth ministry gatherings where they can teach everyday people. They need to hear affirming and correcting words from the people of God. After all‚ a minister’s call is both internal and external. The internal call isn’t as mystical as many make it. It involves a desire to serve as an elder (1 Tim. 3:1); perceived skill in teaching (v. 2); and upright‚ godly character (vv. 1–7; Titus 1:5–9). The external call involves a good reputation with those outside the church (1 Tim. 3:7) and clear affirmation of gifting and character from the local church (Acts 14:23; Eph. 4:11–12; 1 Tim. 5:22; Titus 1:5). Spurgeon pushed his students not to overlook the importance of a local church’s affirmation: Churches are not all wise‚ neither do they all judge in the power of the Holy Ghost‚ but many of them judge after the flesh; yet I had sooner accept the opinion of a company of the Lord’s people than my own upon so personal a subject as my own gifts and graces. At any rate‚ whether you value the verdict of the church or no‚ one thing is certain‚ that none of you can be pastors without the loving consent of the flock. Churches may affirm a ministry candidate’s character and call. Still‚ it’s hard to ascertain whether he can teach and handle doctrine well if he hasn’t had the opportunity to demonstrate that skill. Our church’s program has provided an outlet for this. Mutual Benefit Now several years into this experiment‚ I consistently hear appreciative remarks from students. They’re thankful for the preaching experience with our church. One student returned to our church a few weeks ago and excitedly told me he was starting a pastoral position the next week. He wanted to come to our church one more time because the experience here had been so helpful. When writing sermon applications for people who aren’t fellow students‚ the preacher must learn to think outside his situation. The congregation is also deeply grateful. They’re encouraged that many good preachers are preparing to be sent to local churches. It gives them hope. What a marvelous goal for preachers and churches: the church offers the preacher help with his craft‚ and he gives them hope for the future. It’s encouraging to think that in the future if one of the preachers who went through this program starts an article with “I preached my first sermon . . .” he’ll finish that sentence with my congregation’s name. Let the kids preach. It’s worth it.

In his keynote message at TGC’s 2023 National Conference‚ Miguel Núñez teaches from Exodus 16 and emphasizes that the wilderness is a place where God often works profoundly in people’s lives‚ teaching them trust and obedience. The purpose of these wilderness experiences is to reveal God’s identity to his people‚ emphasizing that Jesus is the true bread of life—offering eternal life and satisfaction to those who believe in him.

What's better: this outright chaos or this glorious beer belly