by P.F. Kelly, Jr, All News Pipeline: The Mel Gibson historical epic Apocalypto is a film about how a powerful culture, like the early 16th-century Mayans portrayed in the movie, can sometimes meet an unexpected end. One thing about the movie really stood out for me.  When the Mayans are confronted with existential threats, like crop failure […]

A Prayer for Transforming Worry into TrustBy Alisha Headley Bible Reading"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus". – Philippians 4:6-7 Listen or Read Below It's hard not to worry in the world that we live in. The way our world is divided by race, religion, and political views leads us to worry about our safety or financial situation. It's hard not to worry about your future for yourself or for your kids when what you see looks hopeless. As humans, we are so tied to outcomes. Knowing how things will work out gives us security, and we want to know the outcome. The problem with this is most outcomes, we don't know and won't know, so we spend countless days and sleepless nights worrying when worrying does nothing for us. In fact, worrying does nothing to benefit our lives in any way; it only takes away. It takes away the present moments and present joy you could experience, not to mention it takes away from a peaceful life. Jesus Himself asks His followers in Matthew 6:27, "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" He then continues in verse 34, saying, "Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."  Worrying does not add anything to your life, nor does it change the outcome. So, how can we take this worry and turn it into trust? Today's scripture verse tells us not to be worried or anxious but that through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, we can come before God with our worries. When we do this through prayer as well as thanksgiving, we are then overwhelmed with a peace that passes all our understanding. That peace will cover all our worries when we bring them to the throne of God and trust Him. What a beautiful tradeoff – praying and bringing our requests to God, and in turn, we receive a peace that surpasses our understanding and the worries we face.  Let's Pray: Dear God,You are a good God, and you offer us peace whenever we want it. We thank you, Lord, for this beautiful promise of peace in today's Scripture. Lord, our hearts are heavy with worry today. We are worried about what could happen and what did happen, and how things will turn out. Father, we need you. Thank you for your Word that reminds us that worrying does nothing for us and we simply can come to you and cast all our worry to you and receive your peace. Forgive us for all the days and hours we wasted worrying and not trusting you. Reveal to us what we are not trusting you with so we are not tempted to try to control it ourselves and add more worry to our lives. Thank you that although you might not change our outcome right away, you can change the way we are living within our circumstances by overwhelming us with your peace. Thank you for your peace that will guard our hearts and minds to not worry. Thank you that we can trust in you for everything. We love you and thank you for promises throughout the Bible like that one you reminded us of today.In Jesus' mighty name, amen  Photo credit: ©Unsplash/Hean Prinsloo Alisha Headley is a writer + speaker who has a desire to meet the everyday woman in her everyday life with biblical truth. Stepping into her true calling, she left the corporate world behind as a former-financial VP to love on her family as a stay-at-home wifey + dog mama, while also being able to pursue her passion as a writer. Healing from a chapter of life consumed with lies she once believed about herself, she is inspired to point women to Christ to experience the freedom + power to overcome those lies with the truth written in God's word. In her free time, Alisha enjoys road trips around the country, working out so she can eat her favorite foods, and creatively styling her outfits with a craft for fashion. Alisha is a proud wifey and dog mama living in Scottsdale, Arizona. You can follow her blog by visiting her website or connect with her on facebook + instagram. Related Resource: Jesus Calling – Stories of Faith Kerry Washington. Andrea Bocelli. Reba McEntire. Mark Wahlberg. Tony Dungy. Matthew McConaughey, What do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times-and they've shown up to tell their story of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.  Inspired by Sarah Young’s classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts. Now that you’ve prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below! The post A Prayer for Transforming Worry into Trust – Your Daily Prayer – October 24 appeared first on GodUpdates.

October 24, 2024 If You're Waiting for God To Make Things RightLYSA TERKEURST Lee en español "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1 (NIV) One afternoon, I was sitting on the ocean shore, wondering where God was. His creation always seems to have a message about Him if I pay close attention. A verse I love to remember is Psalm 19:1: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." If I can't see the work of His hands the way I thought I would in my circumstances, I want to see His work somewhere else. Earlier that morning, I had received an email informing me a harsh article about me had just been released. I was already in a season that had caused me so much anxiety and pain. The article’s accusations were troubling, and I had plenty of evidence to refute them. But the writer never contacted me to check the facts. They published their words for all the world to read. Other media outlets followed suit. And there was nothing I could do about it. Struggling to get my pulse to slow down and my hands to stop shaking, I just kept staring out at the vast ocean, asking, God, Why? Why does it seem like, once again, a person who is causing me so much pain is getting away with it? I don't know how long I sat there in stunned silence, trying to paint pictures in my mind of a future scenario where things finally turned out OK. I imagined myself writing in my journal one day: Look how God defended me. His justice finally came about. Look at how He brought it all together better than ever. This all makes sense now. I can finally exhale. But I still don't have that page in my journal. I have not yet seen the justice of God in several situations. And maybe I won't on this side of eternity. There's lots of goodness in my life now, but I still have to fight hard not to entertain the bitterness that invites me to pitch a tent right in the unfairness and camp out in it. Otherwise, constantly thinking about what God doesn't seem to be doing - and about my desire for my version of justice to come about - can become a focus and then, over time, an obsession. If left unattended, it can become a stronghold for the enemy of my soul. However the unfairness of your situation is playing out right now, I want you to know that you're not alone. I understand how hard it is to step into the future fully when the past won't stay in the past. And it's doubly hard when our desire for things to be fair makes the fight against bitterness and resentment exhausting on a soul level. And it's even harder when it makes no sense why God isn't saying "no more" and stopping this. I imagine that whether your trust and your heart have been broken by a friend, spouse, sibling, parent, leader or another significant person, you know the fight I'm talking about. If their hurtful actions are still happening, I bet you're exhausted and frustrated too. Maybe parts of your story, like mine, have turned around, but there is still pain being caused. I'm so sorry for what you've gone through, friend. If you get nothing else out of this devotion today, I want you to get this: We may never see the justice we long for on this side of eternity. Some will. But many will not. I can't explain this, but I'm working hard to accept it. Some days I feel like I can make peace with it. Other days I try, but it's so hard. Still, I'm clinging to this truth with all my heart, and I hope you will too: The absence of justice isn't evidence of the absence of God. He is with you, now and every day moving forward. This is something you can be sure of no matter what. God, I don't want to feel bitter toward You or the people who have hurt me. Please help me keep my heart soft instead of skeptical as I choose to move forward and follow Your direction for my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.  OUR FAVORITE THINGS If you've found yourself dealing with the aftermath of what someone else has done, wondering if things will eventually be made right, Lysa TerKeurst would love to be the friend who gives you space to acknowledge your hurt, process some hard questions, and find the healing perspectives your heart needs. Join her in the pages of her new book, I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t: Moving Forward When You’re Skeptical of Others, Afraid of What God Will Allow, and Doubtful of Your Own Discernment, to start making progress today! Get your copy! ENGAGE Find real-life encouragement when you connect with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram. FOR DEEPER STUDY Psalm 27:14, "Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD" (NIV). What truth-filled perspectives do you need to keep in mind when you're waiting on God, longing for Him to make things right? 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 If You’re Waiting for God To Make Things Right – Encouragement for Today – October 24, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.

A Prayer for Transforming Worry into TrustBy Alisha Headley Bible Reading"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus". – Philippians 4:6-7 Listen or Read Below It's hard not to worry in the world that we live in. The way our world is divided by race, religion, and political views leads us to worry about our safety or financial situation. It's hard not to worry about your future for yourself or for your kids when what you see looks hopeless. As humans, we are so tied to outcomes. Knowing how things will work out gives us security, and we want to know the outcome. The problem with this is most outcomes, we don't know and won't know, so we spend countless days and sleepless nights worrying when worrying does nothing for us. In fact, worrying does nothing to benefit our lives in any way; it only takes away. It takes away the present moments and present joy you could experience, not to mention it takes away from a peaceful life. Jesus Himself asks His followers in Matthew 6:27, "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" He then continues in verse 34, saying, "Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."  Worrying does not add anything to your life, nor does it change the outcome. So, how can we take this worry and turn it into trust? Today's scripture verse tells us not to be worried or anxious but that through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, we can come before God with our worries. When we do this through prayer as well as thanksgiving, we are then overwhelmed with a peace that passes all our understanding. That peace will cover all our worries when we bring them to the throne of God and trust Him. What a beautiful tradeoff – praying and bringing our requests to God, and in turn, we receive a peace that surpasses our understanding and the worries we face.  Let's Pray: Dear God,You are a good God, and you offer us peace whenever we want it. We thank you, Lord, for this beautiful promise of peace in today's Scripture. Lord, our hearts are heavy with worry today. We are worried about what could happen and what did happen, and how things will turn out. Father, we need you. Thank you for your Word that reminds us that worrying does nothing for us and we simply can come to you and cast all our worry to you and receive your peace. Forgive us for all the days and hours we wasted worrying and not trusting you. Reveal to us what we are not trusting you with so we are not tempted to try to control it ourselves and add more worry to our lives. Thank you that although you might not change our outcome right away, you can change the way we are living within our circumstances by overwhelming us with your peace. Thank you for your peace that will guard our hearts and minds to not worry. Thank you that we can trust in you for everything. We love you and thank you for promises throughout the Bible like that one you reminded us of today.In Jesus' mighty name, amen  Photo credit: ©Unsplash/Hean Prinsloo Alisha Headley is a writer + speaker who has a desire to meet the everyday woman in her everyday life with biblical truth. Stepping into her true calling, she left the corporate world behind as a former-financial VP to love on her family as a stay-at-home wifey + dog mama, while also being able to pursue her passion as a writer. Healing from a chapter of life consumed with lies she once believed about herself, she is inspired to point women to Christ to experience the freedom + power to overcome those lies with the truth written in God's word. In her free time, Alisha enjoys road trips around the country, working out so she can eat her favorite foods, and creatively styling her outfits with a craft for fashion. Alisha is a proud wifey and dog mama living in Scottsdale, Arizona. You can follow her blog by visiting her website or connect with her on facebook + instagram. Related Resource: Jesus Calling – Stories of Faith Kerry Washington. Andrea Bocelli. Reba McEntire. Mark Wahlberg. Tony Dungy. Matthew McConaughey, What do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times-and they've shown up to tell their story of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.  Inspired by Sarah Young’s classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts. Now that you’ve prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below! The post A Prayer for Transforming Worry into Trust – Your Daily Prayer – October 24 appeared first on GodUpdates.

October 24, 2024 If You're Waiting for God To Make Things RightLYSA TERKEURST Lee en español "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1 (NIV) One afternoon, I was sitting on the ocean shore, wondering where God was. His creation always seems to have a message about Him if I pay close attention. A verse I love to remember is Psalm 19:1: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." If I can't see the work of His hands the way I thought I would in my circumstances, I want to see His work somewhere else. Earlier that morning, I had received an email informing me a harsh article about me had just been released. I was already in a season that had caused me so much anxiety and pain. The article’s accusations were troubling, and I had plenty of evidence to refute them. But the writer never contacted me to check the facts. They published their words for all the world to read. Other media outlets followed suit. And there was nothing I could do about it. Struggling to get my pulse to slow down and my hands to stop shaking, I just kept staring out at the vast ocean, asking, God, Why? Why does it seem like, once again, a person who is causing me so much pain is getting away with it? I don't know how long I sat there in stunned silence, trying to paint pictures in my mind of a future scenario where things finally turned out OK. I imagined myself writing in my journal one day: Look how God defended me. His justice finally came about. Look at how He brought it all together better than ever. This all makes sense now. I can finally exhale. But I still don't have that page in my journal. I have not yet seen the justice of God in several situations. And maybe I won't on this side of eternity. There's lots of goodness in my life now, but I still have to fight hard not to entertain the bitterness that invites me to pitch a tent right in the unfairness and camp out in it. Otherwise, constantly thinking about what God doesn't seem to be doing - and about my desire for my version of justice to come about - can become a focus and then, over time, an obsession. If left unattended, it can become a stronghold for the enemy of my soul. However the unfairness of your situation is playing out right now, I want you to know that you're not alone. I understand how hard it is to step into the future fully when the past won't stay in the past. And it's doubly hard when our desire for things to be fair makes the fight against bitterness and resentment exhausting on a soul level. And it's even harder when it makes no sense why God isn't saying "no more" and stopping this. I imagine that whether your trust and your heart have been broken by a friend, spouse, sibling, parent, leader or another significant person, you know the fight I'm talking about. If their hurtful actions are still happening, I bet you're exhausted and frustrated too. Maybe parts of your story, like mine, have turned around, but there is still pain being caused. I'm so sorry for what you've gone through, friend. If you get nothing else out of this devotion today, I want you to get this: We may never see the justice we long for on this side of eternity. Some will. But many will not. I can't explain this, but I'm working hard to accept it. Some days I feel like I can make peace with it. Other days I try, but it's so hard. Still, I'm clinging to this truth with all my heart, and I hope you will too: The absence of justice isn't evidence of the absence of God. He is with you, now and every day moving forward. This is something you can be sure of no matter what. God, I don't want to feel bitter toward You or the people who have hurt me. Please help me keep my heart soft instead of skeptical as I choose to move forward and follow Your direction for my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.  OUR FAVORITE THINGS If you've found yourself dealing with the aftermath of what someone else has done, wondering if things will eventually be made right, Lysa TerKeurst would love to be the friend who gives you space to acknowledge your hurt, process some hard questions, and find the healing perspectives your heart needs. Join her in the pages of her new book, I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t: Moving Forward When You’re Skeptical of Others, Afraid of What God Will Allow, and Doubtful of Your Own Discernment, to start making progress today! Get your copy! ENGAGE Find real-life encouragement when you connect with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram. FOR DEEPER STUDY Psalm 27:14, "Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD" (NIV). What truth-filled perspectives do you need to keep in mind when you're waiting on God, longing for Him to make things right? 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 If You’re Waiting for God To Make Things Right – Encouragement for Today – October 24, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.