A Prayer for the Ones Who Don't Feel Great at Anything By Peyton Garland Bible Reading"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." – Psalm 23:6 Listen or Read Below I masquerade embarrassing mediocrity that most might mistake for success. I can hide hordes of dirty laundry in my bedroom closet and close the door before company arrives, so my house looks spotless and organized on a casual Tuesday afternoon. I can boast in my English degree, all its awards and honors, without ever telling you that the only reason I majored in English was because I failed out of my first Pre-Med biology class. I can play the happy wife at dinner to ensure you have no clue my husband and I got into a heated tiff on the car ride over.  It can look like my favorite hobby is playing on the floor with my tike, when, in truth, there are so many times I just put on his little dancing fruit videos so I can curl up in a corner and cry, scream into a pillow, sob ... let out whatever emotion erupts first. I can make you think I'm a devoted Christian who doubts nothing. It's as easy as posting a Bible verse on social media and never mentioning just how often I'm not so sure I see God as kind, merciful, and truly for me.  I'm good at many things-often trivial and fake things-but I'm not sure I'm great at anything worthwhile. My heart often feels too anxious, too heavy, too confused, to believe my messy life has the spiritual substance to shift someone else's axis for good, let alone please God. Can you relate?  I know King David could. He's known for sleeping with a married woman and deviously having her husband killed in the name of honor. He also had a terrible knack for raising questionable sons. One tried to rape his own sister, and the other, King Solomon, is quite famous for his hundreds of concubines. Despite David's outward regality, he, too, had his own laundry basket of crinkled, smelly clothes to shove into a bedroom closet. And I imagine his heart was just as stressed, shame-ridden, and second best as mine and yours (Psalm 51). Yet, David was part of Christ's lineage; he was the first true chosen king of Israel. God's loyalty to David is something to pause and reflect on, and I believe one of the most famous scriptures of all, Psalm 23, hints at what made David a ‘hero' of the faith. I'm teaching my one-year-old son this portion of Scripture. For now, he can barely say more than "Mama" and "Dada," but I pray these words will eventually become memory and the memory will become meaning when he's old enough for valleys and shadows and death. But as I'm teaching him this classic psalm, I'm teaching myself bits and pieces, powerful pieces, that never struck me until now. The last verse, verse 6, is written in an order that caught my attention, particularly the first half: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me..."  I'm more of a visual learner, so I was picturing, like The Pilgrim's Progress, the personification of Goodness and Mercy. I made them little figurines in my mind and placed them on a path following me-meaning they were behind me. Now, if something, anything, is following me, then I must be moving forward. It's a present-tense verb, implying that something is actively taking place. And here, in Psalm 23:6, the key action is me-and you-walking through this life, moving forward, taking steps-even when we know, thanks to verse 4, there will be valleys and shadows and death.  Despite the uneven, embarrassing scale of what David was good at (risqué and dad-failing things) versus all the noble things he wasn't great at, perhaps what made him special was his simple act of taking another step forward. His faith in God's goodness and mercy made his very existence–failures and all-a great, unbeatable, history-changing picture of the hope that will follow us all the days of our lives. This willingness to wake up and plow forward, trying again at following God's perfect, gracious example of law and love blended, is what makes our stories more than mundane.  Perhaps you feel like me and King David: good at a few things that don't really matter and only great at messing things up. But take heart! The good news is you are in good company-and I'm not talking about me or King David. If you are living and breathing, if you are trying your best to believe in God's goodness, you are in the presence of Hope. You have the chance to be great at faith, trusting in what you can't see and in Whom you believe. So keep taking steps forward, allowing God's glory to come behind your messes to orchestrate miracles. Let's Pray: God, I don't feel great at anything besides trying and failing-in my work, in my marriage, in motherhood, in my creative pursuits-at everything. Help me see beyond my failures and remember that because of your goodness and mercy, I have a reason to try again, to believe in hope, and to keep moving forward. Thank you for such grace, God.In your holy name, Amen.  Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Boonyachoat Peyton Garland is an author and Tennessee farm mama sharing her heart on OCD, church trauma, and failed mom moments. Follow her on Instagram @peytonmgarland and check out her latest book, Tired, Hungry, & Kinda Faithful, to discover Jesus’ hope in life’s simplest moments. 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! The post A Prayer for the Ones Who Don’t Feel Great at Anything – Your Daily Prayer – October 4 appeared first on GodUpdates.

A Prayer for the Ones Who Don't Feel Great at Anything By Peyton Garland Bible Reading"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." – Psalm 23:6 Listen or Read Below I masquerade embarrassing mediocrity that most might mistake for success. I can hide hordes of dirty laundry in my bedroom closet and close the door before company arrives, so my house looks spotless and organized on a casual Tuesday afternoon. I can boast in my English degree, all its awards and honors, without ever telling you that the only reason I majored in English was because I failed out of my first Pre-Med biology class. I can play the happy wife at dinner to ensure you have no clue my husband and I got into a heated tiff on the car ride over.  It can look like my favorite hobby is playing on the floor with my tike, when, in truth, there are so many times I just put on his little dancing fruit videos so I can curl up in a corner and cry, scream into a pillow, sob ... let out whatever emotion erupts first. I can make you think I'm a devoted Christian who doubts nothing. It's as easy as posting a Bible verse on social media and never mentioning just how often I'm not so sure I see God as kind, merciful, and truly for me.  I'm good at many things-often trivial and fake things-but I'm not sure I'm great at anything worthwhile. My heart often feels too anxious, too heavy, too confused, to believe my messy life has the spiritual substance to shift someone else's axis for good, let alone please God. Can you relate?  I know King David could. He's known for sleeping with a married woman and deviously having her husband killed in the name of honor. He also had a terrible knack for raising questionable sons. One tried to rape his own sister, and the other, King Solomon, is quite famous for his hundreds of concubines. Despite David's outward regality, he, too, had his own laundry basket of crinkled, smelly clothes to shove into a bedroom closet. And I imagine his heart was just as stressed, shame-ridden, and second best as mine and yours (Psalm 51). Yet, David was part of Christ's lineage; he was the first true chosen king of Israel. God's loyalty to David is something to pause and reflect on, and I believe one of the most famous scriptures of all, Psalm 23, hints at what made David a ‘hero' of the faith. I'm teaching my one-year-old son this portion of Scripture. For now, he can barely say more than "Mama" and "Dada," but I pray these words will eventually become memory and the memory will become meaning when he's old enough for valleys and shadows and death. But as I'm teaching him this classic psalm, I'm teaching myself bits and pieces, powerful pieces, that never struck me until now. The last verse, verse 6, is written in an order that caught my attention, particularly the first half: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me..."  I'm more of a visual learner, so I was picturing, like The Pilgrim's Progress, the personification of Goodness and Mercy. I made them little figurines in my mind and placed them on a path following me-meaning they were behind me. Now, if something, anything, is following me, then I must be moving forward. It's a present-tense verb, implying that something is actively taking place. And here, in Psalm 23:6, the key action is me-and you-walking through this life, moving forward, taking steps-even when we know, thanks to verse 4, there will be valleys and shadows and death.  Despite the uneven, embarrassing scale of what David was good at (risqué and dad-failing things) versus all the noble things he wasn't great at, perhaps what made him special was his simple act of taking another step forward. His faith in God's goodness and mercy made his very existence–failures and all-a great, unbeatable, history-changing picture of the hope that will follow us all the days of our lives. This willingness to wake up and plow forward, trying again at following God's perfect, gracious example of law and love blended, is what makes our stories more than mundane.  Perhaps you feel like me and King David: good at a few things that don't really matter and only great at messing things up. But take heart! The good news is you are in good company-and I'm not talking about me or King David. If you are living and breathing, if you are trying your best to believe in God's goodness, you are in the presence of Hope. You have the chance to be great at faith, trusting in what you can't see and in Whom you believe. So keep taking steps forward, allowing God's glory to come behind your messes to orchestrate miracles. Let's Pray: God, I don't feel great at anything besides trying and failing-in my work, in my marriage, in motherhood, in my creative pursuits-at everything. Help me see beyond my failures and remember that because of your goodness and mercy, I have a reason to try again, to believe in hope, and to keep moving forward. Thank you for such grace, God.In your holy name, Amen.  Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Boonyachoat Peyton Garland is an author and Tennessee farm mama sharing her heart on OCD, church trauma, and failed mom moments. Follow her on Instagram @peytonmgarland and check out her latest book, Tired, Hungry, & Kinda Faithful, to discover Jesus’ hope in life’s simplest moments. 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! The post A Prayer for the Ones Who Don’t Feel Great at Anything – Your Daily Prayer – October 4 appeared first on GodUpdates.

October 4, 2024 Dreams InterruptedBRENDA BRADFORD OTTINGER Lee en español "Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me." Psalm 23:4 (NLT) Envisioning the story of tomorrow, I saw scene upon scene where the little one inside me would someday grow, laugh and live. Yet dreams that once danced deep in the hollows of my heart now rest in a slip of bygone time. One moment I was pregnant with life - the next, a heartbeat was lost to eternity. Whether miscarriage or other aching loss, perhaps you, too, know this empty echo in your spirit as you grieve beautiful dreams that have been interrupted. I'm so sorry for your loss, dear friend. It can be so hard to wrap our tender hearts around the loss of a future we expected. One of my favorite biblical writers, King David, knew a lot about loss, from mourning death (2 Samuel 12; 2 Samuel 18:33) to mourning hardships of life (Psalm 22). I love this comforting scene David penned in Psalm 23, describing God's presence with him on the darkest of days: "The LORD is my shepherd ... Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me" (Psalm 23:1-4, NLT). Before David was king, he was a shepherd, so he knew about leading sheep along difficult paths while protecting and providing for them - staying ever close through it all. Throughout the ups and downs of David's days, he recognized that his God, the Shepherd of his life, was his ever-present source of comfort and support. David also wrote these comforting words about God in Psalm 139:7-10: "I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me" (NLT). Oh, the relief of recognizing, as David did, that even when loss leaves us feeling empty and alone, never once will the Lord leave our side. The great Shepherd of our souls is as close as our very breath, tenderly walking with us through every dark valley of life. Dear sister, it's OK to feel what you feel; God isn't judging you for being human and heartbroken. The Lord understands your disappointment and confusion, and He doesn't need you to filter your pain. Your God is right here, right now, loving you where you are. In times like these when there are no answers to the "whys" as your heart cries, friend, may you rest in the tender love of God, who is forever with you. Curl up in His palm, and be held in the comfort of His care. Dear Lord, thank You for walking with me all my days. Please help me feel Your loving presence as I grieve the loss of a future I expected. In Jesus' Name, Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS When world events feel scary and spike your anxiety ... When you don't know who or what to believe ... In just one moment, God's Word can cut through all the noise you're bombarded with. That's why we've put together our new study guide 1 & 2 Timothy: The Clarity You Need When Life Feels Chaotic, Confusing and out of Control. This five-week study begins on October 28. So get your copy, and join us! ENGAGE For more encouragement, connect with Brenda on her website or on Instagram. FOR DEEPER STUDY Psalm 34:18, "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (NIV). Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (NIV). Have you ever opened a notebook or journaling app and simply poured out your heart to God? It doesn't need to look pretty; simply come as you are, and rest in the tender care of the Shepherd of your soul. October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. If you know someone who has experienced miscarriage or lost an infant, consider reaching out to them today with an encouraging word or Scripture verse. Let them know you’re praying for them. We'd love for you to share your heart in the comments. © 2024 by Brenda Bradford Ottinger. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 MinistriesP.O. Box 3189 Matthews, NC 28106 www.Proverbs31.org The post Dreams Interrupted –  Encouragement for Today – October 4, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.

Elon Musk said he “will be there to support” President Trump’s rally when he returns to Butler, Pennsylvania, the site of the first (known) assassination attempt on Trump. Trump posted a picture from July’s rally, saying “I’m coming back to Butler!” “BUTLER ON SATURDAY—HISTORIC!” Trump said. I will be there to support! https://t.co/nokR0g3dn1 — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 4, 2024 CBS News reports: Preparations are ongoing for former President Donald Trump’s rally this weekend at the Butler Farm Show grounds. On Saturday in Butler Township, Trump will return to the scene of an attempted assassination in July. Butler County Commissioner Leslie Osche will be at the rally. The Trump campaign asked her and another commissioner to talk about the resiliency of the community and first responders. “Mr. Trump comes here because we represent the best of what is a strong middle-class community, and you can’t go five feet without running into somebody who is a volunteer in some capacity or gives back,” Osche said. Just in: Elon Musk will attend President Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania this Saturday. This is the same site of the failed assassination attempt against Trump. pic.twitter.com/sReHhUI9Q6 — The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) October 4, 2024 #BREAKING: Elon Musk says he will be attending this Saturday’s rally in Butler, PA with President Trump HISTORY is being made! pic.twitter.com/xdRMdUsLYj — Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) October 4, 2024 #BREAKING: Elon Musk has just confirmed that he will attending Donald Trump’s upcoming rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, this Saturday pic.twitter.com/bRbwUZnCE0 — R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) October 4, 2024 BREAKING: Elon Musk will attend Donald Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania this Saturday. pic.twitter.com/tlX9Oulc1a — DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) October 4, 2024 THIS IS HUGE! ELON MUSK JUST ANNOUNCED HE WILL BE ATTENDING TRUMP'S RETURN TO BUTLER, PA! "I will be there to support," Musk posted of the Saturday rally. God bless Rightful President Trump and Elon Musk! Kamala DEFINITELY wouldn't want you to share this! pic.twitter.com/SZyETDcEu7 — Bo Loudon (@BoLoudon) October 4, 2024 From The Post Millennial: On July 13th, The 45th president narrowly escaped a fatal shot, taking a bullet to the ear instead during a Butler rally. It happened just as he turned for a moment to glance at a screen displaying data on illegal immigration. One man lost his life protecting his family from the gunfire, while two others were injured and taken to the hospital. “President Trump’s return to Butler will mark his first visit to the site of the attack since he was struck by an assassin’s bullet on July 13th—but was saved in what the world has recognized as an act of divine providence,” the campaign said in a previous press release. “President Trump’s return to Butler will stand as a tribute to the American spirit. In America, we do not let monsters like that evil assassin have the last word. Every time our nation is struck by attack or hardship, we rally, we persevere, and we prevail. When terrorists knocked down our towering skyscrapers, we rebuilt taller. When our communities are ravaged by fire, storm, or natural disaster, we pull together and come back stronger. And when a shooter attacked our democracy and tried to end this movement, President Trump will return to the site, joined by tens of thousands of proud citizens, and together, they will celebrate a unifying vision for America’s future in an event like the world has never seen before. “After not one, but two attempts on his life in the past nine weeks, President Trump is more determined than ever to see his mission through to the end. In that Butler field on July 13th, he took a bullet for democracy—and on November 5th, he is going to save our democracy. With the help of the amazing people of Pennsylvania and citizens all across our land, we will make America safer, stronger, freer, and greater than ever before.” Musk endorsed Trump following the assassination attempt in Butler. “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,” Musk previously said. ELON MUSK: “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery” In an interview with Lex Fridman, Musk explained why he endorsed Trump in the 2024 presidential election. [WATCH] Elon Musk Explains Why He Endorsed Donald Trump For President “What’s your philosophy behind that endorsement? What do you hope Donald Trump does for the future of this country and for the future of humanity?” Fridman asked. “I thought Trump displayed courage under fire, objectively. He just got shot. He’s got blood streaming down his face, and he’s fist pumping, saying ‘fight.’ That’s impressive. You can’t feign bravery in a situation like that,” Musk said. “I think you want someone who is strong and courageous to represent the country,” he continued. “But on balance, and certainly at the time, it was a choice of Biden. Poor guy has trouble climbing a flight of stairs, and the other one is fist pumping after getting shot. This is no comparison. I mean who do you want dealing with some of the toughest people and other world leaders who are pretty tough themselves?” Musk explained. “I think we want a secure border. We don’t have a secure border,” he noted. “We want safe and clean cities,” he added. “I think we want to reduce the amount of spending we’re, at least, slow down the spending because we’re currently spending at a rate that is bankrupting the country,” he continued. “I think we’ve got to reduce the size of government, we’ve got to reduce the spending, and we’ve got to live within our means,” he said. WATCH: Elon Musk Reveals 7 Reasons Why He’s Voting for Donald Trump 1. @ElonMusk was astounded when Trump fist-pumped and shouted, “Fight!” shortly after getting shot in the face. “You can't feign bravery in a situation like that,” he said. 2. Musk seeks a leader “who is… pic.twitter.com/x63hBAmJx7 — The Vigilant Fox ? (@VigilantFox) August 3, 2024

The Hu's North American tour with Iron Maiden kicks off today and finishes in November

You have the chance to be great at faith, trusting in what you can’t see and in Whom you believe. So keep taking steps forward, allowing God’s glory to come behind your messes to orchestrate miracles.

I see you, Cincy