How far would you go to share Christ? June 23 "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it." – Luke 9:24 Some time ago, a ship off the New England coast capsized in a terrible storm and was going down. The Coast Guard received a distress call, and a young member told his captain, "Sir, we can't go out in these conditions. We'll never come back." The grizzled old captain took a look at the young man and said, "Son, we have to go out. We don't have to come back." In the armed forces, soldiers are taught to put their duties even before their own lives. And if that's the kind of commitment that's expected for the furthering of a nation, then it's much more expected from followers of Christ for the expansion of the Kingdom of God. The early Christians saw themselves as disposable for the sake of the salvation of others. That's because to them, the need was real and urgent for the message of Christ to be expanded so that all would hear. Let's make that need urgent again. Let's spend ourselves daily in sharing the Gospel with others. And if it comes down to it, may we see our very lives as disposable for the sake of the Kingdom and our King! Prayer Challenge Ask God to give you a commitment to sharing Christ with others so that even if your own life is demanded for it, you'd give it! Questions for Thought If the Gospel is as important as the Bible says it is, should we ever hesitate to give our lives for the sake of the salvation of others? How does that make you feel? How can you embolden your commitment to expanding God's Kingdom among the lost today? Visit the Senior Living Ministries website The post How Far Would You Go to Share Christ? – Senior Living – June 25 appeared first on GodUpdates.

A Prayer to Find Belonging When You’re Feeling AloneBy Emma Danzey "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." – Isaiah 41:10 Do you feel lonely? Have you convinced yourself that you are all alone? The truth is that God is always with us, so we are never truly alone. However, our circumstances and our mindsets can cause us to feel isolated, misunderstood, and unseen. Many people in the Bible experienced loneliness: Joseph, Hagar, Elijah, the Samaritan Woman, John, and more. However, God saw them, He cared for them, and He provided for them.  Today, we are going to pray through a prayer to find belonging when you're feeling alone. First and foremost, I want to share that belonging is only truly found in our identity in Christ. He gives us a true sense of security in Him. He created us, He knows us, and He has set us free. Secondly, when we live out of that confidence in Him, we can take steps into the community that He has called us to.  Mark 12:30-31 shares, "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."  Loving God means that we have a relationship with Him. Loving people means that we have relationships with them. Maybe you are feeling alone, but you are not putting yourself out there to make a community. It can be an intimidating thing. However, we are invited to invest our lives in relationships with other believers and be friends with unbelievers, too. Think about ways you can get more involved in your local church body. Try out a workout class. Join a Bible Study. Go to a mom’s group. Ask that one new friend to coffee. Initiative takes courage, but it can be a great antidote for loneliness.  Most importantly, get in the Bible daily and seek God in prayer. He is always with us and desiring that relationship. Looking to Him teaches us that we are never truly alone. I met a woman just the other day who is a lonely widow. We had the opportunity to pray in the middle of an aisle in Walmart. You never know who is around you. I gave her my number, and we have connected since. Even if you do not feel lonely right now, there are people around you who need to belong. Be bold to share Christ's love in recognizing them and praying for and with them. Let’s pray: El Roi, You are the God who Sees Us,We are humbled that we are not unnoticed by You. Thank You that you are with us always. Thank You that whether we feel alone or well-connected with others that You care for our needs. We praise You for giving us the identity of being adopted into Your family, being friends of You, and being your bride as the Church. We are not alone. You are always with us, and we recognize that and claim that promise today. Thank You for the community around me that I have not received yet. Would you give me courage by Your Holy Spirit to introduce myself to one person or join a group to get to know others? Help me overcome my insecurities or fears that prevent me from loving others. Thank You that You provide all of our needs. Thank You that You relate to me in every way, even in loneliness. Help me to be empowered by your Spirit to overcome the fiery darts of the enemy's lies with your truth. I am who You say I am. I am your child, your friend, your beloved. I belong to You. Help me to see others as You see them. May I have eyes to notice the needs of those around me. Give me confidence by your Spirit to start conversations, pray for others, and reach out to new friends. Keep my heart tender and open to new friendships. Thank You for preparing the way.Amen. Photo credit: ©GettyImages/pixelheadphoto 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) and multiple books and devotionals 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 Find Belonging When You’re Feeling Alone – Your Daily Prayer – June 25 appeared first on GodUpdates.

June 25, 2024 How To Walk and Live in God's TruthKAREN EHMAN Lee en español "Teach me Your way, O LORD, I will walk and live in Your truth; Direct my heart to fear Your name [with awe-inspired reverence and submissive wonder]." Psalm 86:11 (AMP) When I was 16, I met a 20-something woman who instantly fascinated me. It wasn't because she was strikingly beautiful or academically inclined. She wasn't incredibly wealthy or hilariously witty. Something else about her intrigued me: She seemed so confident in her living because she walked so closely with God. As we spent time together, I noticed she placed a high priority on prayer, asking Jesus for guidance in every decision. She also prayed for others, such as people facing financial hardship or major medical diagnoses. She prayed for a friend contemplating whether the relationship she was in was healthy. Why, she even prayed when she lost one of her contacts in the bathroom sink! One day I asked her what was the secret to a successful Christian life. Her answer was straightforward: "Realize that your very life depends on staying connected to Jesus above anything - or anyone - else. Don't make a move without Him." I have discovered how very true her advice is. If we want to be people who make wise decisions when faced with so many options, we need to tether our decision-making to Scripture and align our hearts with God every single day. Psalm 86:11 depicts such a person who petitions God: "Teach me Your way, O LORD, I will walk and live in Your truth; Direct my heart to fear Your name [with awe-inspired reverence and submissive wonder]." The two words "walk" and "live" in English are translated from just one word in the original Hebrew. The term is halak, and it doesn't just mean putting one foot in front of the other. It suggests accompanying, continually following, accessing, patrolling and traveling. This multifaceted definition reveals such a vibrant verb! When we walk in God's Truth, we are accompanying Him. But we aren't just walking by His side: We are continually following Him. We have access to Him, so we are not trekking alone, nor are we sauntering obliviously. We are on patrol, watchful and cautious of what lurks ahead. We aren't rambling aimlessly but traveling purposefully through life. Let's take Psalm 86:11 and turn it into a prayer, asking God for that "awe-inspired reverence and submissive wonder." If we have humble hearts that truly want to seek after the Lord, we can ask Him to teach us to walk and live in His Truth. God alone holds the answers to all of life's dilemmas. Let's purposefully and sincerely bring each decision to Him, no matter how small or great, before we pick up our foot to walk. Father, help me to stay connected to You above everything - and everyone - else. I don't want to make a single move without You. I desire to walk and live in Your Truth. In Jesus' Name, Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS Have you joined Circle 31 Book Club yet? It's about so much more than just the books we read. With the support of the community around us, we see changes in our lives we haven't been able to make on our own. And starting July 1, we're reading The Hidden Peace: Finding True Security, Strength, and Confidence Through Humility by Dr. Joel Muddamalle! As a member of Circle 31, you'll get access to weekly teaching videos from Joel, Grow Groups where you can work through the message with others, and more! What are you waiting for?! Join Circle 31 today! If you'd be encouraged by a devotional that will help you spend time with God, check out Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk's book Trusting God in All The Things: 90 Devotions for Finding Peace in Your Every Day. ENGAGE Today Karen is giving away a free downloadable PDF entitled "Creating a ‘Time with God' Basket," and you could have a chance to win a bundle of study tools and goodies to help get you started. Head to her Instagram for details. FOR DEEPER STUDY Colossians 2:6-7, "So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude" (CSB). What connection do you think there is between being rooted in Christ and walking in Truth? What one action step will you take to make prayer a priority in the week ahead? We'd love to know your thoughts on this topic. Let us hear from you in the comments. © 2024 by Karen Ehman. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 MinistriesP.O. Box 3189 Matthews, NC 28106 www.Proverbs31.org The post How To Walk and Live in God’s Truth –  Encouragement for Today – June 25, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.

1900 - Russia mobilizes its army in eastern Siberia preparatory to acting against the Chinese, but also in an attempt to diminish the influence of Japan on the Asian mainland 1920 - League of Nations places Internationall Court of Justice in Hague 1943 - Crematorium 3 at Birkenau is finished 1955 - "Can Can" closes at Shubert Theater NYC after 892 performances 1961 - Iraq Prime Minister Abd al-Karim Qasim demands dominion over Kuwait and the end of the British protectorate 1961 - Baltimore and California use a record 16 pitchers in a game (8 each) in 14 inns 1961 - Iraq announces that Kuwait is a part of Iraq (Kuwait disagrees) 1993 - Parliamentary election in Morocco 1996 - Jay-Z releases his debut studio album "Beyond Reasonable Doubt" with Roc-A-Fella Records and Priority Records 2018 - Oakland pitcher Edwin Jackson takes the mound in a 5-4 win at Detroit; A's are his 13th MLB club, tying Octavio Dotel's record More Historical Events »

Historical Events 1976 - Texas Ranger Toby Harrah is only shortstop not to handle a fielding chance in doubleheader 1976 - Supernatural horror film "The Omen" starring Gregory Peck and Lee Remick premieres in the US 1985 - Thurman v City of Torrington decides in favor of Tracey Thurman, 1st woman to sue a police department for violating her civil rights (not protecting against abusive husband) 1990 - "Dave Thomas Comedy Show" last airs on CBS-TV 1991 - Japan lifts its call for voluntary restraint on expanding trade with South Africa 1991 - Martina Navratilova wins record 100th singles match at Wimbledon, beating Elna Reinach of South Africa 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 in the 1st round More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1949 - Kene Holliday, American actor (Tyler-Matlock, Carter Country), born in New York City 1971 - Steve Tikolo, Kenyan cricketer (outstanding Kenyan batsman in 1996 World Cup), born in Nairobi, Kenya 1974 - Mario Calire, American drummer (Wallflowers; Ozomatli), born in Buffalo, New York 1975 - Natasha Klauss, Colombian actress (La Venganza, Pasión de Gavilanes), born in Cali, Colombia 1980 - Nozomi Takeuchi, Japanese actress, born in Okazaki, Aichi, Japan 2003 - Joey Alexander [Josiah Alexander Sila], Indonesian jazz pianist, born in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1868 - Carlo Matteucci, Italian physicist and neurophysiologist (bioelectricity), dies at 57 1876 - Boston Custer, brother of George Armstrong Custer, dies at Battle of the Little Bighorn at 27 1971 - John Boyd Orr, Scottish physician (Nobel Peace Prize 1949 - Father of the Food and Agriculture Organization), dies at 90 2006 - Arif Mardin, Turkish-American music producer (Atlantic Records, Aretha Franklin, Bee Gees), dies of cancer at 74 2007 - Mahasti, Persian singer (b. 1946) 2018 - Paul Gérin-Lajoie, French Canadian politician (Minister of Education), dies at 98 More Famous Deaths »

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