A Prayer to Keep Jesus as My RefugeBy Chelsey DeMatteis "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" – Psalm 91:1-2 Blessed are those who take refuge in Him, can I get an amen? These last few weeks have been some of the hardest I’ve ever experienced since walking with Jesus. The attacks of the enemy have been like the being at the most pressurizing point of the pressure cooker, and the grief of losing a family member so close has left my heart broken into pieces. Attacks and grief, all while trying to hold it together for my own little family.  By the grace of God, Jesus has been and is my refuge. God has pulled me in close in the moments I’ve wanted to crumble, which has been many times in the last month. He has kept me going with the truth of His Word. With songs that are a balm to my spirit and the prayers of other believers, He has proven Himself faithful in this storm. He has proven Himself steady in this swell. He has proven Himself truthful in the moments the enemy has spoken lies. Even writing these words invites me to take a minute to breathe and exhale over the heaviness of this season. I’m certain many of you can relate, and for that I’m deeply sorry. Even through the waves of grief and the enemy’s attacks, I will keep seeking refuge in the One who created me, and I will choose to not seek refuge in the false “comforts” of this world. I will serve the Lord with fear, and I will rejoice, trembling before the mighty God that I serve. In this recent journey of hardship and heartache, I’m reminded of those we see in the Bible walking through absolute devastation, and they still chose to trust God and be faithful to His calling over their life.  The person who stands out the most to me in this season is Moses. He was given an incredible task from the Lord. However, He endured much hardship, grief, conviction, and, at times, devastation. Yet, he still chose to follow God and serve him because he trusted in what God said to him from the beginning. No matter what it is that I face, I know that I can trust that God will use what I walk through to bring glory to himself and draw others closer to Him. Exodus 3:10-15 “Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt." But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" He said, "But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain." Then Moses said to God, "If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, ‘What is his name?' what shall I say to them?" God said to Moses, "I am who I am." And he said, "Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.'" God also said to Moses, "Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.” No matter what is it that you are walking through or will walk through, hold faithfully to the tasks that God has called you to do for His good and glory. Like Moses, recall and retell what God has stirred up in your heart before. Choose to follow where God leads even if it’s through a season that is leaving you under a weight you cannot shake on your own, you were never meant to overcome the heaviness alone, our Heavenly Father is the One who lifts the burdens. Lean into Him, and watch Him prove Himself faithful as He always does. Rest in the truth we are given in Psalm 91:1-2, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Let's pray: Father, thank you for covering me and carrying me through the darkest of times. You are faithful to settle and steady the storms in your timing, but when it feels tumultuous, you are with me. You are my refuge and my safe place. Help me see the ways you are carrying me; remind me of the ways you were faithful before. In the waves of grief and weakness, protect me from the enemy and his lies. Hold me tightly, Father, as I take refuge within your loving embrace. In Jesus’ name, amen.  Photo credit: ©GettyImages/shuang paul wang Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women’s Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com. 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! Visit iBelieve.com for more inspiring prayer content. The post A Prayer to Keep Jesus My Refuge – Your Daily Prayer – August 1 appeared first on GodUpdates.

August 1, 2024 Three Truths Every Mama Should Know TodayLYSA TERKEURST Lee en español "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." Ephesians 6:10 (NIV) Being a mom is a high honor and precious gift. At the same time, being a mom is tough. One of the hardest parts is helping our kids navigate issues they're facing. Thankfully, God feels our pain and knows our sorrow, and He knows exactly how to encourage us through His Word. Ephesians 6:10-12 tells us: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (NIV). Based on these scriptures, here are three truths every mama should know today: 1. God has not left you to parent your children alone.The Lord is not asking us to find power within ourselves to overcome the issues we face with our kids. We are in a battle of epic proportions, and He calls us to put on His armor. His weapons aren't just silly little suggestions that might or might not work - they are certain. Ephesians 6:14-18 (NIV) describes them: "Belt of truth."  I must park my mind in the truth of God's love for me and my child. "Breastplate of righteousness."  I must let God's goodness guide my reactions. "Gospel of peace."  I must walk in the peace that even when I can't see things changing, God is working on my child's behalf. "Shield of faith."  I must have faith in God's timing and His ways. "Helmet of salvation."  I must trust that God's ultimate desire is for my children to have a close relationship with Him as their Savior. "Sword ... which is the word of God." I must read God's love letter to me and hold Truth like a lifeline between God's security and my shaky heart. "All kinds of prayers."  I must see prayer as the very thing God's most courageous warriors turn to first. With this armor in place, we'll be able to stand as we tap into power beyond ourselves. 2. There is a bigger battle going on. Some battles we face with our kids seem impossible. Satan twists the truth. He hides consequences. He designs schemes with our weaknesses in mind. Therefore, we have to battle Satan. He's the real enemy here. And because we are Jesus girls, we hold the power for victory. 3. You can fight for your family with praise and prayers. Oh, how I want to fight my kids' battles by using what I can see. But that simply isn't enough. So I fight with the only things I have that can reach into the invisible heavenly realm: my praise and prayers. I praise God for who He is and pray for Him to remove Satan's influence in dark situations. By praying and praising, we call on the power of God - we bridge the gap between feeling powerless and experiencing victory. Yes, being a mom is tough, but God understands our struggles. Since He, the perfect Parent, has been leading and loving His children since the beginning of time ... I think He has the best advice around. Father God, thank You so much that You have perfectly equipped me to do battle for my children. Today I lift my prayers and my praises up to You, believing for a mighty victory in their lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS To the mama who is constantly pouring out: We created a day where all you have to do is show up and be filled. Join us for Reset: A Saturday To Tend to Your Soul on August 17, 2024, in Atlanta, GA! As you hear from speakers like Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle and Ashley Morgan Jackson, you will experience undistracted time away from the stress of your daily life so you can hear from God, even if He's felt distant lately. Register now! ENGAGE Find real-life encouragement when you connect with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram. FOR DEEPER STUDY Ephesians 6:14-18, "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers ..." (NIV). Which part of the armor of God do you need to remember to put on today? 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 Three Truths Every Mama Should Know Today – Encouragement for Today – August 1, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.

A Prayer to Keep Jesus as My RefugeBy Chelsey DeMatteis "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" – Psalm 91:1-2 Blessed are those who take refuge in Him, can I get an amen? These last few weeks have been some of the hardest I’ve ever experienced since walking with Jesus. The attacks of the enemy have been like the being at the most pressurizing point of the pressure cooker, and the grief of losing a family member so close has left my heart broken into pieces. Attacks and grief, all while trying to hold it together for my own little family.  By the grace of God, Jesus has been and is my refuge. God has pulled me in close in the moments I’ve wanted to crumble, which has been many times in the last month. He has kept me going with the truth of His Word. With songs that are a balm to my spirit and the prayers of other believers, He has proven Himself faithful in this storm. He has proven Himself steady in this swell. He has proven Himself truthful in the moments the enemy has spoken lies. Even writing these words invites me to take a minute to breathe and exhale over the heaviness of this season. I’m certain many of you can relate, and for that I’m deeply sorry. Even through the waves of grief and the enemy’s attacks, I will keep seeking refuge in the One who created me, and I will choose to not seek refuge in the false “comforts” of this world. I will serve the Lord with fear, and I will rejoice, trembling before the mighty God that I serve. In this recent journey of hardship and heartache, I’m reminded of those we see in the Bible walking through absolute devastation, and they still chose to trust God and be faithful to His calling over their life.  The person who stands out the most to me in this season is Moses. He was given an incredible task from the Lord. However, He endured much hardship, grief, conviction, and, at times, devastation. Yet, he still chose to follow God and serve him because he trusted in what God said to him from the beginning. No matter what it is that I face, I know that I can trust that God will use what I walk through to bring glory to himself and draw others closer to Him. Exodus 3:10-15 “Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt." But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" He said, "But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain." Then Moses said to God, "If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, ‘What is his name?' what shall I say to them?" God said to Moses, "I am who I am." And he said, "Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.'" God also said to Moses, "Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.” No matter what is it that you are walking through or will walk through, hold faithfully to the tasks that God has called you to do for His good and glory. Like Moses, recall and retell what God has stirred up in your heart before. Choose to follow where God leads even if it’s through a season that is leaving you under a weight you cannot shake on your own, you were never meant to overcome the heaviness alone, our Heavenly Father is the One who lifts the burdens. Lean into Him, and watch Him prove Himself faithful as He always does. Rest in the truth we are given in Psalm 91:1-2, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Let's pray: Father, thank you for covering me and carrying me through the darkest of times. You are faithful to settle and steady the storms in your timing, but when it feels tumultuous, you are with me. You are my refuge and my safe place. Help me see the ways you are carrying me; remind me of the ways you were faithful before. In the waves of grief and weakness, protect me from the enemy and his lies. Hold me tightly, Father, as I take refuge within your loving embrace. In Jesus’ name, amen.  Photo credit: ©GettyImages/shuang paul wang Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women’s Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com. 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! Visit iBelieve.com for more inspiring prayer content. The post A Prayer to Keep Jesus My Refuge – Your Daily Prayer – August 1 appeared first on GodUpdates.

August 1, 2024 Three Truths Every Mama Should Know TodayLYSA TERKEURST Lee en español "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." Ephesians 6:10 (NIV) Being a mom is a high honor and precious gift. At the same time, being a mom is tough. One of the hardest parts is helping our kids navigate issues they're facing. Thankfully, God feels our pain and knows our sorrow, and He knows exactly how to encourage us through His Word. Ephesians 6:10-12 tells us: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (NIV). Based on these scriptures, here are three truths every mama should know today: 1. God has not left you to parent your children alone.The Lord is not asking us to find power within ourselves to overcome the issues we face with our kids. We are in a battle of epic proportions, and He calls us to put on His armor. His weapons aren't just silly little suggestions that might or might not work - they are certain. Ephesians 6:14-18 (NIV) describes them: "Belt of truth."  I must park my mind in the truth of God's love for me and my child. "Breastplate of righteousness."  I must let God's goodness guide my reactions. "Gospel of peace."  I must walk in the peace that even when I can't see things changing, God is working on my child's behalf. "Shield of faith."  I must have faith in God's timing and His ways. "Helmet of salvation."  I must trust that God's ultimate desire is for my children to have a close relationship with Him as their Savior. "Sword ... which is the word of God." I must read God's love letter to me and hold Truth like a lifeline between God's security and my shaky heart. "All kinds of prayers."  I must see prayer as the very thing God's most courageous warriors turn to first. With this armor in place, we'll be able to stand as we tap into power beyond ourselves. 2. There is a bigger battle going on. Some battles we face with our kids seem impossible. Satan twists the truth. He hides consequences. He designs schemes with our weaknesses in mind. Therefore, we have to battle Satan. He's the real enemy here. And because we are Jesus girls, we hold the power for victory. 3. You can fight for your family with praise and prayers. Oh, how I want to fight my kids' battles by using what I can see. But that simply isn't enough. So I fight with the only things I have that can reach into the invisible heavenly realm: my praise and prayers. I praise God for who He is and pray for Him to remove Satan's influence in dark situations. By praying and praising, we call on the power of God - we bridge the gap between feeling powerless and experiencing victory. Yes, being a mom is tough, but God understands our struggles. Since He, the perfect Parent, has been leading and loving His children since the beginning of time ... I think He has the best advice around. Father God, thank You so much that You have perfectly equipped me to do battle for my children. Today I lift my prayers and my praises up to You, believing for a mighty victory in their lives. In Jesus' Name, Amen. OUR FAVORITE THINGS To the mama who is constantly pouring out: We created a day where all you have to do is show up and be filled. Join us for Reset: A Saturday To Tend to Your Soul on August 17, 2024, in Atlanta, GA! As you hear from speakers like Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle and Ashley Morgan Jackson, you will experience undistracted time away from the stress of your daily life so you can hear from God, even if He's felt distant lately. Register now! ENGAGE Find real-life encouragement when you connect with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram. FOR DEEPER STUDY Ephesians 6:14-18, "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers ..." (NIV). Which part of the armor of God do you need to remember to put on today? 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 Three Truths Every Mama Should Know Today – Encouragement for Today – August 1, 2024 appeared first on GodUpdates.

"We didn't let anything fly that wasn't perfect" - Michael D'Addario on the Lemon Twigs' latest album, A Dream Is All We Know

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Propping up aggressors never ends well. The post Biden’s Catastrophic Policy Failure Led to Massacre in Golan Heights appeared first on Frontpage Mag.

She’s merciless, cunning, and ambitious - and no one should think otherwise. The post Kamala Harris Could Be Your Worst Nightmare appeared first on Frontpage Mag.