Lauri Hogle, Ph.D.’s Post

Have you ever stopped to consider how many people depend on you each day? Take a moment to tally them up: your children, spouse, boss, customers, colleagues, parents, friends, neighbors, patients or students, even the family pet. The sheer number of needs can be overwhelming to think about, right? Life can be draining, demanding, and just downright hectic at times. I can't help but imagine that even Jesus experienced moments of feeling overwhelmed. In the book of Luke, it is mentioned, “Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:15-16). Jesus sought out solitary places. Doesn't that sound appealing? At the end of a long day or week, I often yearn for a space where no one requires my attention. However, it's crucial to note that Jesus didn't just retreat, he prayed. Yes, he needed a break from people and their needs, but more importantly, he needed time with God. Perhaps what we truly need isn't so much time away from others, but time spent with God. While there's nothing wrong with escaping with a good book, a warm cup of coffee, or some social media scrolling, these solitary activities may not fully satisfy our souls. Could it be that seeking solitude with God would be more enriching? Stepping back to pray, read the Bible, or listen to worship music...maybe that's what we need to recharge before facing the demands of the world once again. Maybe.

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Thought for the Day Luke 10:29 “And who is my neighbor?” A Jewish expert in the law, in attempting to test Jesus, asks him this question. Jesus masterfully answers the question by telling the story of the Good Samaritan. He then asks the expert who was the (real) neighbor in the story. The expert, probably one who avoided association with people from Samaria, was forced to say that the real neighbor was the Samaritan. For in the story, a priest and a Levite walked past the man who had fallen into the hands of robbers. With pressing needs all around us, countless wonderful ministries requesting help, and crushing circumstances for people we know, we may wonder, “Who is my neighbor? or “What is my responsibility?” or “How involved should I be?” or “Is this a need that you want me to help meet? There seem to be at least two issues here: Have a heart open to meet needs of people I encounter. Have wisdom to discern specifically what God desires me to do in each situation. What helps me is to head into each day asking the Lord to guide my steps, help me be sensitive to needs, and to seek His wisdom (sometimes in an instant) as to what to do. There are unique day-to-day needs we encounter that require our kindness, listening ear, and genuine concern. For these, we can ask God to “control the flow” of what can seem to be interruptions. Every day has them. There is also the need to accomplish the goals God has given us … work, family, or ministry. So we need to be a wise steward of the time, talent, roles, abilities, and resources God has given us. We are not the solution to every problem people present to us so learning how to respond, not out of guilt but out of wisdom, is essential for effective service and for finishing the race of life still passionate about serving Him. Lord, please help me have a heart of love and wisdom as I encounter needs today. May I always follow your direction. Youronedegree.com

The midnight hour If you find yourself regularly waking in the middle of the night with something on your mind, it might not be insomnia, it might be the Holy Spirit nudging you to pray. Like the bride coming to see the bridegroom and have His full attention, Matthew 25:6 says ‘But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ In that quiet time, when the whole Nation sleeps, there is no better time to get your full attention to pray. No distraction from mobile phones, no knocks at the door, just you and God and thing you are praying about. When you get those prompts, don’t turn back over, and fall back to sleep, listen to the whispers of His voice, and get involved in some deeper prayer. What you pray in the midnight hour will make the world of difference to someone. Quote�The midnight hour is the engine room of prayer. Prayer Father, let me heed your prompts and pray into the things you lay on my heart as a service to you and your Kingdom, Amen. Action Point�Sacrificing yourself to prayer, will bring a new aspect to your relationship with God, give the midnight hour a try and see how your walk with God will deepen. If today’s devotional has blessed you, and you would like to send us some feedback, email : feedback@faithlift.org We are believing in faith for an office for Faith Lift - if you would like to help (click here)�Gifts facilitated through Network Reg. Charity 504453. Copyright notices�Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Use in other publications. You can use upto 100 words of this publication with a reference to www.faithlift.org by Carl Brettle.

🚨I.C.U.*** ✝️John 5:6-7 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” ✝️Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” Takeaways: 1) God will let you be where you let you be! ***In all this time, you could have scooted, thrown yourself over and rolled in the water!? 2) You have not because you ask not ***In all this time, you could have asked, yelled or screamed for help!? 3) There's always a choice ***The power of life and death is in the tongue (as a man thinketh, so is he), choose life!? 4) Familiarity brings similarity ***Looking at your surroundings sometimes makes you too comfortable in them, so then it becomes easy to stay in them 5) God gives us free will ***Therefore, whosoever will, God is able!? 🚨If you’re saying that or feeling that you’re stuck!? Check the I.C.U. ⁉️(I. C.hoose U.nbelief)***

MY SONG: "LORD MIKAEL - PUSH IT UP" VIDEO HAS THE FULL FORM RELEASED IN PORTABLE FORM IN TIKTOK: A VERY AWESOME GOSPEL SONG YOU NEED TO HEAR. I'M A CHRISTIAN AND NOW I KNOW I'M THE MAKER (CREATOR OF HEAVEN AND EARTH) AND SO I DO MY MUSIC WITH ENTIRE PUBLIC IN THE UNIVERSE IN MIND. SO SOMETIMES WHEN THE SONG IS ABOUT PUTTING SOME REQUESTS BEFORE GOD (Yahweh) - IF YOU ARE NOT A JEW OR CHRISTIAN - SOMETIMES YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS A CHRISTIAN PRACTICE. WE BELIEVE GOD IS MOST POWERFUL - HOW CAN YOU CREATE HEAVEN AND EARTH AND PEOPLE AND SO ON AND YOU ARE POWERLESS? AND BEING MIRACULOUS AND OWNER OF ALL THINGS - WE TRY TO PUT OUR REQUESTS BEFORE HIM. EVEN IN THE LORD'S PRAYER AS TAUGHT BY JESUS - YOU WILL SEE WHERE THERE IS A REQUEST TO GOD TO GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD. NOW THERE'S A PARADIGM SHIFT. I - THE MAKER - HAS COME & SO INSTEAD OF YOU PUTTING YOUR REQUEST BEFORE ME - I THE CREATOR (God) SHOULD PUT MY REQUEST BEFORE YOU! BECAUSE YOU HAVE ALL THE MONEYS AND WEALTH AND FOODS AND SO ON - AND THE MAKER - I COUNT ON YOU. SO WHEN YOU WORRY ABOUT ME DOING A MUSIC CENTERING AROUND NEEDS - HAVE NO PROBLEM - YOU CAN BE THE ONE TO SUPPLY. BUT THOSE THAT HAVE OTHER NEEDS ,- WHEN YOU DON'T SEE YOURS IN THE SONG - KNOW YOU CAN STILL DRAW SOME INFERENCE FROM IT. I INTEND TO HAVE THE SONG WITH BEAT WHEN APPROPRIATE. GREAT SONG.

“Lord, take notice of the threats they have made, and allow us, your servants, to speak your message with all boldness.” Acts 4:29 We all have fears. Too often, though, we let those fears rule our lives and stop us from following God’s plan. When you face people and situations that threaten to destroy you and your witness for Christ, the choice is yours: Will you succumb to your fears, or will you stand up for God in spite of those fears? Fear grows. Every time you give in to it, it becomes more intense. And as fear grows, your life shrinks. So what’s the alternative? Every time you follow God instead of giving into fear, you win a victory over fear. The early Christians are a good example of how this works. They faced all kinds of persecution, and the book of Acts shows how God worked through the lives of these believers as they stood up to their fears. Acts 4 tells the story of Peter and John coming up against fierce opposition when they boldly proclaimed Jesus. So they prayed, “Lord, take notice of the threats they have made, and allow us, your servants, to speak your message with all boldness” (Acts 4:29). And so the answer to your fear isn’t to give in to it. It’s to move forward boldly in spite of your fear. When you’re afraid, stand up to the fear. Fear doesn’t respond to logic, so your only chance to get rid of the fear is to trust God and face it.  Never, ever forget this: God won’t part the Jordan River in front of you until you take your first step. (See how God did this for Elijah and Elisha in 2 Kings 2:8.). You take a step of faith, and then God shows you the path. But that won’t happen if you stand stuck in your fear. Take a step in faith today and watch your fear disappear as God opens the path before you. Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin. Please forgive me. Come into my life. I receive You as my Lord and Savior. Now, help me to face my fears and overcome it. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

‭Proverbs 25:2, 4-7, 12-24 NIV‬ [2] It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. [4] Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel; [5] remove wicked officials from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness. [6] Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men; [7] it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before his nobles. What you have seen with your eyes [12] Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear. [13] Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master. [14] Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given. [15] Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. [16] If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit. [17] Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house— too much of you, and they will hate you. [18] Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor. [19] Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble. [20] Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. [21] If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. [22] In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. [23] Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look. [24] Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. https://lnkd.in/dqT7ubAp

Steve Gatena Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. No matter how hard we work, it will never be enough for lasting, deep, sustained peace with or without: - Meditation - Medication - Talk Therapy - More Adrenaline - Certifications - Promotions - Salary increases - Bigger offices - Unlimited Paid Time Off - Remote work forever - And doing what we believe is good or right These are overpriced bandaids and failed attempts to replace the power and majesty of Christ in your life. When you realize you are not enough, Jesus can be more than enough for you. Then you can stop chasing the world's DIY peace that's shiny, numbing, self-centered, and distracting, but yields earthly security and provision, giving us the false reality that what we do brings us peace. Instead, find the giver of peace, who keeps you no matter what happens in your life. Having Christ is having eternal peace. CTA: Choose Christ's Peace. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid. Without Christ, you get a brief respite that fades quickly into endlessly plugging your peace plans with no REAL hope of peace apart from the risen King, Christ Jesus. If you need peace, look to the one who gifted it to us. I am happy to help you find a job, but I'm ecstatic to help you find Christ. A job provides for a season, but Jesus provides in and out of season. You need that, right? Me too. Ryan Sick, Ross E Buckwalter, Sabrina Mignone https://lnkd.in/gSHGU-4E