*~ May 24, 2023 ~*

~During this month, we are praying for our youth.~

Thank you to

Mrs. Sharon Boone-Gale

"Prayer Boxes" Ministry Leader

of Eagan, Minnesota

for offering this week's prayer

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah

(Psalm 46:1-3, KJV).

A message from the heart to our future leaders

The search is on. Our youngest, 15 to 25 years old, and our most precious are searching. What they are searching for, they do not know. Their hearts are telling them there is something out there they truly want but do not know what it is. Our heavenly Father knows - contentment, peace, and sufficiency. A state of being that can only happen with a committed relationship with Him, our Lord and Savior.

There is profound suffering among our young people. They are faced with social issues. There is pressure from the world to conform. Conform to decay, deceit, deception, disrespect, destruction, and hatred. Values are bombarding our young on social platforms. Platforms that are developed and directed by the adversary. In fact, many social groups require new members to commit heinous and criminal acts to be accepted into the group. This standard is becoming more and more common. Many have died trying to achieve this standard. Typical places of refuge have become unsafe for our young:

·     Schools have become a place of violence.

·     The workplace has become violent.

·     The family home is, at times, violent.

Where can refuge be found without our heavenly Father? He knows who we are and He deeply cares about us. When we ask, He puts His protection around us. Now is the time to join hands in prayer:

Most gracious and loving Father, these are only some of the concerns we put before You today on behalf of our beloved youth. Oh God, guide them, protect them, send healing and restoration, confidence, strength, divine intervention, and protection for our precious young souls. Please strengthen their minds to withstand the pressures and temptations of this world. Set them in a spacious place where no evil, sadness, depression, or hopelessness can reach them. Reboot their hearts to accept You. Compel them to find You today, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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What is your expectation of Jesus? (Part 2)

It is still on my heart to talk about expectations. It is through our expectations that we experience so much in this life - disappointments, heartaches, sadness, defeat, loneliness, and other mind altering and emotional states. The mind is a very powerful tool the Lord has given us to live with and the Bible has a lot to say about it. What's on your mind? What thoughts are going through your mind?

Read the Word of God about the mind:

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you (Is. 26:3, NIV).

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:7, NIV).

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Rom. 12:2, NIV).

When our expectations are on whatever God's will is for us, there is peace. No matter what is going on around you, no matter what anyone is saying or doing, no matter, God's peace will abide and our expectations will not be shaken. As a reminder, here is last week's Dear Young people... (and everyone else) Word of exhortation as a reminder of how Jesus can flip and turn people's expectations over and make them beautiful! Read it again to keep God's Word in remembrance.

Father, bless Your Word I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

In His love,

Dr. Baker

With the debt for sin having been paid by Jesus Christ on the Cross, we now have the opportunity to life eternal. Jesus said, ...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14 KJV). Romans 10:9 says, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God had raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (KJV). If you have not asked Jesus to come into your heart, do it today. Simply say, 

Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe in my heart that You died on the cross to save me from the debt of my sin. I confess You now as my Lord and Savior and ask You to come into my heart and change my life, in Your name I pray, amen.

If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of God! We rejoice with you! Let us pray with you as you begin a new life in Christ. Call or text us at 1-331-308-1309, or email us at focused-ministries.org. We'd love to pray with you!

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