Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." We created this blog to encourage networking between different groups of people and provide an online space for Christians that wish to seek Him. We hope that this site will provide deeper insights and emphasize the importance of keeping faith in daily life. Welcome to our blog and please comment on discussions! We would love to hear from you!
“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”Matthew 21:22ESV.
God calls us to speak to Him through prayer, providing a foundation for a closer relationship with our creator. Every Thursday I will post world and national events for you to pray for. By praying for others around us, not only do we acknowledge their need, but also acknowledge our need for Christ to come into our lives.
Continue prayers for victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Yesterday Yoselyn Ortega, a NY nanny was found not guilty of the charges of killing two of the children she took care of. Lucia Krim, 6, and Leo Krim, 2, were found stabbed to death in their home in the care of Ortega. When the children’s mother returned home, she found her children dead and Ortega stabbing herself. Ortega is said to be going through psychological evaluation.
Pray for Lucia and Leo’s parents and family through this hard time. Also, pray that Ortega can become accountable for her actions and seek out forgiveness.
Lindsay Lohan has been arrested yet again. After being involved in a nightclub fight, Lohan was taken into police custody today, likely to face criminal charges.
Pray that Lindsay is able to find guidance and direction in her life. Also, pray that she is able to find a support system that will help her become accountable for her actions.
Yesterday seven Coptic Egyptians were sentenced to death for connections to an anti-Islamic film. The film negatively portrays the Prophet Mohammad.
Pray for the families of those killed and also pray that the Egyptian government can give their people more freedoms.
Sometimes life slowly changes before your eyes, so visible you can see the changes progressing, but life can also hurl you off the edge without warning, leaving you in a state of shock. The latter happened this past week; I received a phone call about the death of my best friend’s father, someone I had known since I was eight.
During the Thanksgiving break I attended the funeral service with a heavy heart. As I sat in the pew, I tried to envision every memory I had of him. He had always been a man of great wit, strong opinions and a trick up his sleeve without fail. More than once he convinced me something absurd was true and factual, when in fact it was anything but. As gullible as I am, I believed him every time while my best friend rolled her eyes next to me. But the strongest memory of his personality was his faith. He was one of the strongest examples of a role model Christian I have seen, always focusing on the Christian aspect of the situation. God gave him musical talents and he used them in church, singing in choir and playing piano. Even while he’s gone, he’s still impacting my life, showing me how I should appreciate life and how I should live for Jesus.
We must search for those who live out Jesus’ name. I should also mention that our example should always be Jesus Christ, not role model Christians because even the ‘best’ Christians make mistakes. But I think if we find people that live their lives for God, pushing their faith deeper and deeper so that it becomes all they are, we can find spiritual support. It also humanizes what we can become through Jesus.
Please read Acts 7:54-60.
What has always stuck out to me about this passage is the last line Stephen says before he dies. He says, “Lord, don’t blame them for what they have done” (CEV). Imagine how much faith this man must have had to be able to pray for his murderers as they were stoning him to death. He lived his life, even his last moments for God.
Reflect on your faith. Who in your life has been a Christian role model? How can you become one?
Everyone needs a refresher, something that pulls so hard on your heart that it changes you, makes you want to readjust your life. For me, I really needed to reflect on my life and how I was living out my faith, including how it might be impacting those around me. What will it take for you to refresh your faith? Please end in a prayer of your own or the one below.
Dear Lord, Sometimes I take Your love for granted and I don’t always reflect on how I’m living. Please bless me with a refreshed faith, that I am able to better serve You. Open my heart to all You have in store for me and what is to come. In Your Name, Amen.
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”- Oprah Winfrey
“Each one of you is a part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to love together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts, And be grateful. Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other, With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to God. Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” Colossians 3:15-17 (CEV)
It’s that time again; a time to stuff yourself, a time to give, a time to receive, a time to reflect on what you’re thankful for. Thanksgiving at my house consists of the typical turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce and my grandma’s pumpkin pie. Once our plates are overflowing with food, we go around the table and say what we’re thankful for, just as many do. I’ve always liked the thankfulness aspect of Thanksgiving, being able to reflect on how blessed I am. However beyond Thanksgiving I’ve come to find that I don’t always thank God as I should.
When large positive changes occur in my life, I thank God, I praise His name. I found out I received a hefty scholarship for my study abroad trip just last week. I recognized that God had provided this financial support for me and ultimately thanked Him for such a blessing. However when the daily stress and running around pull me down, I don’t always thank God. I am blessed in so many aspects of my life, yet I am still seeking how to live my life in a way that reflects how thankful I truly am.
Read watch the following video. Take the time to thank God now.
Sometimes we get so caught up in the schoolwork, jobs, relationships, or personal issues that we forget to think of what we already have. We start to take valuable things in our lives for granted because we’re so used to having them. Consider the quote below.
“I Am Thankful For…
… the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
...the taxes I pay because it means that I am employed.
...the clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.
...my shadow who watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine.
...a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing because it means that I have a home.
...the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking.
...all the complaining I hear about our government because it means we have freedom of speech.
...my huge heating bill because it means that I am warm.
...the lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means I can hear.
...the piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby.
...the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I'm alive.
...weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means I have been productive.” –Unknown Author
Go get a piece of paper (yes, right now) and write down 25 things that you are grateful for. Hang the paper somewhere you will see it daily, such as on your door, where you leave your keys, etc. I want you to continuously look at this note throughout your day and maybe even add onto it in the next couple of weeks. After a month or two, look back at the note and think about if you’re still thankful for the things on your list and how these things have influenced your life.
Please end in a prayer of your own or the one below.
Dear Gracious God, There are so many things in my life that I have failed to thank You for. I often take advantage of all of the blessings in my life and instead focus on all the negatives. Move in me so that I can constantly seek You, that I can constantly reflect on all the goodness You’ve placed in my life. I thank You now for all You have done for me and will do in the future. In Your Name, Amen.
“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”Matthew 21:22ESV.
God calls us to speak to Him through prayer, providing a foundation for a closer relationship with our creator. Every Thursday I will post world and national events for you to pray for. By praying for others around us, not only do we acknowledge their need, but also acknowledge our need for Christ to come into our lives.
Continue prayer for those affected by Hurricane Sandy; many were left homeless or had loved ones perish in the storm.
Maryland resident, Justine Jackson was found dead in a shallow grave near the Great Allegheny Passage trail. It is believed that her boyfriend, Jonathan Beal strangled and buried her. Jackson was missing for two months before her body was recovered. Beal has been found and detained.
Pray for the family and friends of Justine. Pray that they are able to support each other and get through this hard time.
Four were killed and 17 injured when a train hit a truck carrying a West Texas parade Thursday. The parade participants were saluting U.S. troops and although some were able to jump off in time, the accident was still deadly.
Pray for the victims of the accident and their loved ones.
Officials are gathering in South Korea to discuss possible restrictions on tobacco growing. Malawi in southeastern Africa is a top tobacco exporter, which worries tobacco farmers.
Pray for the officials’ wisdom during this decision making. Also, pray for these farmers, that they can rely on God through this worrisome time.
Our UCM Chaplin once told us a story that still amazes me whenever I hear it. In college, she drove to an off-campus church on Sundays. She didn’t have much money to pay for gas and other expenses. One Sunday she looked at her tank, realizing she was almost completely out of gas, and began to worry. Desperate and uncertain, she prayed, asking God to help her get safely home. She started up her car, driving down the street, and her fuel meter began to rise as she drove. She reached where she needed to be.
Think of a time where God has helped you through an unlikely circumstance. Then, read 1 Kings 17:1-6.
Ravens fed Elijah. I can’t even imagine just sitting outside and watching ravens hand deliver (or rather claw deliver) my nourishment. Sometimes we forget what God is capable of, of what power He possesses over our world. The Bible is full of His miracles, but do we still look for them today? When things work out, do we thank God or let it go like it was no big deal?
This weekend I had to work Saferide (a van service that ensures safe transportation for students during the night). I wasn’t too excited about it. In my past experience receiving calls, I had been screamed at more than once and unappreciated for the work I put forth. Unhappy to go through the same mistreatment all over again, I began to stress about working. Before I left, I said a short prayer, asking God to help me get through it and push past the negativity. When I came to Saferide, some of the drivers were missing so the leader informed us that we would have to end early. Also, instead of answering the phones, I recorded students’ information. Although this wasn’t a momentous experience, I knew God had heard me and therefore provided for me.
Think about any doubts you have about schoolwork, relationships, work, etc. Do you believe God will deliver those needs? After considering this question, please end in your own prayer or the one below.
Dear God, You are my fortress when I am weak. I find comfort in knowing that You will always provide for me and Your love is so much stronger than my faults. Lord, I want to thank You for all You have done in my life and will continue to do. I don’t deserve Your love or grace, but I am so thankful that You still do anyways. In Your Name, Amen.
Ed sat in the second row every Sunday, holding onto the chair to stand for prayer. He had a thick gray beard and a face worn by life. Every summer he led Vacation Bible school songs and skits, always smiling as little children began to clap and dance. He loved children and Jesus.
Watching this man from a distance, he seemed like an energetic man, a true man of God. But Ed wasn’t always this way. For many years, he was an alcoholic, getting himself in too deep in the wrong things. It was when he became Christian that he turned his life around and became someone else completely.
Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13.
When Samuel was choosing the next king, he instantly expected God to choose someone strong, experienced and aged. But God kept rejecting all Jesse’s sons until he got to David. David was the youngest and smallest of his brothers. Samuel was probably wondering what the heck God was up to, picking someone like this to be king. My favorite part of this passage is verse 7, which says, “People judge others by what they look like, but I judge people by what is in their hearts.” Isn’t it so relieving to know that God judges us by who we really are, who we are inside, rather than what we appear to be?
The world judges us by the clothes we wear, stuff we own and our past transgressions, but God can see beyond the outside. We can’t hide from God, can’t pretend.
Reflect on how this makes you feel. Does it make you happy that God sees your heart? Or does it make you nervous?
Because God doesn’t view people for worldly ideals, He usually uses the world’s least likely people to do great things. God saw the courage and strength in David’s heart rather than his physical appearance, and then used him for great things. How will God use you?
Please end in a prayer of your own or the one below.
Dear God, Your servant David had such a courageous and passionate heart for following You. I pray that You allow me to follow You with my whole heart. Please open me to all You have in store for me. In Your Name, Amen.
Hebrews 12:2- "We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete..." (CEV)
For as long as I can remember, I have always been a writer. I’ve written stories, journal entries, poems, and even songs, but writing letters has always been my favorite. Talking has never been my thing, but when I write I feel myself pouring myself onto the pages, expressing all my thoughts and emotions. I never expected God to use this gift to benefit someone else.
Sometime in high school, I started attending my church’s youth group. My youth group was pretty exclusive and members unintentionally left others out. When I came to the events, I kept noticing a specific girl. Let’s called her AJ. AJ was quiet, appearing sad and out of place when I saw her. God really put her on my heart and I prayed for her unsure of what to do. Then, I decided to send her a letter.
Now I don’t remember what was in that letter, but it wasn’t for another year that I found out how much it had meant. The youth at my church participated in a weekend event called Teens Encountering Christ (TEC), and during the event, team members give short devotions to the group. During this particular weekend, AJ was giving a devotion. She started talking about TEC and how much it had impacted her life, letting her see God’s love. Then, without warning, AJ said that the only reason she had come to the TEC weekend for the first time was because of a letter. She didn’t call me out, but as soon as starting talking about the letter I knew. I had impacted someone with just a pen and paper, not realizing as I wrote that I’d alter someone’s decisions.
We never know how we’re going to impact someone and what will change someone’s life. If we allow God to guide our actions, we can spread His love.
Please watch the following music video.
If we view the world through Jesus’ eyes, what would we see? Would we notice those who are hurt, who are crying out? Would we notice places that God could use us? This week, I challenge you to look at the people who pass you, those who stand next to you in line, and those who sit next to you in class. Say a prayer for them and ask God to bless them. Ask God to use you this week and to open your eyes to the world. Please end in a prayer of your own or the one below. God bless.
Dear God, Please break my heart with what breaks Your heart. Let me see what You see when You look at those around me. Lord, move in me so that I can help spread Your love and grace. Challenge me to go outside of my comfort zone and truly help those around me. In Your Name, Amen.
If you have a story about how God has moved through you this week, please comment below and tell us about it!
That person who’s there for you no matter what. Did someone come to your mind? Sure, friendships come and go, but we all have a least one person that never left. As Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.”
Read 1 Samuel 18:1-5.
After David killed Goliath, Saul (Jonathan’s father) became very jealous and angry. Saul sent Jonathan and his officers to kill David. However Jonathan loved David and warned him of his father’s plans. When Saul came after David, Jonathan helped David escape and hid him. Jonathan risked not only his life, but also his father’s respect when he stood up for David. Jonathan proved to be a loyal friend, loving David as himself.
Take the time to reflect on who your loyal friends are and thank God for their presence in your life.
Not only has God blessed us with friends on earth, but He also calls us His friend. John 15:15 says, “Servants don’t know what their master is doing, and so I don’t speak to you as my servants. I speak to you as my friends, and I have told you everything that my Father has told me.” When we have friends, how do we maintain the relationship? Do we talk to them? Spend time with them? Get to know them better? God desires this intimacy and conversation in our relationship with Him.
However our relationship with God is much greater than friendship. As Romans 5:10 says, “Even when we were God’s enemies, he made peace with us, because his Son died for us. Yet something even greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by his Son’s life.” In our friendships, we make sacrifices because we want to please the other person. We care about their well-being and therefore sacrifices aren’t a burden, but a joyful act. Jesus’ death on the cross reflects how deeply our Creator is in love with us.
Reflect on your relationship with Christ. Is it a friendship? Then, please end in the prayer below or a prayer of your own.
Dear Father, Thank You for always being there for me in my time of need and thank You for being my friend. Lord, I pray that You open my heart to this friendship between us. Allow me to speak to You as I would a best friend and allow me to carry You wherever I go. In Your Name, Amen.
“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”Matthew 21:22ESV.
God calls us to speak to Him through prayer, providing a foundation for a closer relationship with our creator. Every Thursday I will post world and national events for you to pray for. By praying for others around us, not only do we acknowledge their need, but also acknowledge our need for Christ to come into our lives.
Continue pray for the presidential election in November.
Pray for all those affected by Hurricane Sandy; pray for families that have lost homes, loved ones, crops, livelihoods and their businesses. Pray that they are able to get the support and care that they need to continue forward.
During a Halloween celebration in Colombia, an explosion went off and two were killed and three children were injuried.
Pray for the victims’ friends and family, and for a speedy recovery for the children.
On Wednesday, a Lahore school was burned by a mob that claimed a teacher insulted the Prophet Muhammad. The school was a school for girls and was considered a good educational facility in Lahore.
Pray for the safety of the teacher and principal. Also, pray for all the girls that are now denied their education because their school building has been burned.
Amnesty International reported that Nigerian security forces and militant Islamist group have tortured and killed many in the Muslim north. On Sunday, a Christian church was bombed, killing eight.
Pray for the people of Nigeria and pray for their government, that the right people will led these people. Also, pray that the people can come together despite their religious differences.
