Our hearts so are heavy today, friends. Yesterday morning, a group of believers – just like you and I, gathered together at their church in Texas to worship and study God’s word. As they were in the middle their worship service, a gunman entered the sanctuary and took the lives of at least 20 people, and went on to critically injure countless others – many of which were children. A brutal, senseless act of murder.
Our hearts are broken, but we won’t let evil win. Instead, we will hold on to the only hope we have in times like these, Jesus. We will celebrate the lives of these brave, heroic believers. They took their last breaths worshipping Jesus, standing up for what they believe in. What a beautiful legacy.
Persecution is happening all over the world, and it’s hitting closer and closer to home every single day. We have to get on our knees, friends. We have to lift up our brothers and sisters in Christ. We have to put on the full armor of Christ, ready to stand up for what we believe in.
Please join us today in praying for the families, friends and community directly affected by this senseless act of hate. We are all in this together, and when one part of the body is hurt, we all hurt.
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-10
God,
We come to you today with heavy, broken hearts. We ask you to please be with everyone affected by this tragic event. We know that you are good, Father, even when circumstances aren’t. God, we beg you to unite the body of Christ. May we rise up, bolder than ever, ready to proclaim your goodness. Bind up our wounds, God. Use our scars to make us more like you. May we never, ever forget who we belong to – we are yours, Father. You have us in the palm of your hand. Help us to not live in fear, but to step out freely and openly proclaiming your name. We love you, Lord. Amen.
— Team Live Original
It is sad to me when I hear individuals say things like "if there were a God this would never happen". It does remind me that we are in a true FIGHT against EVIL. They see evil actions as a lack of a God but only because they have not found Christ. Our job is to save as many of these people as is possible. It seems like a pretty tall order…just remember we do it one person at a time. It will get much worse before it gets much better. I thank God everyday for people like the ones that appear in these blogs.
Gary
My best friend Belle (age 14) was shot and killed at the church yesterday. I haven’t stopped crying since I heard the news. But I am happy that she won the race to heaven and I can’t wait to see her there.
Leila, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it must be on you. Please stay strong.
My family and I are lifting you and all of our brothers and sisters who have been effected by this. I don’t pretend to understand why God allows hard things like this to happen, but I know that He is always with us and that His heart is breaking over this tragedy too. Continue to lean into God and trust Him. Sending you lots of love and prayers from your sister in Christ from Florida!
My prayers go out to you Leila! Send love and support your way!
Yuup, it’s another stark reminder that this isn’t our home it’s just temporary, that we are just passing through, like strangers in a foreign land (1 Chronicles 29:15). We just have to keep trying to point them to Jesus and get them to love their neighbor. Another thing while I believe nothing happens in God’s world by mistake and that nothing can take place without HIS ultimate approval it is helpful in a situation like this to know that Satan for a time is ruling this world (1 John 5:19). Sure makes ya think about loved one’s and appreciate them a little more today, maybe make that hug a bit extra today or send a text to a loved one. While it is a scary uncertain world we live in and we can never really know when our time is up or something will directly effect us like this, it’s so sweet to have that peace that passes all understanding in JESUS CHRIST (Philippians 4:7) that no matter what happens we know where we’re going in the end.—NJ.
Right now we need to remember that God has a plan. God’s in control. God allowed this to happen and everything works together for the good whether we see it or not. We need to stay strong and proclaim God’s Word! There’s no need to be afraid (2 Timothy 1:7) for Romans 8: 31b tells us "If God is for us, who can be against us?" and finally we must pray for the victims, our brothers and sisters in Christ! Ephesians 6:18 "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."
❤️❤️
Some days can be easy and others can be hard. For me today isn’t a good day. The strongest dog I ever knew passed away today. It’s in these times that I look to God the most. Losing someone you love can be so hard, and even harder to go on without them. I Than God for giving me this strength to continue on. I know he is with me. He has a plan. I just don’t quite know what it is yet. But I trust him. My heart goes out to the people effected by this terrible act. Reply to my comment if you would like me to pray for you ❤️ Stay strong, believe in God, and face the challenges ahead. God will NEVER abandon you.
We are warriors of God.
Spread the news
to whoever will listen.
Thank you God for these amazing people. Help us show your love to the people around us.
Amen
~ Hanna
What happened in Texas is very terrible. My heart is with the people in Texas who lost loved ones. Praying for you all<3
-Reba