General

Be Strong & Courageous!

Hello Everyone. My name is Celia Palamalayil. This quarantine has affected so many of us whether it be mentally, physically, or spiritually. If you feel like you have lost your connection to the Lord or just want a few things to think about, please keep reading:)

As many of you may have seen or heard, believers across the globe have tied the bible verse Joshua 1:9 to the COVID-19 virus. Check out the picture below!

The verse itself states, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9. There may be times where we feel alone, scared, and confused. Believe me, lots of people feel this way especially now. One thing I remember hearing from my older brother Albin is that “God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers.” It took me a while to really understand the power of that quote, but it stuck the second I heard it. Sometimes we are in such difficult situations thinking there is no way out. That’s when the power of prayer is revealed to us. Any worries in your mind or pain in your heart, tell God about it. He listens to you and will take those worries and pains away from you.

God is with you every step of the way. At times we look back and may only see one set of footprints and begin to doubt our Lord. That one set of footprints belongs to the Lord. In times of hardship, God has carried you and will continue to carry you. Any time, any place, speak to God and he will hear you. During this global pandemic, God is with each and every one of us. Every minute of every day, He is with us. All of us.

Who can admit not being able to attend church, having to live stream the service, and watching sermons from the other side of a screen just doesn’t feel right? I sure can. Going to a physical church, listening to the hymns, responding to the priest, all are such unique experiences. I’ve been feeling so unmotivated to watch a live stream and sometimes even to just pray throughout the day. What I’ve realized is that everyone has a different way of keeping themselves spiritually hydrated.

You might find yourself closer to the Lord through meditation and prayer, maybe through reading scripture. You may feel closer to God when you are listening to worship music or maybe you connect with him in a different way. Whatever helps guide YOU to God, do it. Now more than ever we have so much time on our hands. We always have plenty to pray for (family, friends, neighbors, school, etc.) Take this time, right now. Do not forget while praying, to thank God for all he has provided you with. A roof over your head, food on the table, a loving family by your side, and much more. 

Just a quick list of praise and worship songs to get you through your day:

• Lord, I need you– Matt Maher
• By Your Side– Tenth Avenue North
• Your Love– Brandon Heath
• Sparrows– Jason Gray
• City On Our Knees– TobyMac
• Christ In Me– Jeremy Camp
• Every Little Thing– Hillsong Young & Free
• We Won’t Be Shaken– Building 429
• Somebody Tell Them– City Harbor
• Healing Begins– Tenth Avenue North

Something to keep in mind…

“I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”- Romans 8:18

*In other words, “The pain that you’ve been feeling can’t compare to the joy that’s coming!”*

I truly hope everyone reading this is staying safe and healthy. Take the time to pray, reach out to friends and family, and love God:) 

   With love and blessings, 

            Celia <3

Hi, my name is Haleigh and I was involved in Student Standing Strong for two years at Harris County Carver Middle School.

Over the past two years in S3 my life has completely changed. Before being involved in S3 I wasn’t really serious about reading my bible or praying. I knew about the Lord and the simple things but never really got involved in learning more. Being in S3 taught me how important the Lord is and how he can change your life. My first year in S3 I was just a student in the club, but after realizing how amazing and how awesome our God is, I decided to be a leader and spread the word to many other students about the Lord! I really encourage you to be involved in S3, it will impact your life in many ways!

      Just remember: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good and his love endures forever! – Psalm 106:7

Love,

Haleigh

God will walk with you when everyone else walks away.

When God called me to start a Christian club, I was happy to obey. Yet, throughout my journey, my most common complaint was “God, why must I walk this path alone?” Don’t get me wrong, I had my parents, but they couldn’t go to school with me. They couldn’t follow me into the principal’s office. And the people who could; my classmates and friends, well…they didn’t. I only had one friend who actively helped me before my story hit the news. There was only one friend who saw my triumph, along with the tears and trials that came before it. This friend is not a high schooler. He is a Jewish carpenter who lived over 2,000 years ago!

I felt incredibly alone, and I knew I was not capable of fulfilling my calling by myself. I found it easy to relate to the prophet Jeremiah. “‘Oh Sovereign Lord’ I said, ‘I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!’ The Lord replied, ‘Don’t say, “I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!’” (Jeremiah 1:6-8) 

God created us to need companionship. When you are doing what God wants you to do, at some point you are going to struggle. The enemy wants you to quit and one of his methods of doing this is by making you think you are alone. When you stand for the Lord, you may be surprised to find that you stick out like a sore thumb. I am not saying your friends will abandon you; they just might not be interested in “your Jesus thing.” But Jesus is always interested in what you are doing, especially if it’s for the Kingdom.  He is a perfect friend who will never leave you. He can keep you strong in any struggle and will equip you for any calling.

Challenge: I challenge you to walk with Jesus, even when that means walking alone.

Jesus promised to always be with us. When you feel alone because you chose to pursue God’s calling on your life, talk to Him. He will listen and understand even if no one else does. His grace will be sufficient for you.

-Daniela, New York Student, Standing Strong

My Journey in Students Standing Strong

Hi, my name is Ava and I have been involved with S3 for 1 year at Cross Timbers middle school.

Over this past year, S3 has increased my Bible knowledge and has helped strengthen my relationship with the Lord by getting into the Word. I tell you this because before I was involved with Students Standing Strong I was really asking questions and wondering if Christ was truly real or not. Once I got into S3 it helped answer those questions and seek my faith on a deeper level. I, as a twelve-year-old, have realized that once you seek your faith it is something that I can call my own. Attending S3 on campus at my school has allowed me to connect with other students who are on the same Christian journey as I am.

I would highly encourage other students to attend S3 because it has impacted my walk with the Lord and it allows so much hope in a hopeless generation.

Many blessings,

                      Ava