I’m joining Kate Motaung for Five Minute Friday. One word prompt. Five minutes. No editing. Lots of women. All of us writing on that same word.
Today the word prompt is … Gather.
“Gather” seems to bring several thoughts to mind – – we bring things together into one group or place; to pick up piece by piece; to focus your attention on a point.
Amazingly, God’s people are gathering online and forging relationships with God’s Word and prayer as their foundation.
Women from all walks of life, varied ages, different stages of life gather online, in small groups, to share their day to day burdens and pray for one another. Having never seen each other face to face, bonds are being formed which are strengthened by God alone.
I can waken in the morning and find a message, a prayer, or a verse shot off, unbeknownst to me, which will be exactly the Word I need to get through my day. We waken in the dark and still of the morning to gather and encourage one another as we study Scripture.
Someone might say, “These are not real relationships.” Let me correct you. They are real. They are strong bonds. They are caring.
We gather together in one place, online, focusing our attention on one need, praying and picking up the pieces of situations and bringing them before God’s throne.
And the blend of voices, raised to our God in concert, have power – His power.
“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:19-20, NLT)
Today I am joining … Five Minute Friday and Everyday Jesus and Faith Filled Friday and Dance With Jesus and Fellowship Friday .
Hi Joanne, I agree with you that these online gatherings are forging strong friendships! And think of all the work being done for the Lord! Praise Him! Let’s continue to gather in His name and bring Him glory! #dancewithJesus
Ellen, it really is amazing all that continues to take here online. I’m with you – may it always continue to bring Him glory!
Joanne, I’m your neighbor at FMF today. This “gathering” on the Internet is the real deal. Strong friendships and connections – ones that will go into eternity with us. I love this gathering!
It is amazing to think that we are only just beginning! Imagine when we all see not only each other face to face but the face of the One who brought us all together! So glad you were my neighbor 🙂
Oh, but they ARE real relationships, aren’t they!? I feel so connected to my online friends…and have never met any of them!!
Thanks for sharing with FMF today!!
Barbara, I so agree that they are real relationships. And getting more real with each passing day!
It is so the real thing! Beautifully expressed, Joanne. Blessings to you.
Thank you, Beth. So happy for you & your family. May God continue to bless you all!
They are strong bonds, aren’t they?! Real, true and honest. Such a joy to have found our sweet community!
Tiffany, like you, I have found them to be strong & true. I am grateful to have found community online as well. Blessings today!
Amen, sister! I don’t think the devil had this in mind–that we could gather and form community and pray more often because we knew immediately who needed prayer! (ok, not that I’m saying that the devil invented the Internet–but with so much evil floating around, it’s good to see it used for God!)
Anita, I so agree! The enemy had no idea how God would use the internet so mightily. May we all be mindful to protect that which our God is building.
Yes, girl, yes! I have made some incredible friends in the online world– and many of them are even becoming IRL (in real life) friends too. Grateful, so grateful, for our gathering places. And so thankful you gather with us at #EverydayJesus!
Sharita, it is all so amazing. I so look forward to joining you all each week. May God continue to use you & grow the community you are building. Blessings!
We do gather and it’s a beautiful thing! A sweet smelling aroma to the Lord.
Michelle, I love the aroma of community! May we always protect that which God is building. Blessings to you & yours!
Dude…not just ladies. Last time I checked, I was still a bloke.
This community is real, and it’s very important to me, because it’s the only real community I have (except for dogs).
Too ill to go out now, and too many dogs (we have a sanctuary for abused Pits) to invite people over for a cuppa, so this is where I can explore the deep thoughts, like life and death and is Hershey’s REALLY chocolate?. The only place.
🙂 I stand corrected. May you continue to find encouragement online & in community each day!
exactly the Word I need to get through my day. Yes ma’am. Every day, Joanne. Thank you for joining the dance this week. Hope to “see you” Friday!
Susan, it is wonderful to join you each week. May God continue to grow the community. providing encouragement & friendship to those who visit there. Have a great week!