Praying for Peace in Montgomery

What is my responsibility as a Christian toward overcoming violence? Do I yell "Stop it; violence is wrong" or do I say "Well, it's always been this way"—and try to ignore it and stay out of harm's way?

What does the Bible say on the subject of violence? And what should be our Christian response?

Romans12:21 says:

"Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good".The Message

Praying for Peace In Montgomery

1. Pray for ourselves...that we will be peacemakers instead of trouble makers.

2. Pray for others...that we will be beacons of peace in our jobs, our families and our neighborhood.

3. Pray for those who have committed crimes and are incarcerated. Pray for those who ministering there that they will make a difference.

4. Pray for our children.....that if they are in abusive situations...that God will make a way out for them...so they won't repeat the violence as an adult.

5. In our upcoming elections, pray for those who could be voted into offices that can make a difference. That they will see the root of violence and not just band aid the symptoms.

Whose Wealth Is It?

"We are stewards of God's wealth, not owners."

Jeff Guernsey, M.S.

Every good gift comes from God. What we acquire as Christians is not ours but a gift from God. Psalm 24:1 says; "God owns it all". Anything we have is given to us to use for HIS glory.

How are you using your "wealth" or "gifts" to serve the Lord in Montgomery today? 17% of folks living in Montgomery live under the poverty level. Most of that 17% work at a job.

Pray for:

1. Pray that all of us, as believers in Christ, will see our possessions as tools to share God's love with others.

2. Pray that God will help us soften our hearts to share what we have with others who don't.

3. Pray for opportunities this week to share your wealth with those in need in Montgomery.

Praying for the Poor

This past week I had the privilege to help teach a group of churches in Lowndes County from different denominations about generational poverty along with Donna McCullough from Forest Park Ministry Center and Jean White from the North American Mission Board. We talked a lot about how people in long term poverty have a different set of "hidden social rules" than those of us who grew up with the middle class mindset. As Christians, it is important that we know that in order to help people make life changes to have "life to the fullest or abundant life" as John 10:10 talks about.

I got to wondering as I prepared for this conference, how often we take time in Montgomery and surrounding areas to "really" understand where a person is coming from when they come to our church doors and ask for help? Everyone who is hurting comes with a story....everyone comes with a background of learning how to cope with life. Wondering what would happen if we took the time to get to know those who are in a bondage of poverty and find out where they are coming from?

Just wondering..........

1. Pray for those in poverty in Montgomery... 17% of our population live under $21,000.

2. Pray for those in poverty in Lowndes County which is 31% of the population there.

3.Pray for release from the bondage of generational poverty. It is very difficult way of life to get out of.

4.Ask God today how you can help someone get out of generational poverty and help them have "an abundant life in Christ".

Proverbs 21:13 says: " If you neglect the cries of the poor, your own cries for help with not be heard."

This week...lets join together and remember one of Montgomery's finest, Lt. David Brown who is still facing a very serious and challenging road ahead. Pray for his family and the Montgomery Police Department. You can find the prayer group on Facebook if you would like to join his family and friends in praying for him on a daily basis.

Let is join together and pray this scripture so that he will be determined and confident as he goes through this journey of healing.

Joshua 1:9 "I will be strong and courageous. I will not be terrified, or discouraged; for the Lord my God is with me wherever I go."