Monday, October 24, 2016

Praying for The Upcoming Election

We are on the downhill slide for a new administration. I am not going to argue politics here. Each candidate is a broken and sinful person just like the rest of us. Each of them have made promises that most likely will not be able to keep. Each is vying for our attention. I have never seen in my life the nastiness that Christian brothers and sisters have shown toward each other over a candidate who will most likely be criticized the moment they step into office(no matter who it is).

I think it is time to stop the ugliness and start praying for our next president. Neither of them is going to bring this country "back" to what we think it once was. Only Christ can do that....not a president. If we say we are followers of Christ, we must recognize that if we put our hope in a human being, we are ALWAYS going to be disappointed because they will never be able to fulfill what only Christ can do. And that is "heal our land."
Here is an excerpt from a friends blog post. He is a pastor in NOLA but from Alabama. He has some good words to say and if you want to read the whole blog post, I would encourage you to go to this page and read. http://joemckeever.com/…/god-giving-christians-unique-oppo…/


Here is the excerpt you can read now and ponder this week. THIS is true for Montgomery, for Alabama and for our nation.
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Let us determine: We will be faithful.
1. We will do everything without grumbling and arguing. (Phil 2:14).
2. We will strive to be blameless and pure. (Philippians 2:15)
3. We will hold firmly the message of life. (Philippians 2:16)

When we do these simple, but increasingly difficult things, we will gradually see several things: the culture around us puzzled as to how to treat us, some Christians attacking us for not being more active in opposing the wrong-doers, and one by one, people in the darkness recognizing that the way of darkness holds nothing but misery and there must be a better way. And one by one, some will turn to us and come to Christ.
Let us be faithful.
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It is THAT simple but so difficult because we, as human beings, are broken, stubborn and rebellious. But IT CAN BE DONE...through submitting to Christ and saying "thy will, not mine."
Will you choose to be faithful in Montgomery, AL today?

Pray for our city, our state, our nation and our world this week.

Monday, October 17, 2016

Sam's Angel Market

We have prayed for poverty in the Greater Montgomery area over the last 8 years.  this week as we pray for those who live in poverty, here is a way you can be actively involved in helping give a hand up and not a hand out! 

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Here is a way for any of our "pray-ers" to be involved in either gathering toys or volunteering.. Our next orientation for this is Tuesday, October 25th at 6p.m. Heritage Baptist Church.

For more information, contact me and I will tell you more! Hope to hear from you!
Lisa Rose
334-271-6794 
                                                                 lrose@mgmbaptists.org


Watch and see how God works! 

Monday, October 10, 2016

Being Intentional Part 2

This past Friday, several women gathered together for a second time and the emphasis on this week was praying for our nation. Here is the prayer guide that we used and you are welcome to use it this week. Praying for our nation affects what happens in Montgomery.

Join us as we pray this week for the United States.
FOUR FRIDAYS 2/ October 7, 2016
Prayer for our Nation and Our World
Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change my heart oh God
May I be like You
Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change my heart oh God
May I be like You
You are the potter
I am the clay
Mold me and make me
This is what I pray
Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change my heart oh God
May I be like You
Our Nation
1. We will praise the Lord that His sovereign goodness is as true today as ever. We will remember that this world ultimately belongs to God, who created all things and Who, in Christ, is restoring all things.
2. We will repent of our sin, and thank God for His promised forgiveness. We will remind ourselves that all have sinned, and that we are welcomed by God through repentance. Nehemiah began his work in the world with repentance. So will we.
3. We will pray for our current government leaders to fight evil and stand up for truth. We will remember that there is no place where God is not at work.
4. We will pray that truth and justice will prevail over “political correctness” and “tolerance,” both in our own lives and in our culture. We will remember that right and wrong do not change according to cultural fashions, nor does legality alter morality.
5. We will pray for the upcoming election season, that God would show us mercy and not give us what we deserve. We will remember that God ultimately orchestrates human history and uses whom He will to accomplish His purposes. (This is not saying either candidate is “what we deserve”—it is talking about the consequences of our sin).
6. We will pray that God unites His people, using them to bring restoration in this broken culture. We’ll remember that those who have been reconciled to God have been put on mission as agents of reconciliation.

Scripture regarding praying for our nation
“Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.” 1 Kings 8:28
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He choose for His inheritance.” Ps. 33:12
“He will be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge…” Is 33:6
It is “God who changes the times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” Dan. 2:21
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Eph. 6:12
"Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying." Rom. 12:12
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Tim. 2:1-2
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7
"Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king." 1 Pet. 2:17
"They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord." Ps. 112:7
Ideas for this prayer guide is from breakpoint.org

IF ANY WOMEN would like to join us for the next 2 Friday nights, message me for details or go to this site and RSVP.
https://www.facebook.com/events/218988521852795/

Monday, October 3, 2016

Mental Illness and the Church

MENTAL ILLNESS.........two devastating words one could hear about themself or a loved one. With those words can come a lifetime of stigma and heartache.

In Montgomery, there are many people who have a mental illness....my family included. Three of the 4 of us are living with it in our household. It is a journey that is full of surprises, insight, struggle and joy. Along with the struggles, my family members have more insight that most of us. They are, most of the time, more sensitive to others pain and more than not, more patient and forgiving of me than I am of them.

I had a conversation with a pastor recently and we both agreed that most people in our churches are willing to minister to people with mental illnesses who have need but are not equipped to do the things that would be helpful for them. And when you are not equipped, it can make things worse, not better. Mental illness crosses the boundaries of economics, age, race, gender and religion. It can devour a persons soul and bring families to a point of despair.

So why am I bringing this up on a "Greater Montgomery" prayer list? Because in Alabama, 1-4 people will be diagnosed this year with a mental illness, and 1-17 with a chronic mental illness. Less than 1/3 of adults and more than 1/2 of children with a diagnosed mental illness will receive treatment for it. As the church, we have been given the opportunity to minister and give a cup of cold water in Jesus name to people who struggle daily with MI.

The church can give HOPE to those who live with mental illness every day. We can surround them with care and compassion. We can learn all about their illness so we can understand them better. We can pray with them and for them. Most people I know, including my family say that praying with them is one of the BEST things someone could do for them. Then, advocating and tangible acts of kindness.

Prayer this week?
1. Pray for Greater Montgomery. Remember 1 in 4 Alabamians have a Mental Illness. Those you know, those you don't know right HERE in our area.
2. Pray for peace of mind for those seeking treatment.
3. Pray for wisdom and education in being Salt and Light for people-some of whom live in darkness of the mind-all the time.
4. Pray for more resources to become available for this illness. Not much is available in Alabama.

And lastly....pray this prayer for those you know and love..
.

Phillipians 4:6-9
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Living a Transformed Life

Assignment this week:
Read this chapter in Romans every day. For all the social issues we have in Montgomery, this chapter sums it up and teaches us how to live and act toward our fellow men and women. Ask the Lord to help this chapter sink into your heart.

When you read this, ask the Lord for wisdom on dealing with everything you see and hear that is going on in the Greater Montgomery area. Here, in this chapter, we have a guide on how to respond.

When we get angry at someone or their situation, we need to respond with a "transformed mind" that only a relationship with Christ can provide. It is hard to not let our fleshly mind take control and be judging, be harsh and cruel and be less than Christ-like. But it is possible....through a relationship with Christ.

And before we say, " I can't do all this all the time" OR "You don't know what I have to face with (fill in the blank)" OR "those people don't deserve (fill in the blank)"......remember....God already knows WE CAN'T DO IT OURSELVES, in our own strength, but through Christ we can do ALL THINGS....including loving the unlovely. (Phil 4:13)

Pray this week for our brothers and sisters in Christ in our area-that we will ALL live as God instructs us to live.

May God's peace reign in your heart this week and every week till you meet Him face to face!
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A Living Sacrifice
12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Humble Service in the Body of Christ
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,
5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith;
7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;
8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord.
20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Being Intentional

This past Friday about 10 of us got together and prayed for our city. 

Here is the guide we used. Let's join together this week and pray intentionally for the Greater Montgomery area.
Friday September 30, 2016
PRAYING FOR GREATER MONTGOMERY
“Also, do good things for the city I sent you to. Pray to the LORD for the city you are living in, because if there is peace in that city, you will have peace also.” Jeremiah 29:7
A. Confession of our own fears, weaknesses, apathy/lack of concern for those outside our circles.

B. PRAYING FOR 5 CRITICAL AREAS IN GREATER MONTGOMERY
1. RACE
2. POVERTY
3. SCHOOLS
4. CRIME
5. CONSUMER RELIGION

C. ASKING GOD HOW WE CAN JOIN HIM IN HIS PLAN FOR MONTGOMERY

Closing Prayer
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You (REPEAT)
To see You high and lifted up
Shinin' in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
You are holy, holy, holy
I want to see you
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
You are holy, holy, holy
I want to see you
(repeat)