Is It All Just Too Much?

• So, here we are in the middle of summer and so much is going on in our city.

  
  CRIME is up...the officials are scattering around to figure out what to do......our SCHOOLS have MAJOR issues.......POVERTY is on the rise(according to Alabama Possible, 2013 stats show Montgomery has gone from 17% living under the poverty level in 2006 to 23% in 2010(US Census). Overall, our state's levels are on the rise and we are the 6th poorest state in the nation. Here is the ethnic breakdown of poverty in AL. 31/2 % Latino, 30.6% African American and 12.4% Caucasian. It is almost 10% higher than the national breakdown. There continues to be RACIAL disharmony around the Montgomery area. People continue to be caught up in CONSUMERISTIC thinking/living making them happy---most people feel a sense of entitlement (of all economic levels). Sounds like too much to handle, doesn't it?
  
  What did Jesus say: “For in this world there will be trouble, but take heart, for I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
  
  FIRST, even though we see all around us the troubles of this world, we have hope that Jesus HAS overcome the world. He has overcome ALL the problems of this world.
  
  SECOND, that does not mean we sit back and let it all happen. We are to be out...in the neighborhood" telling people and showing people the LOVE of Christ...investing in their lives. Acts 20:35 ESV says: "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
  
  THIRD, continue to pray without ceasing for our city, our county---for the people in it and opportunities to share the GOOD NEWS of hope and peace through Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV:"First of all, then, I URGE that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for ALL people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth".
  

  PRAY WITHOUT CEASING for our city!