By Warner Smith on March 15, 2010
On any given night in Georgia, there are over 23,000 children and adults who are homeless. Almost half of the homeless are under-employed like Homer who has a high school education and was once employed in a nearby factory. His company terminated his employment when he was diagnosed with high blood pressure. Then he lost his apartment when he could not pay the rent. Now he sleeps in the woods. Homer has lost all hope.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:34–40
It continues to amaze me at how many in American have more sympathy for their own pets, but refuse to take in individuals like Homer, or to become a foster parent.
Pray for the homeless of Bartow. Ask God to show you how to help them to have a home and hope. Check with the homeless shelter on ways to help. http://www.goodneighborshelter.org/history.html.
Before they can hear about our Savior they need us to show them His compassion.
Posted in Pray Now Bartow | Tagged Evangelism, Ministry, Missions, Money, Prayer, service
By Warner Smith on March 14, 2010
Kathy and her two children Elizabeth and Mason just learned that her husband Troy was killed in an automobile accident. Their grief is almost more than they can bear. They had been looking for a church home, but had not yet found one. Kathy is not even sure if her husband Troy was a Christian. He was a good man, a good husband and father, but they never talked much about religion. Kathy is dealing with questions like, “How could God be so cruel to allow this to happen?”; “What kind of God lets bad things happen to good people?”; and “How can she possibly explain this to her children?”
Each year, approximately 150 people die in Bartow county. Approximately 7 are infants, and 27 are deaths related to automobile accidents.
2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:2–12
Pray for the peace of God and the comfort of the Holy Spirit to rest upon Kathy, Elizabeth and Mason and all of those who are experiencing the loss of a loved one. Ask God to use you to reach out to those who are grieving. Make certain that your church is organized to minister and witness to those who suffer the loss of loved ones.
Pray that God will use their grief to draw each one who is grieving closer to Himself. If you are one who is grieving allow Jesus and His church to bring comfort to you.
Posted in Pray Now Bartow | Tagged Evangelism, Grief, Marriage and Family, Ministry, Prayer
By Warner Smith on March 13, 2010
The demographic segmentation “City Dimensions” represents people like 29 year old Melissa. Melissa rents her apartment. Melissa does not know many people her own age. She likes roller skating and skate boarding, playing soccer and video games, going to the movies, and watching DVD’s with friends.
Melissa believes in God and angels but does not really believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. She welcomes dialogue about religion because she considers herself to be very spiritual. She insists, however, that all such conversations tolerate all religious ideas equally, since in her mind no one can be certain about religious truth.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
We need to ask God the Holy Spirit to convict Melissa and all those whom she represents of God’s righteousness and her own sinfulness. We need to ask God to give us each the boldness to challenge Melissa’s false presuppositions concerning the truth claims of false religions. If we will live consistent Christian lives in front of Melissa and lovingly challenge her misinterpretations concerning Jesus’ own claims about Himself we will have the opportunity to share with her our faith in Christ.
7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: John 16:7–8
Pray that Melissa will meet Christian friends who will share with her the truth about Jesus.
Posted in Pray Now Bartow | Tagged Evangelism, Prayer
By Warner Smith on March 12, 2010
Reggie, a 32 year-old construction worker, is a single father. He lost his wife to cancer soon after their daughter, Sierra, was born. He feels fortunate that he owns a home. More than half of those in Reggie’s income bracket live in mobile homes. When Reggie is not working, caring for his beautiful daughter, or attending the community college at night, he enjoys fishing or going to Six Flags with Sierra. He, like others in his demographic group, frequently shops at discount and convenient stores.
9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. 11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:9–11
Pray that your church will reach out to single parents like Reggie. Ask God to help single parents realize the importance of having a church family to support them in raising their children to live for God. Pray that God will fill the void of a spouse in the lives of singles who have lost their mates. If you know a single parent offer your support and lend a hand to them. Your acts of kindness could become a bridge over which they may come to know Christ.
Posted in Pray Now Bartow | Tagged Evangelism, Prayer
By Warner Smith on March 11, 2010
Mac and Janice live in an affluent neighborhood. About half of those who comprise the “In Style” group choose to live in upscale townhouses. Mac and Janice are professionals with an income that exceeds $72,000 annually. They each are computer savvy, and use the internet daily for research, to track investments, and to shop. They enjoy going to the beach, playing golf, gambling in casinos, and traveling. Those who comprise the “In Style” group represent about 4 percent of Bartow county’s population.
Because of the financial downturn, Mac and Janice are concerned about the security of their jobs, investments, and retirement. We need to show Mac and Janice and all of their contemporaries that security cannot be found through finances, or education. True security can only be found through Jesus.
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:25–33 (ESV)
Each of us who know the truth need to purposefully befriend others so that we can influence them to find their security through Christ. We need to ask friends like Mac and Janice to our homes for dinner so we can engage them in spiritual discussions. Ask God to help you develop relationships with people like Mac and Janice.
Pray that God will reveal to them the importance of investing their lives in Christ and trusting Him for their personal security.
Posted in Pray Now Bartow | Tagged Evangelism, Prayer
By Warner Smith on March 10, 2010
Tim Emerson’s family represents a typical “Salt of the Earth” lifestyle group. Tim drives his pick-up truck to work, and uses his Harley for pleasure. Susan uses her SUV for grocery shopping and transporting their kids and friends to various activities. The Emerson’s are reliable and hard-working people. They have two pets, a dog and a cat. They own their home. On the weekend, they spend their time fishing, hunting, shooting targets, attending country music festivals or auto races.
Families like theirs makes up about 4 1/2 percent of Bartow county’s population with a median age of 41.4 years, and an income of $51,000. Unfortunately, they don’t have time for Christ or His church! When asked, they promise to consider Christ someday.
4 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, “Let God be exalted!” 5 Yet I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay. Psalm 70:4–5
Pray that the Emerson’s and all those families like them will discover the importance of establishing and maintaining a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray that God’s Holy Spirit will cause them to seek after God. The Emerson’s do not realize it, but they are poor and needy when it comes to knowing God. Pray that they will come to understand their spiritual poverty.
If you know anyone like the Emerson family ask God in prayer to give you the opportunity to share Christ with them this week! Be open and available to God and you will be surprised at how quickly He will use you.
Posted in Pray Now Bartow | Tagged Evangelism, Prayer
By Warner Smith on March 9, 2010
Mark and Paula, are 41 years old. They moved into their new home a couple of years ago. They have decided to add on to their home. Mark and Paula represent about 5 percent of the residents in Bartow county. They spend much of their time remodeling their home and caring for their lawn and garden. They also enjoy spending time on the lake, water skiing and boating.
Several of their neighbors have invited them to church, especially when they first moved into their new home, but Mark put off the invitations promising that they would visit after they got settled. As of this writing they never have found time to attend church. Now, with the expansion project, Mark and Paula spend all weekend working on their home. There is no time left for them to go to church.
How many people like Mark and Paula do you know? They are good neighbors, pleasant to speak to, but simply do not see any value in church. Have you ever wondered why they value church so little? Could it be because they are lost! Perhaps they had a bad experience in church. Maybe they have never known a Christian who was an authentic follower of Christ.
Many people like Mark and Paula would be open to attending an in home Bible study. Why not ask God to give you the vision to find 2 or 3 other couples who live in your neighborhood and begin an in home Bible study in your home. Ask God to use this group to reach these couples for Christ.
“…And to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:23b
Ask God to help all those like Mark and Paula who do not currently understand the value of a personal relationship with Christ to make time for an encounter from God, and let Him know that you are willing to become an instrument in His hands for this purpose as God’s Spirit leads.
Posted in Pray Now Bartow | Tagged Evangelism, Prayer
By Warner Smith on March 8, 2010
The Andrews family represent another of the demographic groups which reside in Bartow county. “Young Aspiring Families,” are married couples and single parents with children. They comprise 7 percent of Bartow’s population. The median age of those occupying this group is 30.5 years old. Half of them own their own home, and the other half live in apartments or condominiums. “Young Aspiring Families” spend most of their discretionary income on clothes, toys, and activities for their children. These families enjoy eating out, going to movies and football games. They also like dancing, fishing, weight lifting, and playing basketball. They are also technologically savvy. They spend time surfing the internet, they chat in chat rooms, utilize text messaging, and tweet on twitter.
Unfortunately many of those in “Young Aspiring Families” are not followers of Jesus. By and large this group prefers their own activity and pleasure to following the way of the Master. How do we reach them for Christ? We need to show them that the ancient wisdom of the Scriptures contain extremely important principles of which they are ignorant. Furthermore, we must convince them that should they learn and apply these Biblical principles their lives will be enriched and improved. One example of this wisdom is found in the Proverbs of Solomon.
1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. 2 Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all. 3 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. 4 Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life. 5 In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them. 6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. 7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. Proverbs 22:1–7
Let’s show them that being called by the name of the Heavenly Father is more valuable than the money they spend so much time and effort earning. Let’s show them that they are leading their families into serious peril because of their neglect of God’s salvation.
Pray that God will use you and other Christians to text, twitter, or email the “Young Aspiring Families” an invitation to have a spiritual conversation in which you explain to them how they can find salvation in Christ. Then share with them God’s promise to all who raise their children in the way of the Lord.
Posted in Pray Now Bartow | Tagged Evangelism, Prayer
By Warner Smith on March 7, 2010
Another demographic group to which a sizable number of Bartow county residents belong is “Home Town Folks.” Those belonging to this group represent about 8% of our population. The median age of the “Home Town Folks” is about 34. A majority of this demographic group own their own home that is valued about $66,885.
“Home Town Folks” work in manufacturing, retail, and service industries. They like to fish, play baseball, bingo, and video games. They shop at Belk’s and Wal-Mart and home party sales for products like Avon. Spiritually speaking the members of this group see the church as a building where one goes to attend an event. While they know who God is, they do not have a personal relationship with Christ.
Pray that all of these “Home Town Folks” will come to understand who Jesus Christ is.
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’ ” 16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. John 1:12–18 (NASB)
In Greek, the word translated “right,”is ἐξουσία exousia. It means the right or freedom of choice, authority, and ability or power. It means all three of those things. You and I have the God given right or freedom to choose to receive Him. We have His authority to choose to receive Him for ourselves, and He has given us the ability to make the choice to receive Him. God has given us the right, the authority, and the power to become children of God. He gives this right, authority and power to everyone who will believe in His name.
Pray that Jesus will help all those who are not yet saved to receive Him. Pray that they will believe what Jesus has revealed to us about God.
Posted in Pray Now Bartow | Tagged Evangelism, Prayer
By Warner Smith on March 6, 2010
In Bartow county 1 in 10 residents belong to the demographic grouping called “Southern Satellites.” These are individuals like Fred and Sue. These couples are employed in the manufacturing and service industries with an average income of $39,758. Their median age is 37.7.
They live in single family homes that cost about $91,000 or in mobile homes. They like the country life, listen to gospel and country music, and attend country music concerts. They like to fish and hunt. They go to auto races. They enjoy raising their own vegetables and other forms of gardening.
I don’t know about you, but this description sounds like many people I know. Unfortunately many in the “Southern Satellites” group have no relationship with Jesus Christ nor His bride, the church.
25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. 27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:25–30
Jesus has clearly taught us that those who are lost are blind to their true spiritual condition. We need to pray and ask Christ to reveal Himself to all who are lost and to show those of us who are saved our true spiritual condition. Are you saved? Are you truly obedient to Christ?
Next, Jesus teaches us that one cannot know Him unless the Father reveals Him to them. We need to ask God to reveal Himself to all those who are lost. We need to pray for everyone we know who is lost by name.
Additionally, Jesus tells us that we can find rest and comfort in Him. This is good news to all of those who work hard. Jesus also tells us that we may learn from him and that as we do so we will find Him to be gentle and humble. Do we really believe this? If we did would we not seek to learn from Him more!
In Christ alone will our souls find the rest for which we all so desperately seek! If you have found this rest then pray for others whom you know to find this rest also! Then take the next step, and share with them your story of how Jesus has helped, and continues to help you!
Posted in Pray Now Bartow | Tagged Evangelism, Prayer
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