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
By Warner Smith on March 5, 2010
Meet the Eubanks. They have just turned 30. Their son Josh is two years old. Bill and Ann grew up in Bartow County, went to church when they were young, but never saw the relevance of church and did not accept Christ. Family fun and home priorities now consume their time.
Now these young parents are questioning whether or not they should expose Josh to the teachings of Jesus, and if so where they should attend church?
Pray that someone will invite this family to church. Pray for all the young families like them who are seeking to raise their children in the ways of God so that they will come to know Him personally. These young families represent 15% of the population of Bartow county.
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:25–33
We need to pray and ask God to help each of us to focus our time and lifestyles upon His will, and His kingdom.
We need to confess that we do worry about what we will eat! We need to confess that we do worry about what clothes we will wear! Ultimately we do not trust God to provide. We need to confess that we do trust!
Father forgives us because we do not believe. Help our unbelief. Father forgive us, we seek what pagans seek more than we seek your kingdom and your righteousness.
Posted in Pray Now Bartow | Tagged Evangelism, Prayer
By Warner Smith on March 4, 2010
Over one third of the population of Bartow County are about thirty-seven years old. They are politically conservative married-couples. Half of whom have children and half do not. The median household income of this group is $50,462. They take pride in their homes, lawns, and cars.
The problem is that for most God is not a priority in their lives.
We need to pray that God will become a priority in their lives. We also need to repent that we have not cared enough to share Christ with them before now. We need to take this opportunity to pray for them, share Christ with them, and obey Christ in our own lives before them. Why? Because Jesus said:
44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. 46 No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. 47 I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. John 6:44–47
Let’s pray that god will draw unto himself all those in our county who do not presently make Him their priority.
Ask God to give those who are lost in Bartow county the ability to listen to the Father so that they may come to Christ.
Further ask God to give the gift of faith to all those who are lost so that they can believe in Jesus and receive life everlasting.
Posted in Pray Now Bartow | Tagged Evangelism, Prayer
By Warner Smith on March 3, 2010
With numerical growth in our community we will each encounter growing pains, such as traffic congestion, increased pressure on our social services, water and sewage problems, overcrowded schools, etc. As we add a projected 112,137 people to our county we may have times that we view growth an newcomers as an enemy, but we must not. Instead we must see this growth as a mission opportunity.
Ask God to teach us to pray for those people you pass by each day. Ask Him to calm the tensions of the drivers and to reveal Himself to them. Let’s learn to praise God for sending these people to us and ask Him help us be worthy of the task before us of loving each and everyone of the residents within our community to Jesus.
1 Praise the Lord.Praise the Lord, O my soul. 2 I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. 3 Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. 4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. 5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, 6 the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— the Lord, who remains faithful forever. 7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, 8 the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. 9 The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. 10 The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord. Psalm 146:1–10
Posted in Pray Now Bartow | Tagged Evangelism, Prayer
By Warner Smith on March 2, 2010
Today I want to encourage you to pray for all those who have come to reside in Bartow county from other places in Georgia, the other state within the United States and from around the world. Between 2000 and 2008, the Bartow county has grown by 21,079. That is a 27.7% increase. Many of these newcomers have no friends or family.
Ask God to show you how you can be a friend or a surrogate family member to one of these newcomers who have moved into our community. Ask God in prayer to bless their life, their occupation, and their home.
Ask Him to save their soul!
Pray for all those who are planning to or in the process of moving into our community. Ask God to move you to introduce them to your best friend—Jesus!
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17
Posted in Pray Now Bartow | Tagged Evangelism, Prayer
By Warner Smith on March 1, 2010
Today we begin a 30-day emphasis called “Pray Now Bartow.” All over our county Christians will be following a similar prayer guide to pray for those who are spiritually lost in Bartow County. There will be a Prayer Walk taking place the week of March 21st where we will physically walk neighborhoods with our fellow churches to pray for every household in Bartow County. If you would like to participate contact April in our church office, and you will be put on a team and assigned a neighborhood to physically walk and pray. Even though you may not do the Prayer Walk, you can still support this effort through prayer.
Each Sunday around 80%of the population of Bartow County choose not to attend any church. That is about 77,678 people who do not have a relationship with any church. Many of these also do not have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Pray that God will send someone to witness to them. Pray that God will place someone in your path to whom you may bear witness of what Christ has done and is doing in your life. Remember to pray specifically by name for those that you know personally who are lost.
1 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. 5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner.’ ” 8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:10
Remember to pray specifically by name for all those whom you know personally to be lost. Who is your Zacchaeus?
Posted in Pray Now Bartow | Tagged Evangelism, Prayer
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