How We Fight Our Battles Matters!

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
2 Cor. 10:3-5

Whether you think they are real or not, the Bible says they are. Spiritual battles are going on all around you. 

* the neighbor next door to you is struggling with sexual sin and feels all alone in the battle.
*the person in the grocery store you are standing behind are so discouraged they feel like there is no hope and are contemplating whether or not to end their life.
*the young man in a neighborhood far from yours feels so overwhelmed with the urge to take just "one more pain pill" and then he will quit.
*the woman who cuts your hair is anxious as to whether she will get home in time to cook her husbands meal so he won't haul off and hit her again...she is already wearing bruises under that pretty shirt you just complemented.

These scenarios are real...here in Montgomery...today!

What will you do as a follower of Christ?

 Be aware that most of the people you are around each day are fighting battles that are not of this earth. The Bible makes it clear that they are real and what is "unseen" is more important that what is seen.

Look at your surroundings as you go out and about today. Look at the people you encounter. Pray for them. Pray that the Lord will surround them with His angels, protect them and give them whatever control they need to battle the demons they may be facing. Pray for someone(maybe you)to come into their lives who can walk with them through the struggles.
RIGHT HERE. IN THE GREATER MONTGOMERY AREA.....people need YOU to fight their battles through prayer. Ask the Lord to help you be more consistent in praying over our city---which means praying for the people in it. 

Psalm 5:11-12 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

SURROUNDED by Michael W. Smith

New Beginnings 2022

So much has happened since I last wrote. I am sad that I have let it go so long as it helps me to write.  This past  3 years, I experienced a sudden job loss, a separation (and divorce), brand new career, my youngest son died suddenly, the cat AND dog died in 2019 and 2022 and then just a bunch of little things that went on called life. It has been a few years in the desert but all through it, the Lord has sustained me and I am forever grateful for my relationship with the Lord. It has been amazing that He has loved me through so many of life's troubles and even sprinkled in some joys along the way. I have been a Christian for many, many years(49 to be exact) and I continue to be amazed at His love for me. These past couple of years, I have used a verse over and over again during really hard days. It has become my "life verse" in my older age. A great reminder of whose I am and how precious each of us is to the Lord...

More later...it is good to be back. 
  

God Cares for Those In Poverty

God  Cares For Those In Poverty

The Lord has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.
(Micah 6:8)

People who see a brother or sister in need, yet close their hearts against them, cannot claim that they love God.
(1 John 3:17)

Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and don’t have enough to eat. What good is there in your saying to them, “God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!” – if you don’t give them the necessities of life?
(James 2:15-16)

Learn to do right. See that justice is done — help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows.
(Isaiah 1:17)

None of you should be looking out for your own interests, but for the interests of others. (1 Corinthians 10:24)

Don’t take advantage of the poor just because you can; don’t take advantage of those who stand helpless in court. The Lord will argue their case for them and threaten the life of anyone who threatens theirs.
(Proverbs 22:22-23)

Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need. (Proverbs 21:13)

Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
(Luke 14:12-14)
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Points for Thought:
1. Look around your home. What are you not using anymore that is in good condition? Look through those closets. Share your abundance with those in need. Take in good condition clothes, linens, furniture, household goods to a local ministry to share with others in need.
2. Pray for the opportunity to share your resources with others.. The Lord would be pleased with you.
3. Pray for heart change in the way you see people in poverty. Ask the Lord to show you any thoughts that are not His thoughts and ask for a changed heart.
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“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”
― John Bunyan