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As we begin 2024 many fear the future, the elections, the looming wars, the economy and where our nation might be going, IF nothing changes.  We could easily get worried, fearful and complain. But what does God want – You may have heard this verse so much that it lost its punch. Let’s look at it with a new set of eyes and ears. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves & pray & seek my face & turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” [2 Chron. 7:14 NLT] Clarion call means a battle cry to prayer. Let’s break down the call. “ If my people ” – those who belong to God. That’s all believers. “ Who are called by My Name ” – those who call themselves Christians. “ Will humble themselves ” – recognize only God can bring healing to our city, county, state and country. “ And pray ”- which is a form of humility, realizing we need to petition the One who made our land and all its inhabitants. “ And seek My face ” – to look for God’s countenance and will on the requests we ask. What does God want for our city, county, state and country? What pleases God? What doesn’t? “ And turn from their wicked ways ” – admitting first what we are doing that is wrong, nationally & personally, and turning and doing the right thing. “ Then I will hear from heaven” – God will listen to and act upon this type of prayer from His people, humbly praying & seeking Him & turning from sin. “ I will forgive their sin ” – as far as the east is from the west. “ And will heal their land ” – purify it, repair what’s been broken, make it fresh and take care of it.   To start this formidable year, we are calling every believer that receives this message to unite in prayer and repentance. Each weekday, we will focus on a “wicked way” that our city, county, state and country have committed. We will pray, in some cases, as intercessors, on behalf of the sin of others. Some days we may find the Holy Spirit revealing an area that we need to address.  The goal? To see our tarnished nation, revived & returned to its roots, “One nation under GOD, indivisible, with liberty and justice for ALL.”   Will you answer the clarion call and say Yes Lord I will pray? Linked Podcasts below | Resources Listed at end | Post a prayer in the Comment Section Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Jan. 1 - Call to pray 2 Chron. 7:14 Jan. 2 - live for self, disrespect God, depend on military might, ungrateful Jan. 3 - pluralism, self-reliance, entitlement Jan. 4 - lust of the world, greed, pride, arrogance, self-sufficiency Jan. 5 - addictions, love of money, world & rejecting truth Jan. 8 - abortion, killing the unborn, the innocent. Jan. 9 - r acism in word, deed and mind Jan. 10 - prayer-lessness Jan. 11 - not praying for political leaders & upcoming election Jan. 12 - self sufficiency, self-righteous, self-satisfied Jan. 15 - In honor of MLK Jr. 2 of his prayers Jan. 16 - left our first love [Rev. 2:1-7] Jan. 17 - 1st stone, accusations, pointed finger Jan. 18 - asleep, awake, alive but dead, Sardis church Jan. 19 - keeping the 4th commandment Jan. 22 - Neither hot nor cold, Lukewarm Jan. 23 - Rich, Proud, Self-sufficient Jan. 24 - Poor, Wretched, Blind, Miserable, & Naked Jan. 25 - Gluttony & Fasting Jan. 26 - Gossip, Slander, Words, Malicious Jan. 29 - Not fulfilling the Great Commission Jan. 30 - Unbelief, Lack of Trust & Faith Jan. 31 - Return to 2 Chron. 7:14 humility vs. pride Resources : The National Prayer of Repentance — Pentecost Walk | Tom Demaree ; Unbroken — Pentecost Walk | Tom Demaree Conquering Prayerlessness  [ Collegeofprayer.org ] Anne Graham Lotz Confesses 12 'National Sins' of America at National Day of Prayer Observance | U.S. News ( christianpost.com ) Lawmakers join Christian leaders to repent for the nation’s sins | Politics News ( christianpost.com ) AFA Journal - President Lincoln: Confess national sins, pray for forgiveness

Media Information Revolution - that's the season we find ourselves. Too Much Information [TMI] can overload us. Which is right? True? Worthy of Praise? Excellent? Not venomous? Not full of bitterness? Uplifting? Lies? Deception? Dis-information? How greatly we need the discernment of the Holy Spirit! How greatly we need to pray for this giant? How greatly we need to share the GOOD news paid for by the death & resurrection of Jesus! How greatly we need to stay clear of the news given for the love of money - the root of all evil. For the next several months, every Thursday we will focus our prayers on different aspects of mediated messages. Like Jesus reminded us in Matt. 15:18-20, it's what comes out of our mouth that defiles us, which comes from our hearts. What we put into our hearts and minds, affects us, for good or evil. Our mouth can speak life and death and so does media communication. Thursday, Oct. 24th - Twitter now X, Instagram, Tik Tok & Snapchat - When is right to share? What do you know about the 4 apps listed above? Do they influence our thinking, behavior, actions, emotions and/or spiritual life.  As with anything, it can be used for good or for evil.  Though there are many popular apps, today we focus on some of the most used in the US.  For sharing short messages [Twitter now X] with over 330 million users; images/messages quickly [Instagram] with over 1 billion users; videos [TikTok] with over 1 billion users and photos that disappear in 24 hours [SnapChat] with over 230 million daily users. What are their pros/cons? Scriptures: Prov. 14:15; Prov. 14:8; Eccl. 10:12; 1 Pet. 3:10 Prayer strategy: Pray for the owners & users for each app; for those who are addicted; who overuse or abuse the platforms; for sexting to stop & laws to enforce & apps to ban; users beware of what to share & to whom; scams; time used.  Personal challenge: Do you use any of these apps? If so, consider what effect it has on you. Ask the Lord to show you if you are presenting a ‘real self’ or not? Does He want you to use this? If so, for what purpose? If you don’t use any of them, pray for those addicted to them to find freedom from it.  For those who use it for illicit gains to be apprehended & prosecuted. Prayer podcast : Over the influence of these Apps Thursday, Oct. 17th - Headlines that Lead to Prayer or Praise As you read the following headlines & recent film titles – what does it cause you to do, pray or praise to God? Let’s fill the air with words of praise and intercession.  In some cases, maybe even help out in whatever way the Lord leads you. Current headlines : 11 family members killed by Hurricane Helene flooding in western North Carolina; At least 268 people died after Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton ravaged parts of the U.S.; Florida Power Outages Map 73K at recording 10/16; North Carolina Power Outages Map 9K; Inhalation death from flooded golf cart battery brings Hurricane Milton toll to 25 in Florida; China's Military Drills Near Taiwan: A Warning or a Show of Force?; FBI says man who planned Election Day shooting connected to ISIS; NASA confirms Solar Maximum: Brace for Massive Flares & Epic Geomagnetic Storms Christian headlines: Victory News: "A Million Women" March in D.C | Turning to God; Revival Sweeping Through College Campuses Impacting Tens of Thousands; Thousands shut down Hollywood Blvd for Jesus (2024); Thousands shut down Hollywood Blvd for Jesus (2024); Record-Shattering, Massive Baptism in California Compared to 'Book of Acts'; Christian Films : The Firing Squad – based on the true story of three Christian prisoners who face execution in a third world country and how their joy in Christ results in a stunning conclusion. The Forge – how to disciple in a practical, transformative manner. God’s Not Dead – In God we Trust  - in a time of profound political, civil, and spiritual turmoil, Reverend David Hill grapples with a crucial question: Does God still have a place in politics? Sound of Hope - Inspired by the powerful true story in Possum Trot, Texas  rot  follows Donna and Reverend Martin as they ignite a fire in the hearts of their rural church to embrace kids in the foster system that nobody else would take Prayer Podcast : To pray or to praise when reading headlines Thursday, Oct. 10th - National & World News [servants of God or god of this world?] Scriptures : Micah 6:8; Is. 40:15; Psalm 2; Ps. 107:29 Prayer strategy : Read Psalm 2 then pray for those national & world news sources reporting as servants of the Most High to be heard and honored; and those serving the devil to be silenced and shamed. When you hear national or global news that concerns you, instead of worrying pray with thanksgiving that God is greater than all of it. Personal challenge : Use the Micah 6:8 verse to filter what national/world news you listen to and question whether they report with justice or impartiality; with mercy or vengeance; with pride or humility? Then ask the Lord to help you find sources that follow Micah 6:8. Prayer Podcast: Servant of who? Thursday, Oct. 3rd - TV News [ABC, CBS, FOX, etc.] Current headlines report about Iran attacking Israel with long range missiles; Hurricane Helene devastation and number of deaths rises; Port Union Workers on strike how far will this affect supply chain; Line Fire explodes to over 49K with more evacuations. How are you feeling after you hear the latest news? Where do you turn to for current news? Have you prayed for these sources? Are they reliable, dependable, accurate, unbiased? The barrage of difficult news just today could lead us to look down in great fear or look up in much prayer.  Let’s look to the One who holds the world in His hands, who formed and established the earth [Jer. 33] and who knows the future who is THE LORD.  Personal Challenge: As you read or listen to headline news, pray over that situation.  Ask the Lord to put a guard over your lips when discussing the news.  May the words bring life not death over the issues.  Prayer Podcast: TV News Thursday, Sept. 26thth - Facebook FB world’s most-used social platform in 2024, over 3 billion global active users, represents 38% of total population and 57% of total internet users. Seven in 10 US adults report using FB. It ranks 3rd in terms of time spent (behind TikTok and YouTube), with users spending an average of 19 hours/47 minutes per month; 64% open the app every day; 3rd most visited website in US. FB 2nd most searched query globally. With this much use, FB has enormous power over its users. Consider some risks people face using FB: Forgetting about your potential audience with too many accepted friend requests can lead to privacy risks; insecure third-party apps; social media addiction; poorly configured privacy settings; FB marketplace scams; predators on FB and mental health and physical health issues; comparison; painting a picture of yourself that only shows one side not authentic; chance of getting bullied; impersonators, catfished and so much more. Source: The Top 6 Risks You Face When Using Facebook (makeuseof.com) Personal challenge:  Review the 5 Don’t when using SM and ask the Holy Spirit which one you need to stop doing.  1) Don’t instigate quarrelling; 2) don’t be impulsive; 3) don’t be disrespectful; 4) don’t gossip; 5) don’t seek attention. Then ask yourself – how are you using this tool for good, for wasting time, for connecting with friends and family, other? How can you use it for God’s glory? What boundaries should you set? Is it taking time away from people you need to minister to or need your attention?  Source: 5 Biblical Principles for Social Media - The Gospel Coalition | Canada Podcast: Facebook Thursday, Sept. 19th - YouTube Chances are you have used YouTube to watch something.  One of the terms used for people who upload videos is Influencer.  With all that is happening in our world right now, how is what you watch on YouTube affecting your thoughts, emotions and spiritual walk? And in turn how does it affect your relationships and interactions with others? May we filter what we see/watch on YouTube through the lens of 1 John 2:15-17 “ Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” Scriptures: Matt. 6:22-23 ; 1 John 2:15-17 ; Psalm 101:2-4 Personal challenge:  Ask the Lord to show you what you should and should not watch on YouTube. Then monitor how much time you spend on it. Could it be spent doing something more valuable? Podcast : YouTube Filtered through 1 John 2:15-17 Thursday, Sept. 12th - Battle for the Airwaves Scriptures: Eph. 2:2; Is. 9:6; Eph. 6:12; John 14:27 Prayer strategy: pray for the secular media to speak truth without bias, fear mongering & love of money. For Christian media to speak truth with boldness, faith building and for the love of God.  Today we pray for the Battle for the Airwaves. We pray against the prince of confusion & deception and pray for the Prince of Peace & truth. We remember the scripture that says there is a prince of the power of the air [the devil] but we also remember greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. Praying God’s word over the battle for the airwaves [Lord of Heaven’s Armies vs the powers of darkness] Personal challenge : T ake the posture to pray about any media you hear through the lens and headphones of the Holy Spirit. Consider your use of time, the motives of the senders and the outcome in your life, good or evil? Especially in this season with upcoming elections and nefarious antiChrist propagators. Podcast : Battle for the Airwaves | Home - Global Day of Prayer for Media ( prayformedia.com ) | Global Day of Prayer for the Media — Christians in Media Thursday, Sept. 5th - Whose Report will you Believe? Scriptures: Ps. 1:1-3 ; Is. 5:20 ; Rom 12:2   Prayer strategy: Identify which platform you seek information. Some of those might include - Reviews on a product from buyers; YouTube channels for how to; Facebook newsfeeds; Twitter, Pinterest, Google Mini or Alexa, Google search engine, Wikipedia. Pray for the authors of the information – their salvation, integrity, honesty and able to separate bias from facts. Personal challenge: When listening to different sources, how do you know which report to believe? Is it godly advice? Are they mocking others? Do they call evil good or good evil? Does it cause you to conform to the world? Is it helping you do God’s will? What is their motive - love of money or godly love? Podcast: Whose report will we believe ? | Reference: Prayer for Media - theglobalwatch.com

We all have prayer needs. We are admonished to pray for one another. Here's a safe place to post what request you have in prayer. And a place for others to say they are praying for you. Share a scripture, a song, or anything else that might minister to the person. We ask you respect everyone. Keep it upbeat. Not judgmental. Edify. Encourage. Unify. We hold the right to remove any post that does not adhere to these boundaries. " And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." [Eph. 6:18 NIV] Directions : Scroll below to the comments. Post your prayer request. Watch for responses. Share your solidarity by praying for others and letting them know.

Have you noticed an increase in crime in your area? Reading our local news headlines reveals lawlessness growing. We can complain and be fearful or we can use our faith and intercede. We can say enough is enough. Not on our watch will violence spiral out of control. Not even the gates of hell shall prevail against the praying church. For the month of June, we will focus our prayers on crime and all its facets. Topics will include our local law enforcement, county & regional forces, types of crime affecting our county, prisons/juvenile halls, those involved at the courthouse, criminals and Christian prison ministries. As we unite in prayer, let's petition the Lord to make our county a SAFE place to live, for lives bent on evil to turn around and meet the Savior and be transformed by the Holy Spirit. For His glory and our peace of mind. Beyond the podcasts: Get to know your local police, prisons, and personnel in the courthouse. Pray as you pass by any of these buildings. Pray for juveniles, elderly and bullying. Pray that God will intervene in people's lives, so crime decreases. Linked Podcasts below | Resources Listed at end | Post a prayer in the Comment Section Date & Topic Details 6/3 Violent Crime - Assault & Robbery Podcast Assault – violent physical or verbal attack, to physically harm or threaten with harm. Cities in SBC with the highest assault rates range 13% to 5.2% include: Green Valley Lake, Needles, Hinkley, Yermo, Oro Grande, Pioneer Town, Blue Jay, Amboy, Nipton, Adelanto & Baker, Chino & Barstow. Robbery - the action of taking property unlawfully from a person or place by force or threat of force; extortion. Cities in SBC with highest robbery from 9.5% to 2.5% are Pinon Hills, Searles Valley, Angelus Oaks, Needles, Chino, Adelanto, Highland, Sugarloaf & San Bernardino. 6/4 Violent Crime Part 2 - Rape & Murder Podcast Rape  – crime forcing another person to have sexual intercourse with the offender against their will.  Cities in SBC with the highest rape rates range from 4.5% to .43% are Loma Linda, Baker, San Bernardino, Searles Valley, Green Valley Lake, Highland, Fawnskin, Lucerne Valley, Adelanto & Barstow. Murder - the unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another:. Cities in SBC with highest murder rates ranging from 2.7% to .4% are Essex, 29 Palms, Baker, Trona, Needles, Highland, Apple Valley, Green Valley Lake, Yermo, Ft. Irwin. 6/4 Property Crime Part 1 - Theft & Auto Theft Podcast Theft  – The act of stealing, wrongfully taking and carrying away the property of another person with the intent of depriving the rightful owner of the possession. Cities in SBC with the highest theft rates range from 158% to 21% are Green Valley Lake, Edwards AFB, Forest Falls, Fawnskin, Helendale [Silver Lakes], Needles, Essex, 29 Palms, Nipton, Baker & Adelanto.  Vehicle Theft – theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle. Cities in SBC with highest murder rates ranging from 6.5% to 5% are Montclair, Bloomington, Rialto, Fontana, Ontario, Colton, Muscoy, Upland, Grand Terrace, Devore, Chino, Highland and San Bernardino. 6/5 Property Crime Part 2 - Burglary & Arson Podcast Burglary  – entry into a building illegally with intent to commit a crime, especially theft.  Cities in SBC with the highest theft rates range from 13% to 9% are Green Valley Lake, Fawnskin, 29 Palms, Nipton, Essex, Needles, Baker, Searles Valley, Pioneer Town, Lucerne Valley and Barstow. Arson –   the criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property. Cities in SBC with highest arson rates ranging from .4% to .3% are Ft. Irwin, Green Valley Lake, Edwards AFB, Fawnskin, Trona, 29 Palms, Blue Jay, Rancho Cucamonga, Muscoy, Big Bear Lake, Bloomington, Cedar Glen & Lake Arrowhead. 6/10 Other Crimes - Drug Crimes Podcast Drug Crimes  –  Cities in SBC with the highest drug crime rates range from 44% to 21% are Amboy, Nipton, Baker, Essex, San Bernardino, Green Valley Lake, Cedarpines Park, Adelanto, Twentynine Palms, Fontana, Highland & Montclair. 6/11 - Vandalism & Animal Cruelty podcast Vandalism  - Cities in SBC with the highest vandalism rates range from 135% to 14.4% Loma Linda, Redlands, Needles, Pioneer Town, Victorville, Angelus Oaks, Newberry Springs, Colton, Cedarpines Park, Oak Glen, Montclair, Grand Terrace.  Animal Cruelty - Cities in SBC with highest animal cruelty rates ranging from .57% to .14% Oro Grande, Yermo, Twentynine Palms, Needles, Trona, Essex, Big Bear Lake, Nipton, Baker & Fawnskin. 6/12 - Kidnapping & Identity Theft podcast Kidnapping - Cities in SBC with the highest kidnapping rates range from 4% to .5% are Amboy, Nipton, Baker, Fawnskin, Edwards AFB, Green Valley Lake, Fort Irwin, Twentynine Palms, Daggett, Chino, Yermo. Identity Theft - Cities in SBC with highest identity theft rates ranging from 4.3% to 1.18% are Fawnskin, Green Valley Lake, Oro Grande, Amboy, Nipton, Baker, Essex, Edwards AFB, Apple Valley 6/13 - Human trafficking, prostitution, panderers, programs, police, politicians, policies podcast Human trafficking  is the fastest growing criminal operation due to its high revenue. It’s projected to be the top crime by the end of this year according to our county’s CASE – Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation.  Operation Reclaim & Rebuild : In a concerted effort to clamp down on human trafficking and sexual slavery, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Dept. targeting those fueling the demand for illicit sex trade activities. Policies & Politicians : Rodriguez’s bill,  Assembly Bill 2034 , prostitution loitering a misdemeanor in CA, within 1,000 feet of a school, park, playground, amusement park or state highway. Seyarto’s bill,  Senate Bill 1219 , criminalizes not only loiterers but also motorists who try to make contact with them to solicit prostitution. Programs: California Against Slavery collaborates with 22 organizations and agencies to find shelter faster for survivors of Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. SBC has several Victim service centers located in San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Victorville, Joshua Tree & Colton.  The SB CASE program works at educating and informing the public of the problem’s extent and growth. 6/17 Local police stations podcast The main patrol stations are in: Adelanto, Apple Valley, Big Bear Lake, Barstow, Chino Hills, Grand Terrace, Hesperia, Colorado River, Fontana, Morongo Basin, Highland, Loma Linda, Needles, Twin Peaks, Victor Valley, Rancho Cucamonga, Twentynine Palms, Victorville.  Each one oversees several communities unless the city is highly populated. Some have substations to cover places more isolated.  They are in Lucerne Valley, Phelan, Baker, & Trona.  Central station located in San Bernardino uniquely oversees the Metrolink, Arrowhead Farms, Colton County, Devore Heights, Muscoy, San Bernardino, Grand Terrace, Loma Linda, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Reservation Casino, and volunteer programs. 6/18 County Law Enforcement & Beyond podcast Sheriff’s Executive Staff – San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department; Coroner – San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department; Homicide Cold Cases; Gangs / Narcotics Task Forces 6/19 Prisons: Inmates & Workers podcast Corrections / Jails This Bureau operates the jail and work release programs in our county with 4 adult jails which house inmates during their court process and for those sentenced.Federal, State & Juvenile Prisons: US Penitentiary in Victorville high security 1235 inmates; Fed. Correctional Inst. in Victorville Med. II 1573 inmates; Med. 1 FCI both 1,465 male; 249 female; CA Inst. for men in Chino has 4 facilities housing different levels of crime almost 4K beds; Central Valley Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center 280 beds in San Bernardino: High Desert Juvenile Detention And Assessment Center in Apple Valley. 6/20 Prison Ministries podcast Celebrate Recovery  at CA institute of men.  A Christ-centered ministry to help people deal with hurts, hang-ups, and habits. It’s a safe place to find freedom from the issues controlling their lives offered in prisons.  Prison Fellowship  is multifaceted, empowering and training people to visit prisoners, mentor them, provide gifts for their children at Christmas, provide resources for families of prisoners and inmates.  Gideons International | Read The Bible  supply Bibles to the prisons and prisoners.  PMAUSA.org  provides chaplains to jails & prisons in San Bernardino County Facilities!!! 6/24 District Attorneys & Public Defenders podcast San Bernardino County District Attorney – San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office (sbcounty.gov)  Jason Anderson is the 36th district attorney to serve the people of SBC. The department began in 1853. Their number one priority is to prosecute those responsible for committing crimes and pursue justice on behalf of victims and their families. The office employs 220 deputy DAs; 62 investigators; 44 victim advocates; 243 support staff. Public Defender – County of San Bernardino – Public Defender ( sbcounty.gov ) Our county public defender office goals to defend the rights and dignity of people to ensure equitable access to justice through holistic representation while reunifying families and communities.  Those on the executive team include: Thomas W. Sone, Public Defender; Kellie Byward, Assistant Public Defender; David Mcclave, Chief Deputy Public Defender; Lance Thompson, Chief Deputy Public Defender; Richard M. Sterling, Chief Deputy Public Defender; Geoffrey Canty, Chief Deputy Public Defender; Diana Lovelace, Chief of Administration. 6/25 Judges podcast Appellate division; Barstow district; Big Bear district; Fontana district, Joshua Tree district, Juvenile court district; Needles district, Rancho Cucamonga district, San Bernardino Justice Center, SBC District Child Support & Family; Victorville district. 6/26 Courthouses podcast SBC courthouses : San Bernardino County Court in Victorville; San Bernardino Justice Center in San Bernardino; San Bernardino Court in Fontana; Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court; San Bernardino Superior Court; Victorville Superior Court; San Bernardino County Courts in Big Bear Lake; San Bernardino County Barstow Superior Court; Superior Court of California County of San Bernardino; County Juvenile Court in Rancho Cucamonga; Superior Courts of California in Needles 6/27 Jurors podcast Duty  - The jury finds the facts in the case based on what evidence is presented to them through testimony or exhibits from the parties admitted into evidence by the judge during the proceedings.  Responsibilities - At the end of a trial, the judge instructs the jury on the applicable law. While the jury must obey the judge’s instructions as to the law, the jury alone is responsible for determining the facts of the case from the differing versions presented by the parties at trial.     Prayer points – foreperson, divine wisdom, impartiality & fairness, clarity & understanding, integrity & courage, compassion & empathy. Resources :

With summer comes weather patterns that can wreak havoc in our environment. Let's dedicate Thursdays to pray for the issues facing our county - drought, fires, UV index, excessive heat, air quality and earthquakes. Information and resources will be provided every Thursday. If there's any current news that too will be posted. Included will be prayer for those who fight the fires, plan for earthquakes, medical personnel, first responders, leaders who oversee county and city disasters. Thursday, August 29th - Current Fires, Energy Grid, Energy Grid & Earthquakes Podcast How to Survive a Prolonged Power Outage - Consumer Reports Earthquakes in Rancho Cucamonga, California, United States - Most Recent ( earthquaketrack.com ) San Bernardino County Conditions | Drought.gov Incidents | CAL FIRE Thursday, August 22nd - Current Fires, Prevention & Arsonists Podcast Fire Is Everyone's Fight® ( fema.gov ) Arson and Youth Firesetting ( fema.gov ) Incidents | CAL FIRE Thursday, August 15th - Current Fires & Energy Grid podcast U.S. Policies Are Crippling the Grid - Intercessors for America ( ifapray.org ) What Happens if the American Power Grid Goes Down? – Tech Evaluate How to Survive a Prolonged Power Outage - Consumer Reports Incidents | CAL FIRE Thursday, August 8th - Air Quality Index, First Responders & Active Fires Podcast Air Quality Index (AQI) | AirNow.gov World's Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index ( waqi.info ) Prayers for First Responders ( prayerleader.com ) Park Fire | CAL FIRE Thursday, August 1st - Weather Forecasters & Earthquakes & [Park Fire Contain] Podcast Local, National, & Global Daily Weather Forecast | AccuWeather Breaking Weather News | FOX Weather Home of America's Weather Team National Weather Service National and Local Weather Radar, Daily Forecast, Hurricane and information from The Weather Channel and weather.com Latest Earthquakes ( usgs.gov ) Earthquake Preparedness ( ca.gov ) Park Fire | CAL FIRE Thursday, July 25th - Heat Warnings, Cramps, Exhaustion, & Stroke Podcast Heat Watch vs. Warning ( weather.gov ) Heat Cramps, Exhaustion, Stroke ( weather.gov ) Know the differences of heat warnings/watches and what to do to prepare or take action when it occurs Identify the symptoms of cramps, exhaustion and stroke when excessive heat exposure; take first aid steps or seek medical attention Thursday, July 18th - Current Fires & First Responders Podcast Cabdf Vista Fire Information | InciWeb ( wildfire.gov ) CalFire, California Interagency Incident Team 15; San Bernardino Fire Department, San Bernardino County sheriff; California Highway Patrol, San Bernardino National Forest Service; Total Personnel assigned to the fire is 632. Air quality in county due to fire/smoke AirNow.gov 28 Strong Firefighters Prayers – Love In Bible  - [#21-28] Thursday, July 11th - Current Fires & All those Fighting Them Podcast Vista Fire near Mt. Baldy Ski Resort surpasses 1,000 acres ( msn.com ) Brush fires break out across SoCal amid extreme heat; evacuation orders in effect ( newsbreak.com ) Blue Water Fire | CAL FIRE [currently 0% contained] Vista Fire | CAL FIRE [current 0% contained] Lucerne Fire | CAL FIRE [contained 100%] Cahuilla Fire | CAL FIRE  [contained 100%] 28 Strong Firefighters Prayers – Love In Bible  - [#11-20] Thursday, July 4th - Fires, Fireworks, Firefighters Podcast Firefighters battle back 400-acre Fontana fire, no longer threatening homes ( msn.com ) ; Firefighters gain upper hand on 400-acre Sierra fire burning near buildings in Fontana ( newsbreak.com ) Sierra Fire | CAL FIRE [contains latest statistics about current incidents San Bernardino County Firefighters – IAFF Local 935 The San Bernardino County Fire Department has 57 Fire Stations, that Cover our 19,278 square miles of Jurisdiction. 48 Fire Stations are Full Time Staffed, and 9 are Paid Call. 28 Strong Firefighters Prayers – Love In Bible - [1st 10] guidance in service, protection amidst flames, wisdom in rescue, strength in weakness, peace & protection for families, courage, healing for injured, unity, guidance for leaders, gratitude for safety.

For the months of July & August we will pray for the multi-faceted concerns facing schools and education. Pray for the top issues, schools currently face in the upcoming 2024-25 school year. That each school will be covered in prayer. Short Prayer Podcasts and resources are linked below. MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 7/1 Peace in schools 7/2 Campus Safety & Officers 7/3 Protection & Dispel Fear 7/8 Bullying in person & Online 7/9 Illegal Drugs & Opioids 7/10 CA School Bills 7/15 Stresses Teachers Face 7 /16 Mental Health & Suicide 7/17 Christian school clubs 7/22 Students/Staff: Courageous Faith   7/23 Students: See You at the Pole 7/24 Students: Bring your Bible to School Day 7/29 Libraries, Librarians & Books 7/30 Staff & Students Daycare & Pre-K 7/31 Staff & Students K-6 8/5 Staff & Students Jr High & High School 8/6 Staff & Students in Colleges 8/7 Campus Revivals & Ministries to Colleges 8/12 School Support Staff 8/13 School Leaders 8/14 School Faculty 8/19 Parents of students - all ages 8/20 Home-schooling parents & kids 8/21 Dept of Ed & CA Dept of Ed 8/26 School Districts 8/27 Teacher Unions: NEA, AFT, CTA 8/28 Christian Schools Helpful Resources A Prayer of Peace and Protection for Our Schools | The Prayer Institute Top 7 Bible Verses About Bullying And Dealing With Bullies | Jack Wellman ( patheos.com ) See You At The Pole™ ( syatp.com ) The Official Site of Bring Your Bible to School Day - Focus on the Family 5 Creative Prayer Ideas For Preschoolers - Trueway Kids ; How to Pray: 11 Creative Ideas for Teaching Kids - Ministry Spark Week 31 - (2023) Taking Back the Generations!   - City By City ( city-by-city.org ) Microsoft Word - Praying For Your School.doc ( prayerclosetministries.org ) 11 Back-to-School Prayers | Christianity Today Homeschool-Research-Document-220521-1.pdf ( fpmca.org ) Homeschool-Research-Document-220521-1.pdf ( fpmca.org ) Prayers for Homeschooling ( knowing-jesus.com ) 45 Prayer Prompts for Homeschooling Moms + Free Printable - A Virtuous Woman: A Proverbs 31 Ministry 20 Facts About Christian Schools - Facts.net Campus Prayer Guide | Every Student Every School

updated 11/2/23 by Fouzia Shibley When you pray for revival, what are you expecting? What happened in earlier revivals? What did they experience? What was the common pattern among past awakenings? I became a Christian during the Jesus movement revival in the 70s. Here are a few of my observations: passionate desire to go to church [people were eager with anticipation to get to church, excited to be with God's people] willingness to express their worship to the Lord by singing and praising freely hunger to learn God's word and apply it quick and instant repentance as the Holy Spirit convicted them of sin desire to reconcile with brothers and sisters in Christ awed by God's mercy, quick to forgive others and accepted the Lord's forgiveness sought ways to do acts of kindness and gave generously possessed a childlike faith, as they prayed for others' needs eager to share the gospel and newfound faith with others, unafraid of the possible rejection feeling of newness, a first love, a fresh start needed the fellowship with other believers and made time for it conviction of habits that needed to stop and supernatural ability to turn from them What about you? What do you think revival would look like? Have you experienced a personal revival? What changed? Have you studied revivals? What were recurring themes? Comment on this post so others can learn together. See below for ideas from a list developed by several Christian groups. What would revival look like? "Awed by God's mercy, quick to forgive others and accept the Lord's forgiveness." According to America’s National Prayer Committee in partnership with OneCry and the Awakening America Alliance , below are a few of the signs a revival is evident: more testimonies of the manifest presence of God increased conversions and baptisms greater participation in corporate as well as individual prayer, fasting, and other spiritual disciplines leading to more effective discipleship. decrease in divorces and renewed commitment to marriage between a man and a woman in covenant relationship as God intends. desire to impart faith to children and youth as parents are equipped by the church to disciple their children. passion in churches to pursue for the well-being of their cities through the planting of new congregations, benevolent ministries, practical service, and focused evangelism. commitment to radical generosity as evidenced by compassion ministries and global missions. better health among ministers as evidenced by their joy, decreased resignations, healthy loving relationships within their families, and an increased response among young people called to the ministry. involvement by believers with a bold witness accompanied by miracles, dramatic conversions, and Holy Spirit empowered victories over evil heightened expressions of love and unity among all believers, as demonstrated by the unity of pastors and leaders.

updated 4/10/24 Crestline city web site Located off of Highway 138; rim of the world highway, east of Interstate 15; the Cajon pass, directly east of Silverwood Lake; west of Twin Lakes and Lake Arrowhead. Gateway to the camping and recreation activities of the San Bernardino National Forest. Usually 10-20 degrees cooler than valley cities. Over 20,000 tourists a year. Demographics: Est. population [2023] 9,319. Age breakdown 16% under 18; 45% 18-54; 26% over 55; 67% high school grad; 27% college degrees; $42K average income; $62K average household income; 77% white; 17% Hispanic, African American 2%; Asian & American Indian >1%; median age is 44; 51:48% M:F ratio; 71% own; 29% rent; average household is 3; 50% married; 5% widowed; 14% divorced; 29% never married; 619 veterans [57% Vietnam, 15% Korea, 13% First Gulf War; 15% Second Gulf war] “To provide water, rest, intermission to people, to rejuvenate in the mountains, a place to vacation, enjoy God's creation” History In 1917, Pacific Electric Company developed camps for its employees to vacation. The Crestline development became a mountain community in 1906 when San Bernardino investors purchased 630 acres for $11K. Henry Guernsey, one of the members of the syndicate that bought the land stated, “Here on the summit of the range, far above the heat of the Valley, a summer colony will be established, which shall be a veritable summer city among the pines.” The new crest community was first called “Summer City in the Pines.” In 1906, a contest was to give the town a name. Dr. Wesley Thompson’s came up with “Crestline” won the prize. S.W. Dillin, a Hollywood screenwriter for Keystone Cops series, came to the Crestline area to help his asthma. Eventually, the mountain air helped his condition, so he stayed. Dillin created the Crestline Tavern and built a cabin and store, which hosted the post office and he became the postmaster. Later more cabins began popping up on both sides of Dillin’s Crestline Store and Tavern. During the 1920’s, the sparsely settle region of Rim of the World fell prey to the sub-dividers. Like Lake Arrowhead, subdivisions sprang up which caused the region to become urbanized with clusters of homes to be called Skyland Heights, Cedar Pines Park, Valley of Enchantment, Twin Peaks, Alpine Glens Park, Cedar Pines Highlands and Valley of the Moon. In 1928, Charles S. Mann, a mountain developer bought the center of Crestline and began to remodel the business district. He built the Rim of the World Inn and hired Millard S. Binney to manage its sales. Binney hired a real estate bus to encourage prospective buyers from Los Angeles. By the end of the decade, there were 500 homes in the Crestline area and 1,000 more in the adjacent communities of Cedar Pines Park, Valley of the Moon and Skyland. Map of Crestline Location of Crestline in SBC Specific Prayer Points Environmental issues: fires, drought to Lake Gregory, snow Economic issues: post pandemic closures, loss of business, tourists, camps reopen Governed by: San Bernardino County 2nd District Supervisor Crime issues: [2022] use of methamphetamine, mental health problems, abuse among adults, children both physically and mentally; A crime occurs every 1 day 7 hours (on average) in Crestline; overall crime grade B, violent crime is B-; property crime is B and other is B-; top issues are vandalism 10%; drug crimes and burglary 6% Poverty Rate: 15.3%; highest rates among children under 6 at 37%; 12-17 at 22% & 6-11 at 16% Schools/Board: Rim of the World Unified School District Points of interest: Camp Seely, Lake Gregory recreational areas, Heart Trail, Spiritual issues: more pastors pray together, unity among believers, pray for one another and lift each other up, not put each other down or be a clique, revival and awakening in each of the churches, laborers for the harvest, creative ways to help those battling with addictions, support and prayer and transformation for those facing abuse, healing and deliverance, decrease in the meth problem and replaced with a desire for the things of the Holy Spirit; intercessors to rise up and claim this city for God, that the Lord would move in such a mighty way that it would be in the news the changes that occur Churches & Ministries [not exhaustive] Lake Gregory Community Church [Pastor Dan Stipp; nondenominational, background with Campus Crusade for Christ] Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish [Rev. Neil D. Fuller, S.V.D.] Crestline First Baptist [Pastor Bill & Debbie] Crestline New Life Fellowship Church [Assembly of God, Pastor Matt & Tracey Shorey] Twin Peaks Community Church [Pastor Mike Whisner] Mountain Hope Center [Pastor Kristen Williams] Camps: Thousand Pines Christian Camp & Conference Center [exists to help people see, know, and experience God] Ministries: Jubilee Mountain Fellowship [Ministry of Domestic Missionaries, a homeless outreach, a prison ministry, a youth and young adult program, a food ministry, and a weekly Christian fellowship—that volunteers can plug into and donors can support]

During September and October, join us in praying for a decrease in crime and violence in every city in our county. "Because lawlessness increased, the love of many will grow cold." Matt. 24:12 ESV Last year, we prayed for the crime to go down in every city. This year, we'll see what changed: improve, get worse or stay the same. We'll look at current news, patterns, economic, political, & environmental issues that might be affecting the outcomes. Will you take a moment each day to pray that the love of believers will get hot so that violence will decrease. May our county be known as a SAFE place to live. Short Prayer Podcasts are linked by day below. Helpful Resources Prayers for Violence in Cities - theusawatch.com California Supervisor Admits Proposition 47 Linked to Crime Wave | The Epoch Times 15 Prayers for a Violent World | Christianity Today The Golden State's Rising Violent Crime Problem (govdelivery.com)

updated 4/2/24 City Web Site - Currently unincorporated, many of the town's political activists are pushing for Bloomington to attain cityhood, while the nearby cities of Rialto to the north, Fontana to the west; and Colton to the east; located in the center of 4 Interstates, 10, 210, 215 and 15. Demographics: Est. population 22,103 [2022]. 45% Hispanic; 14% white; 35% other; 1% black <1 Asian & American Indian; median age 33; M:F 51:48%;; 68% own; 32% rent; 42% 3.3% than CA avg 15%] M 16%; F 20%; 18-59 yrs 16%; 60-74 yrs 17% Spiritual needs: Churches unite & experience revival; great harvest of souls with laborers for the harvest; more Spanish speaking churches; creative combined efforts to reach those who are poor, have addictions and need jobs; intercessors to arise and claim this city for Christ; weekly Bible studies for accountability and spiritual growth; Bible teachers arise to explain the Word in practical ways; a place where people can be authentic, pray for one another and have genuine fellowship that empowers them to keep their faith, children feel emboldened to share their faith; an awakening to those who are "sitting", a holy reverential fear of God to sweep the believers that transforms their lives and brings reformation to the city Churches [not exhaustive] Truth Tabernacle Church Calvary Missionary Baptist Church The Bridge Church St. Charles Borromeo Pentecostal Church of God Congregational UCC Bethel Apostolic Community Celestial Church of Christ New Testament Baptist Church

For the month of March, Monday-Thursday, we will focus our prayers on the seven major social influencers in America: government, media, arts/entertainment, business, education, religion & family. To see real change in our families, communities, cities, and county, there needs to be four significant movements. Those that believe in Jesus awaken to do the work of the ministry with boldness and urgency. As a result, those that don't believe come to the Lord and we see a revival. That awakened believers then disciple the newly saved and their lives are transformed by the Lord. Lastly, as a result of Christians shining their light, new believers experiencing new life in Christ, cities will be reformed by their new behavior. On Fridays, we will continue to pray for local news. Praying for an awakening of believers, a revival to the unsaved, transformation in both lives, resulting in reformation in their communities. Post a prayer request and/or a prayer for a topic in the comments at the end of this page. Prayer Challenge Mar. 28 - People in Government & Elections Reform our Community podcast. Praying today for those transformed by the work of God, in government and in this year’s elections, would begin to follow Jesus despite opposition and naysayers.  That they would ask “what would Jesus do” with their positions, authority & responsibility? Imagine the impact it would have on our cities & county! How the disgruntled at government would begin to see a glimmer of hope! How people would be valued for their input to improve their region! How officials could bring laws and regulations that raise standards, respect for law and their environment! How the corrupt would be exposed and the ethical remain! Mar. 27 - Transform people involved with Government & Elections pocast. Today let’s pray for the newly saved and those now on fire for nothing to stop them, not even the gates of hell, nor opposition, persecution or naysayers.  Picture them full of the armor of God, strong and courageous, no weapon formed against them does them harm.  Instead, they stand, speak boldly, because they have the greatest treasure in the world.  They want to share it with others and make an impact in the government and the elections. Mar. 26: Revive people involved with Government & Elections podcast. Imagine politicians, mayors, county supervisors, city council members, and those campaigning for elected positions getting saved!  How many local, county, state and national changes would be affected for good!  Imagine those who once were like Saul, seeking ill intent on those who were righteous, having a come to Jesus moment! What decisions would be made? How our communities would change! Stricter adherence to regulations. Voters getting a voice and being heard. Caring about the constituents and area of oversight more than the paycheck.  Having the zeal that may have initially got them into this field in the first place, to make significant strides to uphold the constitution.  Let’s  contend for their souls to first see the need of a Savior, repent of their sins, say yes to Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives and begin a new life in Christ that would affect our cities. Mar. 25 - Awaken People involved with Government & Elections podcast. We focus our prayers today on the people in government who hide the light of Jesus because of the bureaucracy, pressure, culturally pushed agendas.  Perhaps they too lost their saltiness due to what they see inside the government agencies, the waste, the lack of high standards, the greed, the wickedness and so much more.  Perhaps the corruption they see has caused them to lose focus, feel hopeless and lack zeal for God.  Inwardly they know they want to make good changes but end up complying for the sake of a paycheck.  Now they are caught in the web spinning into a chokehold.  Lifeless, they feel like giving up.  Why try?  We pray the Lord blows the 4 winds of the Spirit, like in the Valley of dry bones causing a new infilling of the life of the Spirit to wake up. That they become emboldened  to do what’s right even in the face of opposition.  That they rise up with renewed fervor and light, that the works of darkness would be exposed and replaced with godliness. May this awakening shake them so much, that those in their sphere of influence in the government will also experience a shaking. Mar. 21 - People in Education & Entertainment Reform our community podcast. Praying today for those transformed by the work of God, in education and in entertainment, arts & sports, would begin to follow Jesus despite the costs.  That they would ask “what would Jesus do” with my talents and skills? Imagine the impact it would have on our society! How students would learn. How films would be made and developed. How lyrics would be written and sung. How sports would be moderate in all things. How artwork would display the handiwork of God! And how many on the sidelines who need Jesus would be saved.      Lk. 6:46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? 2 Cor. 5:15 And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. Eph. 5:17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Mar. 20 - Transform people involved with Education & Entertainment podcast. Picture the faculty of the schools in your neighborhood or who teach your children or grandkids, nieces or nephews.  Now picture them all excited about their newfound faith in Christ.  Envision those who once were lukewarm now on fire for God.  Who are those that entertain you? Singers, actors, producers, sports players, artists.  Picture them with a smile so infectious because they just discovered the pearl of great price – Jesus.  They found out and believed He died for their sins sacrificially, lovingly and knocked at the door of their hearts.  Now they are fellowshipping.  They want to share this with others.  But how? And what will people say? Today let’s pray for the newly saved and those now on fire for nothing to stop them, not even the gates of hell, nor opposition, persecution or naysayers.  Picture them full of the armor of God, strong and courageous, no weapon formed against them does them harm.  Instead, they stand, speak boldly, because they have the greatest treasure in the world.  They want to share it with others. Mar. 19 - Revive people involved with Education & Entertainment podcast. Imagine teachers, administrators, teacher unions and people in the department of education getting saved!  How many students, faculty, parents and future leaders would be affected for good!  Imagine celebrities, directors, producers, writers, actors, sports players, artists getting saved! What movies, TV shows, videos would be made? How would games be played? Who would get the honor? How would the money be distributed? Today we pray for the salvation of those in education and entertainment.  Let’s  contend for their souls to first see the need of a Savior, repent of their sins, say yes to Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives and begin a new life in Christ that would affect all of society. Mar. 18 - Awaken People involved with Education & Entertainment podcast. Two other areas that influence our society are education and entertainment.  The long-term reach of education affects every member of society. The long-armed reach of entertainment, including sports and arts, extends to every person in society. Both influencers can promote good or evil. We focus our prayers today on the people who have lost their salt as believers.  Those who shy away from sharing their faith to avoid persecution.  The ones who tend to comply with the pressures from their employers, who promote ideologies against God.  Inwardly they know it is against what they know is wrong but for the sake of employment, go along with it. We pray they wake up. Get encouraged to do what’s right even in the face of opposition.  Rise up and let their light shine so bright, that the works of darkness will be revealed and snuffed out. May this awakening so shake them, that those around will give glory to God. Mar. 14 - Podcast. In the book, “In His Steps” by Charles Sheldon, two of the characters changed their city by doing what they felt Jesus would do.  One was an editor in the newspaper media, the other was a manager in the Railroad business.  The editor changed some of the content and ads they ran that caused many ruffled feathers.  The manager changed the cafeteria room to provide a healthier environment for his employees and started a Bible study for those interested. Imagine what would happen if the people working in our commerce and media arenas would begin to do what Jesus would do?  If you prayed yesterday, keep the memory of those you encounter in business and those you listen to or watch in the media, as you lift them up to see reform in our community. Lk. 6:46; 2 Cor. 5:15; Eph. 5:17 Mar. 13 - Podcast. Picture the people who serve you at restaurants & all the staff that goes into making your dish. Include the people you get your hair cut, grocers who check your food, mechanics who repair your cars, trash collectors who pick up your garbage every week, retail clerks who tab your bill and other people who frequently see you for a business transaction.  Then add those you listen to or watch for information.  Bring them to memory as we pray for God to transform their lives.  To do such a work in them that they are not the same, away from cold and lukewarm to hot love for God.  People who now want to do God’s will and not their  own.  Those newly saved so on fire for the Lord spill over into the lives of those around them, affecting how they do business or report information in the media. Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 5:17; 2 Cor. 3:18 Mar. 12 - Podcast. When you get service, products or food from businesses and the personnel give you a deadpan face, what do you do? Are you one of those that tries to make them laugh or write a bad review for the lack of zeal in their customer service? Imagine if we prayed for the Lord to revive these people who have so much influence with the community. First, that they would come to know the Lord and then share that newfound faith with others.  How about media personnel? What areas of influence they have! Praying for them to get saved could change the way we hear information. Today let’s contend for the souls of those who are in commerce and media to repent of their sins, say yes to Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives and begin a new life in Christ. Ps. 85:6; Is. 57:15; Ps. 80:19 Mar. 11 - Podcast. Two other areas that influence our society are the business sector and the media.  How does commerce affect us?  Think of all the businesses in our county.  San Bernardino county majors in distribution and delivery. Consider all the medical & dental services, grocery stores, the restaurant sector, retail stores, auto companies, furniture outlets and all the places providing repairs and maintenance and so much more.  Media encompasses the printed & social media platforms, online, radio, and all other formats that provide information.  Today we focus on praying for those who are believers but asleep and work in the field of commerce & media. We pray they awake, become bold and courageous in their faith, unashamed of the gospel.  May the Lord light the fires that once burned bright and clear. Scriptures: Mark 9:50; Col. 4:6; Matt. 5:16; Eph. 5:14 Mar. 8 - Podcast. Highlights of past week’s local news. Murder/Attempts: A body was found in Mirage after a vehicle fire. The same place where 6 men were murdered by 5 other men who have been charged. Another man was shot and killed in San Bernardino. Man arrested for attempting murder in Bloomington.  Crime/Arrests: San Bernardino County alerting residents to watch for phone payment scam acting as DMV. New operation occurring to stop illegal off-highway vehicles happened in Lytle Creek. A woman committed robbery in Upland and brought her 2 children. 2 females arrested for multi-county retail theft. Big fraud scheme on several low-income housing projects now going to foreclose. Family lost all their belongings in a U-Haul fire. Woman stole over $1,200 from Target in Chino. Registered sex offender who preyed underage girls online seeking more victims. Suspect of grand theft auto in Upland arrested. Man arrested for causing a structure fire in Joshua Tree. After a wild pursuit, suspect arrested in Fontana. In Wrightwood, another mom caught with  drugs while driving her son. 4 points to pray for news: people involved & affected, future prevention and protection by those who can, powers to raise standards & make ethical decisions. Mar. 7 - Podcast. Today we pray for our family and church to reform. But what does it mean? Its definition says to make changes in (something, typically a social, political, or economic institution or practice) in order to improve it.  Following in the heels of the pledge, what would happen if we committed to ask, “what would Jesus do? And then do it?” Reformation, change, would occur in our sphere of influence and would create a ripple effect. May our families and church people seek to answer this question and obey. What amazing changes we would see! Lk. 6:46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? 2 Cor. 5:15 And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. Eph. 5:17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Mar. 6 - Podcast. Another word for metamorphosis is transformation.  Like the caterpillar that goes through this process to become a butterfly, so we too go through a change that is unseen.  We become new creatures; old things passed away.  We are different from what we were.  How did that happen? 2 Cor. 3:18 answers, And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.  Pray with the podcast or on your own for transformation to occur in our families and church. That we would see people so changed, the world will take notice. Prayer points: not conformed to this world, renew their mind, hunger to read God’s word, able to discern good & evil, old things no longer desire, the things of this world become distasteful, sensitive to what the Lord approves and disapproves, know that God’s boundaries provide protection, founded on love not fear; fears quenched by His love; able to love others from an understanding of God’s love; deliverance from oppression. Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 5:17; 2 Cor. 3:18; Gal. 2:20 Mar. 5 - Podcast. Our prayer focus today is on people in our family and church who need to be revived. Prayer points: passionate desire to go to church, willingness to express their worship to the Lord by singing and praising freely, hunger to learn God's word and apply it, quick and instant repentance as the Holy Spirit convicted them of sin, desire to reconcile with brothers and sisters in Christ, awed by God's mercy, quick to forgive others and accepted the Lord's forgiveness, sought ways to do acts of kindness and gave generously, possessed a childlike faith, as they prayed for others' needs, eager to share the gospel and newfound faith with others, unafraid of the possible rejection, feeling of newness, a first love, a fresh start, needed the fellowship with other believers and made time for it and conviction of habits that needed to stop and supernatural ability to turn from them. Ps. 85:6, Is. 57:15; Ps. 80:19; Ps. 51:10; Ps. 19:7 Mar. 4 - Podcast. we intercede for Family & Church. Today we emphasize the need for those who know the Lord to awaken.  The valley of dry bones story stems from Ezekiel 37.  For a condensed version, the Lord takes Ezekiel to a valley full of bones that were very dry.  The Lord explained the bones represented the people of Israel whose hope was gone and cut off; they felt dried up, useless; lifeless; almost dead. Through Ezekiel he told to listen to the word of the Lord.  He was going to:  make them alive with the breath of God, give them tendons and cover them with skin that they would know He was THE Lord. He referred to them as “slain” as if they had been in a battle and felt defeated. But after He gave them life, they arose as a vast army. So as we pray today, think of those in your family and church who feel this way, who need a touch from God to bring new life to places of despair, of defeat, or of deadening.  Let’s ask the Lord to awaken them and fill them up so much they would be like the 120 on the day of Pentecost – fresh, alive and ready to share their faith anew. Mar 1 - Podcast. Highlights of past week’s local news.  Several deaths occurred, a Fontana armed man was killed by police in Upland, 2 homicides found in Spring Valley Lake, Rialto man shot and drove to Fontana. In San Bernardino, | Redlands | Highland | Loma Linda | Adelanto | Barstow multiple arrest for seizures of meth and firearms. A woman vandalized Rancho Cucamonga businesses and attacked deputy during arrest. Two commercial burglars were arrested in Fontana. The standoff in Apple Valley ended peacefully. Man from 29 Palms possessed tear gas and domestic assault. A 15-year-old stole a car and took the police on a wild chase in Victorville. A Barstow man tried to outrun the police at over 130 mph also with a stolen vehicle.  Many automobile accidents and tragedies on the freeways especially on the Cajon pass.

Most Current Topic In Psalm 107 we read of some seamen struggling in a tempestuous storm. “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. [Ps. 107:28-29] During this holiday season, families face many pressures, with wars, economic issues, climate patterns, family dynamics. Easily we could feel the waves around us are out of control. We have choices; get overwhelmed or cry out to the One who can calm the storm to a whisper. In November and December, our prayer focus will be on the current issues confronting families. Instead of giving into the internal and external stresses attacking the family, let's join together, petitioning the Lord for peace in the storms. Monday through Friday we'll provide a podcast, prayer points, scriptures and resources on a different focused family topic. The podcast is a tool to help you participate in prayer. Use it as a platform to add your own petitions. Please encourage others to join us in interceding. “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. Ps. 107:28-29 You're not alone! If you face a family dilemma, know that there are others praying with you and for you. We don't have to go through hardships by ourselves. Let's bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. [Gal. 6:9] Post a prayer request and/or a prayer for a topic in the comments at the end of this page. MOST CURRENT TOPIC BELOW Topic/date: Fri, 12/29th - FAMILIES AS LIGHTHOUSES [spark a fire, spread His love, shine in the darkness] Family topic podcast: Families become lighthouses who want to pass on God’s love, sparking a fire of revival and bold to shine in the darkness. Scriptures: Matt. 5:14-16; John 8:12; Acts 13:47; Eph. 5:8 Prayer points: pray for your neighbors as a family; take prayer walks; look for ways to be a light to those around you; do simple acts of kindness; when encountering a neighbor offer to pray for them or ask if they have something they need in prayer; invite them over for a meal or coffee or tea; pray for divine encounters, ask questions, seek to get to know them & build relationship. Resources: Your Home: A Lighthouse - Via Families (weavefamily.org); A House of Prayer for All Neighbors — GOSPEL FAMILY MINISTRIES; It Only Takes A Spark Song Lyrics | Divine Hymns | Gospel Song Lyrics Topic/date: Thu, 12/28th - LEAVING A LEGACY [Living to Pass on the Torch of Godliness] Family topic podcast: Leaving a legacy [Living to Leave behind what matters to God] Scriptures: Ps. 112:1-3; Matt. 6:20-21; Prov. 13:22 Prayer points: to leave a godly legacy to the next generation: disciple, encourage, equip, resource, empower, position for success, reaffirm, remind what to do, point to Jesus, reassure, release, rejoice with them, share the hope you have in Christ and in your future heaven home. Resources: Leaving a Legacy: 10 Things I Want To Be Remembered For (whatchristianswanttoknow.com); 4 Ways to Pass Down a Spiritual Legacy - Kathy Howard; 12 Steps To Leaving A Godly Legacy To The Next Generation | Brian Dodd on Leadership Topic/date: Wed, 12/27th - INSTILL VALUES [It's never too late to share] Family topic podcast:  Instilling values [what standards do we live by and expect at home] Scriptures: Deut. 6:6-7; Prov. 22:6; 1 Tim. 5:8; Col. 3:20; 1 Tim. 3:5 Prayer points: increase prayer for your family, keep a journal of requests, list the praises, increase faith with God’s promises; regularly repent and teach that; show unconditional love, forgive daily, serve others and take family along; tithe & donate; have family nights, show your faith. Resources: Building your family on Christian values and principles - FamilyToday Topic/date: Tue, 12/26th - TIME WASTED OR TIME WELL SPENT [living with no regrets] Family topic podcast: Making the most of every opportunity with our families Scriptures: Ps. 88:13; Prov. 16:3; 16:9; John 16:13 Prayer points: meditate on Eph. 5:15-16 letting it sink into our hearts; seek the Lord for ways to make the most of our time, paying attention to opportunities, identifying what we do that wastes time and replacing it with what matters more that exhibits love for God and for people. Resources:4 Biblical Truths to Help You Use Time Wisely (livingbydesign.org) Topic/date: Frid, 12/22nd - EMPTY NESTERS & RETIRED [Now what?] Family topic podcast: Empty nesters [Finding new normal, keeping active & persisting in prayer] Scriptures: Phil. 1:6; 2 Cor.10:10; Prov. 22:6 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); Tips For Empty Nesters | How to Prepare for the Empty Nest (emptynestblessed.com); 7 Powerful Encouragements for the Empty Nester (crosswalk.com); Your Empty Nest Is God’s Opportunity | Christianity Today; Are you facing the empty nest? 10 Scriptures you need + hope! - Christi Gee Topic/date: Wed, 12/20th - TEENAGERS [Questions! Answers? Trusted Source?] Family topic podcast: teenagers 12-19 [grounded in the Word, supportive families & God’s love for them] Scriptures: James 1:21–26; Eph. 3;14-21; 1 Cor. 15:33 Prayer points: find faith in God and his love; find answers in the Word; sexual purity; filter sources; find safe family members to talk to; healthy peers; able to stand their ground despite pressure to conform; find beauty through God’s lens; protected from taking drugs laced with fentanyl; feel valued, important and needed. Resources: 10 CHALLENGES FACING CHRISTIAN YOUTH (jeremiahinstitute.com); Supporting Your Teenager: A Christian Counselor’s Advice, Part 2 | Bellevue Christian Counseling; 7 Challenges Teens Face Today - CCCRD | Center for Christian Counseling & Relationship Development Topic/date: Wed, 12/20th - SINGLENESS [Remaining single; Seeking Mate; Following God] Family topic podcast: Singles [by choice or in waiting mode] Scriptures: Jer. 29:11; Eccl. 3:1-8; Ps. 84:11 Prayer points: begin praying for their mates in advance, not just to have one but for their life, for God to bring the right one and not a decoy, a believer not unequally yoked, healthy ways to find a mate, peace and joy in the journey, acceptance for those seeking a celibate life, opportunities to do things without a partner, loneliness turn to ways to connect with others, not give in to fatalism but know God has good plans for them, faith to believe. Resources: 15 Bible Verses About Singleness | What God Says (justinemfulama.com); Christian Advice for Singles (The 4 Phases) | ApplyGodsWord.com; Lesson 8: Practical Advice For Singles (1 Corinthians 7) | Bible.org Topic/date: Tue, 12/19th - SHARING OUR FAITH [right motives, methods and material] Family topic podcast: Sharing faith with unsaved family [right motives, right methods and right material] Scriptures: James 5:16; Eph. 4:18; Acts 4:29-30 Prayer points: for hardened hearts to be tenderized and open to hear; breakdown of arguments; overcome by our testimonies, understanding and good questions to ask, discerning the time and situation when sharing [are they tired, sick, or hungry]; God to give them eyes to see and ears to hear above all the other noise; we model a good Christian life, apologizing and forgiving as needed, clothed in humility, remembering but for the grace of God we could still be unsaved. Topic/date: Mon, 12/18th - SEXUAL ISSUES [Whose body is it anyways? What am I looking at? Who am I attracted to?] Family topic podcast: Sexual Issues [Purity in/before marriage; Pornography; Person Identity] Scriptures: 1 Cor. 6:18-20; Heb. 13:4; Col. 3:5 Prayer points: godly teaching share in the family of sexual boundaries; that God made them for our safety and protection, a healthy respect for God’s views of it; empowered to wait until marriage; taught this in churches, youth groups and even children’s church; for people to RUN from sexual sin – turn off the shows, make a choice to not watch movies, listen to songs or play video games that contain sexual overtones, get into accountability groups to overcome addictions. Topic/date: Fri, 12/15 - SABBATH Family topic podcast: Sabbath [resting, intermission, work break] Scriptures: Ex. 20:8-11; Lev. 23:3; Matt. 11:28-30; Is. 58:13 Prayer points: yoke with Christ, learn from his gentle & humble walk; plan for the day, make it different than the rest; work less; social media refrain; quality time with friends/family, spend time with the Lord reading the Bible, listening to worship music, choosing entertainment that builds the Spirit; reevaluate your activities – what to keep what to stop. Resources: 15 Activities Strictly Prohibited on Shabbat in Israel - Secret Israel (secret-israel.com); Modern Day Sabbath | How to Rest & Refresh in a Time-Crunched Culture (debpreston.com) Topic/date: Thu, 12/14 - RESENTMENT Family topic podcast: Resentment [dividing tasks & teambuilding & sharing costs] Prayer points: members deal with their resentment, find solutions to share chores, costs and responsibilities; confront not avoid or give up; create rules that build teamwork and camaraderie, encourage mutual engagement, invitational communication, clear communication of expectations for each member at events, gatherings and meals; ways to unite not divide; lighten loads. Scriptures: Eccl. 4:9-12; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Eph. 4:16 Resources: Developing Family Teamwork - Kelly Crawford (crosswalk.com); How To Build A Strong Christian Family – The Bottom Line, Ministries (tblfaithnews.com); 5 Ways to Build Teamwork in Your Family - First Things First Topic/date: Wed, 12/13 - RECONCILIATION & FORGIVENESS Family topic podcast: Reconciliation & Forgiveness [Initiating I’m sorry; Harboring no offense; Forgiving mercifully] Prayer points: regularly forgive offenders, recognize how much they’ve been forgiven by God, daily pray the Lord’s prayer, listen to how they speak about family members, admit it is sin to speak ill of anyone, keep forgiving until it is from their heart, not retelling the offense, able to be the first to own their part in the problem and apologize, recognizing one of the things God hates is someone who causes division Scriptures: Matt. 18:21-22; Prov. 17:9; Matt. 6:9-13 Resources: Forgiveness within Christian Families | Help Club for Moms; Lesson 12: Reconciled Families (Malachi 4:4-6) | Bible.org; The ABCs of Christian Forgiveness: An 8-Step Approach - Binmin Topic/date: Tue, 12/12 - FAMILY MEMBERS WITH DISABILITY Family topic podcast: Families with Children or Adults with social, physical or mental disabilities [hope, healing or deliverance] Prayer points:find living hope, ongoing hope in the Lord for grace & strength; healing to the disabled, medical progress and success, not give up when tired; see the heightened traits of those challenged, appreciate and savor the good moments, support from extended family, cast their cares on the Lord and not take them back Scriptures: 3 John 1:2; 1 Pet. 1:3; 2 Thess. 3:13 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); 15 Scriptures To Pray For Your Child with Special Needs (embracing.life) Topic/date: Mon, 12/11 - UNSAVED LOVED ONES & PRODIGALS Family topic podcast: Prodigals & Unsaved loved ones [praying God’s word UNTIL . . .] Prayer points: persistence in prayer, removing any offense towards the one we pray for; asking for others to speak to them about the Lord, for them to see their condition from God’s perspective, to experience a pigsty moment like the prodigal and want to come home, for those who influence their lives be saved or removed; for God to remove the stony stubborn heart and replace with a tender, responsive heart, for dreams and visions of God’s love and judgment. Scripture[s]: Ezekiel 34:16; Jude 1:22-23; Luke 15:11-32; John 10:28-29; Ezek. 36: Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); Pray Them Home: Three Prayers for Prodigal Children | Desiring God; Prayer for the Prodigal Son or Daughter (missionariesofprayer.org); 7 Prayers for Your Prodigal Child (ibelieve.com) Date/topic: Fri. 12/8 - PARENTING Family topic podcast: Parenting Issues [Exhaustion vs Yoking up with God & finding rest; Disconnect vs Playtime; Regretting moments missed vs Stopping to savor the moment] Prayer points: yoke up with the Lord to parent their kids, get energy and wisdom from the Lord; seek friends who are older parents, not do it alone; take breaks from kids to regroup; put away cell phones when kids need their attention; show the kids they are important and valued early and reinforce through the years; savor the moments when they are good and praise them openly; being honest and real; helping them see it’s not perfection that makes a good family; it’s love and forgiveness and a reliance on the Lord’s strength. Scripture[s]: Matt. 11:28-30; Is. 40:11; Eccl. 3:1 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); 8 Promises for Exhausted Parents - Christian Parenting (crosswalk.com); 7 Ways to Connect with Your Children (childdevelopmentinfo.com); 32 Ways to Savor Your Children While You Have Them (ericalayne.co) Prayer date: Thursday, Dec. 7th Family topic podcast: K-6 children [praying for their protection from harm; prevention from false teachings; resilience from pandemic aftermath and encouraged by the Holy Spirit] Prayer points: predators caught before harm comes to children; parents educate and monitor children’s social media use; parents heard and empowered at school district meetings; voice of parents greater than Dept. of Ed.; books with explicit/implicit sexual overtones be banned from K-6th grades; Covid aftermath cause them to more resilient; family uses it as dialogue to strengthen and inform, children feel valued and important at home. Scriptures: Jer. 29:11; Matthew 19:14; 1 Timothy 4:12 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); Suspected internet predator arrested following multi-agency sting; police seeking more victims (newsbreak.com); Professor stumped why parents are concerned about sexual content in kids' book | WCIV (abcnews4.com); 7 Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Kids (childrenshospitals.org); PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com) Prayer date: Wednesday, Dec. 6th Family topic podcast: Grandparents [leaving an enduring influence; praying until something happens; modeling Christ & God’s love] Prayer points: they would first focus on God and their love of Him would spill over to those around them, they would recognize what they do & say affects many; they would apologize, forgive and not hold offense from any family member; model persistent prayer & prayers of faith; their ending days would demonstrate the power of the Gospel; they would teach and not be afraid to speak the truth to their family in love; be grounded in God’s love & rock solid in their faith Scriptures: Ps. 145:4; Deut. 6:5-7; Ps. 78:1-8 Resources: How to be an Intentional Christian Grandparent - Grams and Pops; 4 Tips for Helping Grandchildren of Divorced Parents - Christian Grandparenting Network; 7 Essentials For Grandparenting Your Grandkids - Focus on the Family Prayer date: Tuesday, Dec. 5th Family topic podcast: Loving & Praying for our Extended Family [Do we really need them? How to love the ones that drive us nuts? What’s keeping us apart?] Prayer points: recognizing we need them to help us learn and grow; learn from their knowledge of our history & culture; loving/forgiving those who are like porcupines; glean from their strengths & skills & wisdom; recognizing though blood related we have new DNA; praying for troubled ones; seeking God’s view of the hurting ones; quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to get angry, holiday & celebrations are times of joy not drama Scriptures: Eccl. 4:9; 1 Tim. 2:1; 1 Cor. 1:10 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); Prayer Of The Day - A Prayer For Extended Family - MARRIAGE AFTER GOD; The Extended Family in America | Christian Standard; 30 Intercessory Prayers For Family Breakthrough -Bibleandprayers.com; 17 Persistent Prayer Points For Family Breakthrough - Faith Victorious Date: Monday, Dec. 4th Family topic podcast: College & Adult Children [Co-dependent on Holy Spirit ; Dependent on God; Interdependent on Body of Christ] Prayer points: truth would win out over lies taught in some college classes; resolve to stay true to what they learned and believed about God while attending college, parents to release kids to God’s ultimate care; for godly friends to surround them when they leave; for support from other parents in prayer and ways to love kids from a distance; hedge of protection against the worldly temptations, a desire & ability to stay the course to follow Jesus, no matter what, to be a light in the darkness. Scriptures: Rom. 15:13; Phil. 1:6; Eph. 4:16 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); Lead Your Adult Children Back to Christ - Christian Parenting (crosswalk.com); 10 Things to Remember When Your Adult Child Leaves the Church (ibelieve.com); Parenting Adult Children: Six Steps to Sanity - Christian Parenting (crosswalk.com) Date: Friday, Dec. 1st Family topic podcast: Divorce [Hurting Couple– Church Involvement – Hurting Kids] Prayer points: healing to both partners, healing to the children, children not blamed, not think they will divorce because parents did, godly role models for the children, church pray for not judge those involved, support from extended family, mediation, all feel valued, find purpose, closure, how to navigate in the new, for churches to have programs like divorce recovery. Scriptures: Eph. 6:18; James 5:13-16; Rom. 12:12 Resources: Prayers for Marriage - A Complete Biblical Guide (biblestudytools.com); 5 Important Prayers For When Going Through Divorce - The Graceful Chapter; How to Pray for the Child of Divorce - Hope 4 Hurting Kids Date: Thursday, Nov. 30th Family topic podcast: Childless by choice or not [No advice please, Never assume who is infertile; No children but still fulfilled in God] Prayer points: direction and open doors for those wanting children; safe people to discuss their pain, acceptance & no judgment by others for those that don’t want kids; renewed hope and strength as the childless couple looks for options; ways to deal with naysayers & when others conceive around them, hope where there’s despair, encouragement despite barrenness; the miracle of life & children, ways for them to love kids while waiting. Scriptures: Is. 54:1; Luke 23:29; 1 Cor. 7:8; Prov. 30:15-16 Resources: How You Can Care for the Childless (thegospelcoalition.org); When a Christian is Childless — World Childless Week; Don't Judge Me Because I'm Childless | Today's Christian Woman (todayschristianwoman.com) Prayer date: Wednesday, Nov. 29th Family topic podcast: Blended families [coming together not falling apart] Prayer points: common ground, open communication, healthy dialogues, truly listening to each other’s concerns, solutions that work, Jesus centered conversations, prayer & harmony, peace and connectedness, interdependence vs selfish ambitions, help from external sources, acceptance vs rejection to the new norms Scriptures: Galatians 3:28; Psalm 127:1; Eph. 2:14 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); Christian Advice for Blended Families: 7 Helpful Tips (whatchristianswanttoknow.com); Blended Families - Problems, Challenges, Bible Verses | Preach It, Teach ItAsk Roger Detail | Preach It, Teach It (preachitteachit.org); Christian Family Counseling: Blended Families and Parenting | Mill Creek Christian Counseling Prayer date: Tuesday, Nov. 28th Family topic podcast: Babies & toddlers [never too early to teach about God, simple less is best, remember parents need spiritual formation too] Prayer points:  : parents find ways to get short breaks; others help them raise these little ones, protection, early they will know the Lord as savior, discipline appropriately to guide, divine wisdom through temper tantrums, parents & godly people speak good words over them, parents get sufficient input that is spiritual, physical and mental. Scriptures: Prov. 22:6; Is. 40:11; Jer. 1:5 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); Powerful Prayers for a Baby - Holy Land Prayer; 35 Scriptures to Pray Over your Children (with Free Prayer Calendar) - (garmentsofsplendor.com) Prayer date: Monday, Nov. 27th Family topic podcast: Adopted & Fostered [Kids who need a forever family; Couple who needs a forever kid; Celebrate our adoption to God’s family] Prayer points:  Children waiting for adoption, hope, process smooth, adapting goes well; foster children in the system, foster children after the system ends, foster parents, for the right reasons, ethically, lovingly, treat as their own; adoptive parents, patience, ability to love through assimilation, both foster & adoptive parents supported by extended family, gratitude for having a Father who will NEVER leave us NOR forsake us and who provided us a forever family. Scriptures: James 1:27; Gal. 4:4-5; Ps. 10:14 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); 5 ways you can pray for adoptive families - ERLC; Adoption Prayer - Prayer Ideas; Prayer for Orphans (knowing-jesus.com); Foster Care as the Way of Christ | Desiring God Prayer date: Wednesday, Nov. 22nd Family topic podcast: Work & Family Life Balance [Work boundaries; Intentional Family time; Time out to restore] Prayer points:  families would limit nonessential activities; learn when to say "no"; establish boundaries; unplug; ask God what to keep & remove from home activities; let others know you need help; review tasks as a family; delegate more; what’s most important that you value; schedule family time; create mini-vacations where you rest; plan body-care and moments to exhale; savor the moments. Scriptures: Ps. 127:2: Prov. 23:4; 3 John 1:2; Eccl: 4:5-6 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); Balancing Work and Family Life | Christian Bible Studies (christianitytoday.com); Work/Family Balance - Focus on the Family; 11 Tips To Help Balance Your Work and Family Life | Indeed.com Prayer date: Tuesday, Nov. 21st Family topic podcast: Video Games [To play or not to play, inviting God’s wisdom, monitoring costs/time expended] Prayer points:  families to look at content together, what value does the gaming provide, is it an intermission, fun entertainment or wasting time, how does it bond the family, is it destructive, looking for ways to play that bond families together; making decisions collectively, using as a teaching moment, for older members to review costs and time away from families, not be dominated by it, seek help if addicted Scriptures: Eph. 5:16-17; Ps. 101:3; 1 Cor. 6:12 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); Should a Christian play video games? | GotQuestions.org Prayer date: Monday, Nov. 20th Family topic podcast: Strengthening Marriages [intentional work to love, accept & forgive] Prayer points:  for couples to be quick to forgive and apologize, not keep an account of wrongs, ask for you to be the 3rd chord that keeps them together, they seek God above all else, learn to accept and not try to change each other, learn each other’s way of giving and receiving love, to find time to connect, be open with each other/not hiding anything, divine wisdom to handle the external pressures. Scriptures: 1 Peter 4:7-8; Col. 3:13-14; Eph. 4:32 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com);6 Reasons Christian Marriages Struggle - Esther Littlefield; 13 QUESTIONS TO ASK FOR A MARRIAGE THAT LASTS; The Love Language™ Quiz (5lovelanguages.com) Prayer date: Friday, Nov. 17th Family topic podcast: Sports [Team, Spectators, Time, Costs; when is it an idol?] Prayer points:  Pray about behavior when playing or watching, parents teach good sportsmanship, how to lose and win gracefully, monitoring time/costs involved, is it drawing families closer or farther apart; ensuring it doesn’t take God’s place in their hearts; keeping God their first priority. Scriptures: 1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17; 1 John 5:21 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); Spring Sports and Sunday Church | Desiring God; The Christian and Sport | Desiring God; 3 Questions to Detect Sports Idolatry (thegospelcoalition.org) Prayer date: Thursday, Nov. 16th Family topic podcast: Social Media Usage [Stop phubbing! Use parameters! Ask purpose!] Prayer points:  not to be on phone when someone is talking to you [phubbing]; setting clear boundaries on when to listen, what to watch & how to use for good & how much time; identify why families look at social media; remember you’re Christ’s ambassador online; connect with family, take breaks from it; consider fasting Scriptures: Ps. 101:3; 1 Cor. 10:31; Matt. 5:16 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com);Study Reveals Parents' Concerns About Social Media Use | Lurie Children's (luriechildrens.org); 15 Things Christians Should Stop Doing on Social Media - RELEVANT (relevantmagazine.com); How to reduce social media use – 12 simple proven steps (unscreen.org) Prayer date: Wednesday, Nov. 15th Family topic podcast: Schedules [Allotting time for God, family and self-care] Prayer points:  seeking God for what to keep and what to eliminate and what to add; making appointments to spend with family undistracted; 1:1 and communally, ensuring there’s time to care for body, soul & spirit Scriptures: Ps. 37:5; Eph. 5:15-17; Matt. 6:33; Is. 58:11 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); 10 Bible Verses about Schedule, Schedules & Scheduling. – Daily Bible Verse Blog (jollynotes.com); Your Parenting Goals Seem Good, So Why the Struggle? (connectedfamilies.org); How to get your family organized and on a schedule—in three steps (todaysparent.com) Prayer date: Tuesday, Nov. 14th Family topic podcast: Money Problems [Whose money is it anyways? – Love God or Love $ - It is never too early to learn] Prayer points: give to God first; generously, cheerful, save, learn to be content with what they have, not love money, not greedy, test God, tithe, spend appropriately, share with others, teach children how to spend/save and give to God, understand why we need to love God over money. Scriptures: Prov. 3:9; Prov. 6:6-8; Heb. 13:5 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); 10 key Scriptures to follow when managing your money - Christ Win; Money Management for the Christian Family - FamilyLife®; Teach Children How to Handle Money God's Way - Christian Finances (crosswalk.com) Prayer date: Monday, Nov. 13th Family topic podcast: Dealing with family mental illness [without going nuts] Prayer points: for the one experiencing - wholeness, healing, deliverance, able to forgive those who harmed, feel valued and important & see purpose in the body of Christ; freedom from fear/anxiety, mental disorders, able to make healthy choices; for the one caregiving - discernment, wisdom, patience, compassion; for the one observing – no judgment, empathy, intercession, words of encouragement, help person see they matter. Scriptures: Ps. 139:4; Ps. 34:17-18; Ps. 23:3; Is. 53:5 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); What does the Bible say about dealing with mental illness? | GotQuestions.org Prayer date: Friday, Nov. 10th Family topic podcast: Grief [Memorials, Memories, missing – for outsider; to speak or not to speak that is the question] Prayer points: during memorials cover the griever in prayer; emotions free not held back; find the source of comfort, the Holy Spirit, the comforter; words inappropriately spoken overlooked, during times of remembering pray people show their love by their actions fewer words spoken; for the later days when they miss the loved one pray for the griever to want to live, not give up, care for themselves and not seek destructive things to numb the pain; pray they recognize it’s a process and eventually accept it and work through it until they see their future purpose. Scriptures: Ps. 23:4A; 2 Cor. 1:3-4; Is. 40:13 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); How to Heal from Grief - GriefShare; Helping Those Who Grieve - Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (biblicalcounseling.com) Prayer date: Thursday, Nov. 9th Family topic podcast: Gender identity [Finding freedom in God's initial design] Prayer points: For family members who chose to be LGBTQ+; for family members dealing with those who chose it; first that we always define others as children of God; for the family member to draw closer to Christ; for wise counsel, not derision or coddling; that homosexual friends and family respect their Christian loved ones; for them to know they were designed by God; for healthy conversations, protection from suicidal thoughts, truth would set them free; for loving people to speak to them Scriptures: Gen. 1:27; Rom. 1:26-27; John 8:7-11; Deut. 22:5 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com) Prayer date: Wednesday, Nov. 8th Family topic podcast: Entertainment [watching & listening with Jesus by our side] Prayer points: Reminder Jesus is with you all the time when we take in entertainment, be aware of little ones around, whether music, movies, video games or other types would not be an idol in our lives, for Holy Spirit to help you understand the Bible’s entertainment principles, for wisdom as you establish family media standards, to get rid of temptations [i.e. stop a streaming service, throw away what uses foul language, sensual, or God’s name in vain; fast it for 30 days, for strength to resist the temptation to indulge in entertainment that doesn’t glorify God; that the changes made will last. Scriptures: Ps. 119:37; Ex. 20:3; Josh. 1:8 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); Making Wise Entertainment Choices - Focus on the Family; Hymn: Oh, be careful, little eyes, what you see (hymnal.net) Prayer date: Tuesday, Nov. 7th Family topic podcast: Dependence Issues [Co, Inter, Independence or God] Prayer points: Identifying who we are depending on – man or God; are we the cause of their dependence; learning each member matters; each family can do something; co-dependent means we’re not relying on God; interdependence means we need each other; independence means I can do it by myself, me is at the center of relationships, God dependence means I recognize the Potter, I’m the clay and under His leadership and need to depend on Him. Scriptures: Phil. 4:13, Matt. 10:37; 1 John 4:7-8 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); What does the Bible say about interdependence? | GotQuestions.org Prayer date: Monday, Nov. 6th Family topic podcast: Geographically distant [praying for those we want to love as if they are close when they are far] Prayer points: use the prayer in the resource to intercede for your loved one who is distant Scriptures: Ps. 34:7; Ps. 91:11-13; Is. 41:9-13 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); Praying For Children Moving Away From Home - The Father's Business (thefathersbusiness.com) Prayer date: Friday, Nov. 3rd Family topic podcast: Communication [Are you really listening? What are you saying? Get off the phone while we're talking!] Prayer points: making a choice to listen out of love; get rid of distractions, right place right time, seeking to understand first, be humble, gentle, patient, make allowance for their faults, be united, seek peace, speak truth in love, communicate intentionally, be angry & don't sin, build each other up with wholesome language, be kind and forgiving, put away phones. Scriptures: Eph. 4:1-3; 15-16; 23-24; 26-27; 29; 31-32 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com); Family Communication God's Way - Christian Parenting (crosswalk.com) Prayer date: Thursday, Nov. 2nd Family topic podcast: Caregivers & Family Member needing Care [whose member is it anyways? Learning to love God & self to love others. Prayer points: spending quality time with God; taking Sabbath time to restore; renewed with love to care for family member; finding joy in the caring, combatting fatigue with enough sleep & down time, paying attention to red flags in the member and in self, able to receive care without feeling like a burden; clear communication of needs, getting help, sharing the load; more than a duty – it’s a service to God. Scripture[s]: 1 John 3:17; Phil. 2:4; Gal. 6:10 Resources: A Biblical Perspective on Caregiving | Joni and Friends; PRAYER FOCUS: Families (sbcuniteandawake.com) Prayer date: Wednesday, Nov. 1st Family topic podcast: Arguments & Conflicts - Biblical approach [it's not about winning] Prayer points: Identify root cause; examine motives; lean on grace; put on humility; create an environment of thanksgiving, pray before and after the conflict or argument, seek resolution not restitution, the end game is not your way or my way - it's God's way. Scripture[s]: James 4:1-3 NLT; Phil 2:4 NLT Resources: Handling Conflict Biblically and Constructively: Encouraging articles from Family Fire — Family Fire; Conflict Management: A Biblical Approach — Family Fire Prayer date: Family topic podcast: Prayer points: Scriptures: Resources: Topic/date: Tue, 12/27th - INSTILLING VALUES [by God's not man's standards] Family topic podcast: Scriptures: Resources: