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updated 10/23/23 City Web Site Prayer podcasts: for the city; for the officials Helendale or Silver Lakes, which is a subdivision of Helendale and is an unincorporated community with est. population at 5,432 [2023]; settled in Victor Valley of the Mojave Desert, located near Route 66, west of the I-15, between Barstow and Victorville. The name Helendale is used by the USPS, while Silver Lakes is used by the US Census. Demographics: overall crime grade is D- [see more details below]; M:F 1:1; median age is 46; 31% households with children; average household income $78K; 77% own; 23% rent; high school grad 29%; some college 37%; 31% college degrees; never married 19%; married 62%; 9% widowed; 10% divorced; 80% white including Hispanic; 5% African American; Asian 3%; other 12%. History In 1881 the Southern Pacific and the A&P Railroads came near what would later be Helendale. In the early 1900s, cars began to be used more and more so better roads became necessary. The National Old Trails planned a road from Los Angeles to New York, and they aligned it next to the AT & Santa Fe railroad tracks from Cajon Pass to Needles. The road passed through Helendale. In 1926, the N.O.T. highway became part of the US highway which later was known as US 66. In spite of this, Route 66 was known as the "National Old Trails Road" for many years in California. After WW II, traffic grew and the road had over 1 million travellers in 1960 that passed through Helendale, the need to form a new highway arose. Interstate system created in 1956 bypassed both US 66 and US 91 making travellers use I-15 and I-40, bypassing Helendale for good. Two artificial lakes were built at Helendale in 1969 covering 277 acres and a resort community named "Silver Lakes" was developed along their shores. They are located just west of the Mojave River and Route 66. “Silver Lakes or Helendale; best kept secret in Southern California; the gem of the Mojave" Map of Hellendale Location of Hellendale in SBC Specific Prayer Points | Video about Silver Lakes Environmental issues: water theft likely due to illegal marijuana farms Governed by: Community Service District board members & District 1 SBC Board Supervisor Poverty rate: 14%; the poorest groups are children under 6 at 33%; 6-11 yrs. 26%; 12-17 yrs. at 16%. Crime issues: [2022] A crime occurs every 21 hours 3minutes (on average); overall crime is D+; violent crime is C+; property crime D-; other crime is B+; top crime issues are theft at 38% [very high]; drug crimes & vandalism 5% Schools & District: School board members; Independence Charter Academy Spiritual issues: Only 3 churches for a city of 6K; pray for more to arise or for them to visit nearby city churches; intercessors to rise up and boldly pray for this suburb, laborers for the harvest, hearts softened to receive the Lord, lives transformed by the Gospel, enthusiasm and boldness among believers to share their faith, acts of kindness that leads people to repentance, conviction/repentance; awakening to the call of the Lord to be "active" not sitting Churches & Ministries [not exhaustive] Grace Bible church [Pastor Dave Zierenberg, Evangelical Free Church of America Silver Lakes Community Church [Southern Baptist Convention, Pastor Mark Wood] Hellendale Community Church [non-denominational] Rehab Center: Victory Outreach San Bernardino - The Ranch in Helendale - to reach out to hurting people & prepare them as “Treasures Out of Darkness” for the work of the ministry through discipleship, leadership development, and academic training.

Base Web Site Prayer Podcasts: for base; for officials Mission: The National Training Center trains rotational training units, joint, interagency and multinational partners to build and sustain readiness to fight and win, while simultaneously caring for our Soldiers, Civilians, and Family members. Demographics; est. population [2022] 9,100; army personnel and support staff; varies in demographics based on rotating assignments. Fort Irwin is a city located in San Bernardino County California. Located almost 37 miles northeast of Barstow, midway between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, the High Mojave Desert's hills and mountains surround the installation. The average household income in Fort Irwin is $60,449 with a poverty rate of 13.97%. The median rental costs in recent years comes to - per month, and the median house value is -. The median age in Fort Irwin is 22.7 years, 22.9 years for males, and 21.7 years for females. Racial composition 60% white; 19% African American; 2+ races 10%; Asian 8%; Other 4%. Average family size 3. Education Graduate 6%; BS 19%; AA 11%; some college 38%; HS grad 21%; <HS 5%. Language: 82% English only; 11% Spanish; Asian & Pacific Island 6%; Other 1%. 53% married; .5% widowed; 9% divorced; 3% separated; never married 34%. 862 veterans; 584 M; 278 F; 710 2nd Gulf War; ; 174 1st Gulf War. 87% are in labor force participation; 27% employment rate; 10% unemployment rate. 26.63% Born in Fort Irwin; 93.18% Native Born; 6.82% Foreign Born; 2.61% Non-Citizen; 4.21% Naturalized. History [click to see reference] The base begins with Father Francisco Garces 1796 and the Old Spanish trail; Captain John C. Fremont with his guide Kit Carson surveying water-to-water; 1st Dragoons, Co. K that ran patrols out of Camp Cady 1860-66 and it was the first military camp established in the region; and the Mojave Anti-Aircraft Range that became Camp/Fort Irwin. 1940--Present. In 1940 President Franklin Delano Roosevelt established the Mojave Anti-Aircraft Range (MAAR), a military reservation of approximately 1000 square miles, known today as the National Training Center. 11th ACR's first established and deployed from Fort Myers, Virginia and was sent to the Philippine Islands in June 1901 for the Philippine Insurrection, then to Cuba for the Cuban Pacification from 1906-09; But when the revolutionary "Poncho" Villa raided the town of Columbus, New Mexico and the Regiment was deployed to Mexico and the Punitive Expedition of 1916 began; and the "Last Charge" in the US Army’s history was conducted on the 5 May 1916. As WW II developed the guarding of the Mexico-American border was no longer necessary the Regiment was sent to Europe and deployed to the Ardennes for the "Battle of the Bulge". From 16 December 1944 to 28 January 1945 "the largest battle by the United States and was the largest land battle of World War II was fought. The "Border Legion" was the name given to the troops in Germany after the war, and the "Cold War Heats Up" from March 1957-1964. The Regiment was in Vietnam from 7 September 1966--March 1972 where the nickname of the "Blackhorse" became a legend and with three Medal of Honor recipients. The Warsaw Pact and the legitimacy of the Eastern Europe's Communist military ended with the infamous Berlin Wall came down on the 9 November 1989. The unexpected Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on 2 August 1990 triggered the Gulf Crisis that gripped the world's attention. The Regiment serve as the fresh troops that would go in if a counter offensive attack came, none developed so they return to Germany. On 16 October 1994 the Regiment reflagged and "The Best of the Best" now trains Today’s Army, at Fort Irwin, California. The Regiment now serves as the Opposing Force (OPFOR), using Russian Doctrine as a learning tool. From January 2005—17 March 2006 the Regiment was deployed to Iraqi Freedom -War on Terrorism. Returning to Fort Irwin to reorganize as a deployable Heavy Brigade Combat Team while they are continuing to serve in rotational support for the military, today. "Lead...Train...Win...Train the Force to win in Large Scale Combat Operations!" Map of Fort Irwin Location of Fort Irwin in SBC Specific Prayer Points Governed by: Leadership: FORT IRWIN (army.mil); a commanding General & Command Sergeant Major; under 1st District of SBC & hosts an office for Veterans under SBC Veteran Affairs Crime issues: [2022] A crime occurs every 1 day 5 hours (on average) in Fort Irwin; overall crime grade is B-; violent crime D+; property crime A; other crime C-; top crime issues are 15% [very high] drug crimes; vandalism 9% Poverty rate: 14% [<CA average 15%] 7% males; 16% females Units/Tenants: 11th Armored Calvary Regiment; 916th Support Brigade; NTC Operations Group; Network Enterprise Center; Joint Center of Excellence; Mission & Installation Contracting Command; Reserve Component Operations Command & Training; Special Forces Recruiting Fort Irwin; NTC Staff G-1; Army Community Hospital Weed-Irwin Spiritual needs: chaplains share the Gospel boldly and with results, believing soldiers and supporting staff share the Gospel with boldness, followed by signs and wonders that bring people to Christ; intercessors rise up and claim this Fort and its personnel for Jesus; protection for those that serve in battle or overseas; military marriages given Godly counsel and help in maintaining the distant relationships; military families and children find Jesus and a solid ground as they deal with the many issues facing them like moving around; revival at the base; divine opportunities to talk about the Lord as they deal with real time skirmishes; an awakening and fire to the lukewarm and those sitting not actively involved with their faith Churches [not exhaustive] Religious services provided for Catholics; Non-denominational Christians, Latterday Saints and Muslims at the Center Chapel Ft. Irwin Religious Support & Chaplain [on base] Oasis Worship Experience at Fort Irwin Blackhorse Chapel [For transition help] nearby churches in Barstow and Newberry Springs

updated 10/16/23 Location: Demographics; Map of Cedarpines Park Location of Cedarpines Park History of Cedarpines Park “motto" Specific Prayer Points Spiritual: Governed by: Schools/Districts: Crime Statistics: [2022] A crime occurs every 2 days 23 hours; overall crime grade is D; violent is C-; property is B+; other is D-. Top crime issues 37% drug crimes [very high]; vandalism 15%; burglary 6%. Points of interest: Churches [not exhaustive]

updated 10/2/23 City Web Site Prayer Podcasts: for the city; for the officials & SBC Sheriff Devore Heights, or Devore, is a residential neighborhood located north of the junction of Interstate 15 and Interstate 215, about 12 miles northwest of downtown San Bernardino. It is also the last town to pass through before taking the Cajon Pass to reach Hesperia. The area is just outside the boundaries of the San Bernardino National Forest; Glen Helen Pavilion & Amphitheater, the largest in North America, is located just south of Devore. Demographics: M: F 51:49%; median age 29; 50% families with children; average income $82K; 13% below poverty; 62% own; 38% rent; 44% married; 43% never married;42% high school grad; 30% some college; 12% college degree; overall crime grade is F [see details below]; 58% white; 39% Hispanic; 1% African American and Asian; est. population [2021] 2,283. History | Video of History In 1776, Father Garces, a missionary, traveled along the Mohave Indian Trail on foot across the width of San Bernardino County from the Mohave villages on the Colorado River through the valley on his way to Mission San Gabriel. In March of that year, he headed down a ridge between Cable and Devil canyons, crossed the nearby Cajon Creek and passed through what is now Devore. Near Glen Helen Park [current], the Serrano Indian village noted by Garces during his visit. In 1819, Father Joaquin Pascal Nuez noticed the same village and christened it Santisma Trindad. In 1826, the Mohave Trail offered access to a fur trapping party led by 27-year-old Jedediah Smith passed through the Devore area, much as Garces had done a half century earlier. In 1847, a US Army group called the Mormon Battalion stayed at “Camp Cajon”. Mormon families camped in the area then Amasa Lyman and Charles Rich, purchased the Rancho San Bernardino. During the 1850s, George Martin and his family established a way station on the old wagon road connecting the San Bernardino Valley and the Mojave Desert. The road ran west of Cajon Creek. “Martin’s Station” was a popular rest stop for weary travelers passing through the Cajon Pass for some 30 years, generally serving as the first stop out from San Bernardino. In 1858, Major William Hoffman, scouted the Mojave Desert for military post sites. The “modern” era of Devore began in 1902. That year an ambitious and highly successful Chicago businessman by the name of John A. Devore purchased 1,800 acres of land in the mouth of Cajon Canyon with the goal of transforming his acquisition into a real showplace. In fact, in his obituary of Feb. 15, 1907, The Sun acknowledged that John Devore’s dream had blossomed into promoting the area into a “world-famous resort for tourists.” A San Bernardino Festival of the Arrowhead in May 1908, “Devore Heights is to San Bernardino what Smiley Heights is to Redlands, one of the prize show places of California.” In 1924, the one-room Cajon School, gave way to a “new” Cajon School. This two-room native rock structure was built across from the old Cajon School, near the corner of Cajon Boulevard and Devore Road. Many of the students had the luxury of riding in a bus driven by Jake Roesch, the eventual founder of Roesch Bus Lines. It stayed in business until Kimbark School took its place in 1969. “Let's work together." Map of Devore Location of Devore in SBC Specific Prayer Points Spiritual: Intercessors to rise up and pray for this area; for revival to break out; for some Christian organization to host a Revival meeting at the Glen Helen Ampitheater. Governed by: San Bernardino County 2nd District Crime issues: [2022] overall crime grade is B, violent crime grade is C+; property crime is B+ and other crime is B-; top issues are vandalism 12% [high] and vehicle theft 6%. Points of Interest: Glen Helen Amphitheater [a 65,000-capacity amphitheater; largest outdoor music venue in the US. The orchestra, box, and loge sections seat a combined 10,902 people, while the lawn section seats 54,098. Constructed in 1982, when Steve Wozniak & The Unuson Corporation completely redeveloped the land to have a site to put on the 1982 US Festival.] Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center [holds almost 1500 inmates, minimum & maximum security; Glen Helen Raceway Churches [not exhaustive] Community church of Devore [Marco Quintana – Pastor] remaining churches are in San Bernardino, Fontana

In July & August we will be addressing one topic a day that affects schools in our region. These will be informational and include a prayer podcast. We also will be campaigning to match every school in the county with a committed prayer partner. Pray for the top issues, schools currently face in the upcoming 2023-24 school year Please e-mail us at sbcuniteandawake@gmail.com if you would like to commit to praying for a school. Include the school name/city where it's located. An updated web page will post what schools have a committed prayer partner and what's left. [If you notice a school is not listed, please e-mail us their information, along with their website.] Short Prayer Podcasts are linked by day below. Helpful Resources Intercessors for America Prayers & Decrees for Schools Guide Prayer for Safety of School Campuses - Intercessors for America (ifapray.org) Top 7 Bible Verses About Bullying And Dealing With Bullies | Jack Wellman (patheos.com) Real Impact: Action Alerts See You At The Pole™ (syatp.com) Ten Things to Pray for Students - Rooted Ministry 5 Ways to Share Your Faith at School - The Rebelution 3 Simple Ways For Kids To Share Their Faith at School - MyLifetree 8 Powerful Back To School Prayers | Think About Such Things 22 Effective Back to School Prayers (christianity.com) Week 31 - (2023) Taking Back the Generations!   - City By City (city-by-city.org) HOW TO PUSH BACK AGAINST CRITICAL RACE THEORY - Intercessors for America (ifapray.org) Three Biblical Problems with Critical Race Theory | Answers in Genesis Know Your Child's School brochure

Updated: 7/7/23 Check on the status of your city[ies] by clicking on the link[s] below. Every city page will have a list of schools, district & number of prayer partners committed to that school. The goal is to match one prayer partner to every school in SBC who will commit to pray during the 2023-24 school year. For those committed to praying for a school, we will send prayer points & resources every Friday, starting in September until the school year ends. There are four ways you can help: 1) commit to pray for a school[s]; find others who will also commit to pray; 3) call churches and/or prayer groups and get the word out and 4) pray that every school get matched with at least one prayer partner. Imagine what God will do as we commit to praying. Feel free to commit to more than one school, if desired. Help us match every school in San Bernardino County with a prayer partner. E-mail us at sbcuniteandawake@gmail.com if you would like to commit to praying for a school. Each city below has a linked page to a list of the schools in their area. It will show what schools have a matched committed prayer partner. If you notice a school missing from the list, email us the school name, city and website.

Help us find people to commit during this school year [2023-24], to pray for at least one school, from the list below. Schools are listed alphabetically by city, then by school. You can pray for all the schools in a city or pick one school or schools near your residence or workplace. Interested in praying? Send us an e-mail with which city and school name you want to commit to pray for at sbcuniteandawake@gmail.com [If a school is not listed, please contact us and provide the city/school name and web site] This will be updated daily Monday-Friday. Last updated:

And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7 Will you join other intercessors/believers to pray for one city a day, Monday-Friday through the months of May and June? Some of the cities are very populated and might take more than one day to pray for all their needs. Each weekday there will be a podcast and link to the city's web page. Do you live in any of these cities? Know any other information to add to the prayer points? Please e-mail us at sbcuniteandawake@gmail.com

When you look at the picture, you see people praying in various ways, holding hands by their sides, holding hands up, individually lifting hands and praying hands. We are unique, designed to be different but of one purpose. We are calling believers in the churches & ministry organizations of SBC to hear the clarion call to pray for one another. At a time when the church is seeing more persecution, we need to rally to support one another. How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting. [Ps. 133] Friday, Jun 30th - Interceding for San Bernardino & Senior Pastors Podcast: Praying for San Bernardino churches & Senior Pastors throughout SBC to see more support in uplifting prayer & given words of encouragement, more volunteers to help out, a greater awakening that all believers need to reach the lost; members would be loving to their families. Scripture: Hebrews 13:17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority because they keep watching over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Prayer Points for: San Bernardino Prayer Points for: Senior Pastors & Statistics Thursday, Jun 29th - Interceding for Fontana & Associate Pastors Podcast: Praying for Fontana churches & Associate Pastors throughout SBC to make collaborative decisions to maintain the finances, property & possessions of the church. Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Prayer Points for: Fontana Prayer Points for: Associate Pastors Wednesday, Jun 28th - Interceding for Ontario & Trustee Boards Podcast: Praying for Ontario churches & Trustee Boards throughout SBC to ensure the temple of God, the physical structure meets His standards. Scripture: Ex. 25:9 “According to all that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it.” Prayer Points for: Ontario Prayer Points for: Trustee Boards Tuesday, Jun. 27th - Interceding for Rancho Cucamonga & Church Leadership Boards Podcast: Praying for Rancho Cucamonga churches & Leadership Boards throughout SBC to make decisions as a team that are Christ-centered and creative. Scripture: Ps. 133:1 “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” Prayer Points for: Rancho Cucamonga Prayer Points for: Leadership Boards Monday, Jun. 26th - Interceding for Rialto & Victorville & Church Administrators Podcast: Praying for Rialto & Victorville churches & Church Administration throughout SBC to feel supported, have sufficient resources to do their work, & do it with excellence. Scripture: 1 Cor. 12:28 “And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.” Prayer Points for: Rialto & Victorville Prayer Points for: Church Administration Friday, Jun 22nd - Interceding for Chino & Hesperia & Outreach Ministry Leaders Podcast: Praying for Chino & Hesperia churches & Outreach ministries in throughout SBC to evangelize those outside the church walls Scripture: Mk. 16:15 “And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone” Prayer Points for: Chino & Hesperia Prayer Points for: Outreach Ministry Leader Thursday, Jun 21st - Interceding for Upland, Chino Hills & Prayer Ministry Leaders Podcast: Praying for Upland & Chino Hills churches & Prayer ministries in SBC to experience a mighty move of God Scripture: 1 John 5:14 “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” & Col. 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Prayer Points for: Upland & Chino Hills Prayer Points for: Prayer Ministry Leaders Wednesday, Jun 21st - Interceding for Redlands, Apple Valley & Men's Ministry Leaders Podcast: Praying for churches & ministries in Redlands & Apple Valley and Men’s Ministry leaders throughout SBC to build confidence in their God given roles Scripture: 1 Tim. 6:11-12 “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” Prayer Points for: Redlands & Apple Valley Prayer Points for: Men’s Ministry Leaders Tuesday, Jun 20th - Interceding for Colton, Highland & Women's Ministry Leaders Podcast: Praying for churches & ministries in Colton & Highland and Women’s Ministry leaders throughout SBC to help women reach their God-desired potential. Scripture: Psalm 46:5 “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” 1 Tim. 3:11 “In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.” Prayer Points for: Colton & Highland Prayer Points for Women’s Ministry Leaders Monday, Jun 19th - Interceding for Montclair, Yucaipa & Couple's Ministry Leaders Podcast: Praying for churches & ministries in Montclair & Yucaipa and Couples’ Ministry leaders throughout SBC to keep believers & marriages thriving. Scripture: Matthew 19:4-6 “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Prayer Points for: Montclair& Yucaipa Prayer Points for: Couples’ Ministry Leaders Friday, Jun 16th - Interceding for Loma Linda, Adelanto & Worship Leaders Podcast: Praying for churches & ministries in Loma Linda & Adelanto and Worship leaders throughout SBC to help people praise the Lord from their heart Scripture: Ps. 100:1-4 “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Prayer Points for: Loma Linda & Adelanto Prayer Points for Recovery Group Leaders: Worship Leaders Thursday, Jun 15th - Interceding for Barstow, Twentynine Palms & Recovery Group Leaders Podcast: Praying for churches & ministries in Barstow & Twentynine Palms and also Recovery group leaders throughout SBC to experience freedom & deliverance Scripture: 1 Cor. 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” Prayer Points for: Barstow & Twentynine Palms Prayer Points for Recovery Group Leaders: Recovery Group Leaders Wednesday, Jun 14th - Interceding for Bloomington, Yucca Valley & Small Group Leaders Podcast: Praying for churches & ministries in Bloomington & Yucca Valley and also small group leaders throughout SBC to grow authentic & accountable relationships Scripture: Acts 2:42 “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Prayer Points for: Bloomington & Yucca Valley For Small Group Leaders: Small Group Leaders Tuesday, Jun 13th - Interceding for Grand Terrace, Phelan & Youth Leaders Podcast: Praying for churches & ministries in Grand Terrace & Phelan and also youth leaders throughout SBC to be blessed and flourish Scripture: 1 Tim. 4:12 “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” Prayer Points for: Grand Terrace & Phelan For Youth Leaders: Prayers for Youth Leaders Monday, Jun 12th - Interceding for Muscoy, Big Bear City & Childrens' Leaders Podcast: Praying for churches & ministries in Big Bear City & Muscoy and also children’s leaders throughout SBC Muscoy has the highest poverty rate 39% & drug crime 41% in the county; it’s also a suburb & east of San Bernardino city with almost 11K people. Twelve churches reach out to the people in this city. Big Bear City covers the east side of Big Bear Lake with almost 13K people living there & has 8 churches ministering to this community. Children’s leaders often are volunteers. Most people find Jesus as children; 43% before age 12. Will you STOP & pray with us for a few minutes? Scripture: Luke 18:16 NIV “But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Churches/Ministries: Prayer Points for: Big Bear City & Muscoy For Children’s Leaders: How to pray for Children’s Ministry, Leaders & Volunteers Friday, Jun 9th - Churches & Ministries in Joshua Tree & VBS in SBC Podcast: Praying for churches & ministries in Joshua Tree & VBS throughout SBC Scripture: Matt. 21:16 & Ps. 8:2 “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “ ‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’” Prayer Points: pastors connect & pray together to encourage and build unity; their congregations pray together; intercessors arise to claim this area for Jesus; recovery groups for those dealing with addictions, deliverance from strongholds, a move of the Lord in the churches to bring the lost to salvation; an awakening to those that know Him but aren't doing anything; baptism of fire that brings transformation and reformation in the city and national park For VBS: Prayer for VBS (inspirational-prayers.com) More info about city: Joshua Tree Thursday, Jun 8th - Churches & Ministries in Fort Irwin Podcast: Praying for the churches & ministries in Fort Irwin Scripture: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9, NIV) Churches/Ministries: Ft. Irwin Religious Support & Chaplain [on base]; Oasis Worship Experience at Fort Irwin; Blackhorse Chapel [For transition help] Prayer Points: chaplains share the Gospel boldly and with results, believing soldiers and supporting staff share the Gospel with boldness, followed by signs and wonders that bring people to Christ; intercessors rise up and claim this Fort and its personnel for Jesus; protection for those that serve in battle or overseas; military marriages given Godly counsel and help in maintaining the distant relationships; military families and children find Jesus and a solid ground as they deal with the many issues facing them like moving around; revival at the base; divine opportunities to talk about the Lord as they deal with real time skirmishes; an awakening and fire to the lukewarm and those sitting not actively involved with their faith More info about city: Fort Irwin Wednesday, Jun 7th - Churches & Ministries in Oak Hills Podcast: Praying for the churches & ministries in Oak Hills Scripture: Matt. 5:14 “You are the light of the world; a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Prayer Points: more churches arise for such a large town, intercessors arise and claim this city for Jesus, Bible studies for those who cannot attend a church have to travel to another town; those who know the Lord share their faith with boldness, neighborhood prayer walks or drives focusing on divine opportunities to build relationships; laborers for the harvest, hearts softened towards the Gospel; signs and wonders follow that show the power of God and bring people to Christ; increase in home groups; house churches develop with the large lots and homes available. More info about city: Oak Hills (sbcuniteandawake.com) Tuesday, Jun 6th - Churches & Ministries in Mentone Podcast: Praying for the churches & ministries in Mentone Scripture: Ps. 147:13 For he has strengthened the bars of your gates and blessed your children within your walls. Prayer Points: Churches unite & experience revival, intercessors rise up, pray and claim this city for Jesus, believers commit to prayer walks through their neighborhoods, prayer groups arise and declare the city reforms on truth not exaggeration, repentance/conviction of sin that transforms lives by the power of the Gospel spoken in boldness, believers to share their faith at work and with friends and service people, churches to unite in prayer for revival and an awakening; external and internal growth by the transforming work of the Lord; evangelistic outreaches that meet the unique needs of this community; creative ways to share online; increase in children, young adults and millennial attendance; enough finances; More info about city: Mentone (sbcuniteandawake.com) Monday, Jun 5th - Churches & Ministries in Spring Valley Lake Podcast: Praying for revival in the churches & ministries in Spring Valley Lake Scripture: “I will open rivers on the bare heights and springs in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land fountains of water.” Is. 41:18 Prayer Points: internal & external growth in the believers, boldness to share the gospel, laborers for the harvest, prayer arises in each church and ministry, praise & worship comes from the heart not lip service, marriages grow and thrive, families unite, Bible teaching that trains and equips the saints to do the work of the ministry, enough finances; recovery groups that help people get set free from strongholds, addictions and how to stay free, discipleship that teaches how to reproduce, evangelistic outreaches in the community, healthy home groups that foster authenticity and accountability, gifts and callings clearly identified so each person in the body does their part, salvations, transformed lives, water baptisms that cause others to dedicate their lives to the Lord, a reverential fear of God in each church that produces a spirit of repentance and reformation More info about city: Spring Valley Lake (sbcuniteandawake.com) Friday, June 2nd - Churches & Ministries in Lake Arrowhead Podcast: Praying for revival in the churches & ministries in Lake Arrowhead Scripture: How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! Is. 52:7 NLT City: Lake Arrowhead Pop. 9,647 [2022] Located east of Crestline, north of San Bernardino & Yucaipa; west of Big Bear Lake. Twin Peaks, Cedar Glen, Blue Jay, Skyforest, Agua Fria, Deer Lodge Park are smaller towns surrounding Lake Arrowhead. Visited often for its boating, fishing, hiking, village shopping, camping, dining and lodging. Churches/Ministries: Church of the Woods [Pastor Rod Akins]; Sandals Church - Lake Arrowhead [Pastor Ian Price]; Lakeside Church [Non-denominational & evangelical , Pastor Mack Braden]; Mt Calvary Lutheran [Pastor Randy Buecheler; Lake Arrowhead Community Presbyterian Church [Pastor Dr. William Stanley]; Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church [Retreat Center, Retreat Facilitator, Terri MacDonald]; Mountain Jewish Community [President Renee Lewis]; UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge [couples, groups, retreat] Prayer Points: Churches unite & experience revival, intercessors claim this city and surrounding towns for Christ, an awakening occurs among the believers, a hunger for the word and prayer, deep conviction of sin that brings about transformed lives and reformation in the city, acts of kindness lead people to Jesus, Christian bookstore thrives, laborers for the harvest, boldness to share the Gospel, signs and wonders be done in the name of Jesus that draws people to God because they see His power in action. More info about city: Lake Arrowhead (sbcuniteandawake.com) Thursday, June 1st - Churches & Ministries in Pinon Hills Podcast: Praying for revival in the churches & ministries in Pinon Hills Joel 2:28-29 “It will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; and your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.” City: Pop. 7,641 [2022] Located west of Phelan off of Highway 138; 28 miles east of Palmdale, and 15 miles west of the Cajon Pass and Interstate 15, 25 miles of Hesperia and Victorville; in a tri-community that consists of Piñon Hills, Phelan, and Wrightwood. Churches/Ministries: Shepherd's Call Baptist church [Pastor Stephen Jenney]; The Door Ministry [non-denominational] Prayer Points: more churches to rise up to minister to this city of almost 8K people; intercessors to claim this town for Christ, laborers to reach this demographic group; supportive ministries to help people recover from addictions, abuse, deliverance and power of the Holy Spirit to set them free; ministries that focus on finding ways for them to replace their physical cravings for Jesus and His love; to get them involved with ministering to others; pastors to work together and pray; for people to unite in prayer and build bridges; a spiritual awakening and revival; Bible studies in homes increase, boldness to preach the gospel & share testimonies with those living there; divine opportunities to share Jesus in both tangible & spiritual ways; God to be glorified in this city. More info about city: Pinon Hills (sbcuniteandawake.com) Wednesday, May 31st - Praying for Communities in SBC that List Church[es] or Ministries. Podcast: Praying for revival in the churches & ministries in Crestline City/Church/Ministry/Prayer Points: 2 Cor. 1:3-4 “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” pastors pray together, unity among believers, revival and awakening in each church , 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, for growth internally & externally, the Word of God revered and taught, hunger & thirst for righteousness, ministries reach community, laborers for harvest, effective discipleship training, Bible teaching trains and equips people to do the work of the ministry, altars filled, people reconciling with God and others; balanced time for ministers with family/ministry/alone with God; strengthen marriages & families, generous congregations. Add your own ideas. Crestline [pop. 9,350]; Located off Highway 138; rim of the world highway, east of Interstate 15; east of Silverwood Lake; west of Twin Lakes and Lake Arrowhead. Gateway to camping and recreation activities of the San Bernardino National Forest. Churches: 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] Tuesday, May 30th - Praying for Communities in SBC that List Church[es] or Ministries. Podcast: Praying for revival in the churches in Lucerne Valley City/Church/Ministry/Prayer Points: Col. 3:13 Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Repentance for Chimney Rock Massacre, reconciliation with Indian tribes, spirit of murder and drug abuse overcome by Holy Spirit transforming lives, conviction of sin/repentance and grace/mercy to reform the area, creative ways for the churches to unify and see growth & revival, for growth internally & externally, the Word of God revered and taught, hunger & thirst for righteousness, ministries reach community, laborers for harvest, effective discipleship training, Bible teaching trains and equips people to do the work of the ministry, poor, orphans & widows helped, recovery groups that help addicted be free for good, testimonies shared, sufficient funds, outpouring of Holy Spirit, altars filled, people reconciling with God and others; enough volunteers, balanced time for ministers with family/ministry/alone with God; strengthen marriages & families, generous congregations. Add your own ideas. Lucerne Valley [pop. 5,998; in the southern Mojave Desert; 35 miles south of Barstow, 45 miles northwest of Yucca Valley on State Highway 247, 15 miles southeast of Apple Valley and approximately 20 miles north of Big Bear Lake on Highway 18. Churches: Calvary Bible Church [ICFA Intl.]; St Paul Catholic Church of Lucerne Valley [Pastor: Rev. Delwyn G. Haroldson, C.R.]; Lucerne Valley Community Church [Pastor Richard Wood; Church of Christ; Seventh Day Adventist Church of Lucerne Valley [Pastor Larry Christoffel]; Crossroads Chapel Lucerne [Church of God of Prophecy, Pastor W. Scott Creasy]; Saint Joseph Monastery [Vietnamese] Monday - May 29th Holiday, Pray for those who died in the military for our freedom. 7 Inspiring Memorial Day Prayers for Honor and Remembrance (christianity.com) Friday, May 26th - Praying for Communities in SBC that List Church[es] or Ministries. Podcast: Praying for revival in the churches & rehab ranch in Helendale [aka Silver Lakes] City/Church/Ministry/Prayer Points: Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! Churches by name; pastors if noted, to preach the gospel with boldness, for growth internally & externally, to teach the Word of God, hunger & thirst for righteousness, their ministries reach the community, laborers for the harvest, discipleship training effective, Bible teaching trains and equips people to do the work of the ministry, help the poor, orphans and widows, the rehab program would deliver people from addictions & help them stay free through the teaching & disciplining, empower people to share testimonies, sufficient funds to do the work, an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, altars filled with people reconciling with God and others; enough volunteers, ministers balanced time with family/ministry/work; marriages grow strong, families strengthened, generous congregations. Add your own ideas. Silver Lakes [aka Helendale] [pop. 5,432; a subdivision of Helendale in Victor Valley of the Mojave Desert, located near Route 66, west of I-15, between Barstow and Victorville. The name Helendale is used by the USPS, while Silver Lakes is used by the US Census. Churches: Grace Bible church [Pastor Dave Zierenberg, Evangelical Free Church of America; Silver Lakes Community Church [Southern Baptist Convention, Pastor Mark Wood; Hellendale Community Church [non-denominational] Rehab Center: Victory Outreach San Bernardino - The Ranch in Helendale - to reach out to hurting people & prepare them as “Treasures Out of Darkness” for the work of the ministry through discipleship, leadership development, and academic training. Thursday, May 25th - Praying for Communities in SBC that List Church[es] or Ministries. Podcast: Praying for revival in the churches & retreat center in Big Bear Lake City/Church/Ministry/Prayer Points: Scripture: 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Churches by name; pastors if noted, to preach the gospel with boldness, for growth internally & externally, to teach the Word of God, hunger & thirst for righteousness, their ministries reach the community, laborers for the harvest, discipleship training effective, Bible teaching trains and equips people to do the work of the ministry, help the poor, orphans and widows, recovery programs that deliver people from addictions, empower people to share testimonies, sufficient funds to do the work, an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, altars filled with people reconciling with God and others; enough volunteers, ministers balanced time with family/ministry/work; marriages grow strong, families strengthened, generous congregations. Add your own ideas. Big Bear Lake [pop. 5,102; located in San Bernardino mountains north of Highland; west of Lake Arrowhead, not Big Bear City, south side of Big Bear lake, east of Running Springs Churches & Retreat Center: Community Church Big Bear [Christian & Missionary Alliance, Pastor Mike Barnes]; Bear Valley Church [Pastor Mike Craig, Assoc. Chris Parker, no denomination ties]; Bridges Presbyterian Fellowship [Pastor Tom Rennard]; Believer's Chapel [for the needy, hurting & addicted]; Big Bear Church of Christ; Summit Christian Fellowship [Pastor Robert Grand, Assembly of God]; The Journey Church [Pastor Rob Hastings, independent Full Gospel]; Retreat Center - Christian conference center [can be used by any church affiliated group] No Podcast on May 24th Tuesday, May 23rd - Praying for Communities in SBC that List Church[es] or Ministries Podcast: Praying for churches & camps in Needles & Wrightwood City/Church/Ministry/Prayer Points: Scripture: Eph. 6:18 - Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Lift up the name of each church, city, ministry and leaders [if known] before the Lord. Ask for souls to be saved, discipled, evangelized, boldness and lives transformed by the Gospel and the word of God. Pray for hunger and thirst for righteousness in the workers. For the leaders of the churches to find a balance between rest and ministry; intentional time with the Lord in prayer/Bible study; for vision, cooperation, collaboration & provision; blessings on their marriage & children. For the churches & ministries to grow internally and externally. Add what the Lord puts on your heart. For the camps to help lives be changed forever, enough staff, full camps, sufficient funds and memorable times. Needles [pop. 4,857; located near the west side of the Colorado River in the Mohave Valley of the Mojave Desert and near Arizona and Nevada almost 110 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. It is isolated from other cities in the county because of where it is located. Barstow, the nearest city within the county, is separated from Needles by over 140 miles of desert and 2 mountain ranges. Churches: Calvary Church of Needles - Pastor Craig A. Freitag; Church of Christ; Needles Seventh-day Adventist Church - James Uyeda, Pastor; Needles Christian Church; Faith Chapel Church of God Wrightwood [pop. 4,568 ; located A small mountain community located high in the San Gabriel Mountains, off of Interstate 15 take Highway 138 to Highway 2 (the Angeles Crest Highway) until you reach Wrightwood central. Churches: Community United Methodist – Pastor David Conrad; Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church - Fr. Joachim; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints – town history began with Mormons Camps: Camp Wrightwood – any faith can use the facilities; Mount Kare Camp - enabling people to experience the truth of the Gospel and the loving kindness of Jesus in an environment where the still small voice of God can be heard; Camp Edward L Kopszywa - YMCA; Lions Camps at Teresita Pines - “to provide beautiful mountain facilities for group camping, emphasizing the needs of the disabled.”; AYF Camp Big Pines - established to provide an opportunity for Armenian youth living in the Diaspora to learn their history, reconnect with their heritage and foster life-long friendships; New Journey Camp & Retreat Center - Hawthorne Youth Camp - a Christian camp, and one of our goals is to provide a phenomenal camping experience for everyone. It is our aim to create a safe environment in which campers can experience God's love and respond to His call upon their lives. Monday, May 22nd - Praying for Communities in SBC that List Church[es] or Ministries Podcast: Praying for churches & ministries in Mountain View Acres, Lenwood & Running Springs City/Church/Ministry/Prayer Points: Is. 57:15 - The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts. Lift up the name of each church, city, ministry and leaders [if known] before the Lord. Ask for souls to be saved, discipled, evangelized, boldness and lives transformed by the Gospel and the word of God. Pray for hunger and thirst for righteousness in the workers. For the leaders of the churches to find a balance between rest and ministry; intentional time with the Lord in prayer/Bible study; for vision, cooperation, collaboration & provision; blessings on their marriage & children. For the churches & ministries to grow internally and externally. Add what the Lord puts on your heart. Mountain View Acres [pop. 3,337; in the Victor Valley of the Mojave Desert with neighboring cities: northwest Adelanto; north is Victorville; east is Apple Valley and south is Hesperia] Christian Covenant Church [Pastors Thomas & Teresa Hyden] Saint Mary Coptic Orthodox Church [Fr. Michael Ibrahim] Lenwood [pop. 4,353; located in the Mojave Desert 3 miles west of Barstow, neighboring cities include Hinkley northwest; Dagget & Yermo east; Helendale & Apple Valley south] · St Philip Neri Catholic Church [Pastor: Rev. Remigius O. Owuamanam] · Landmark Missionary Baptist Church · Lenwood Community Church [non-denominational] Running Springs [pop. 3,998; located between Big Bear & Lake Arrowhead, next to Arrowbear & Green Valley Lake] Springs of Life Church [Pastor Andrew Field] Calvary Chapel Running Springs [Pastor Adam Rodman] Running Springs Assembly of God [Gerry Smarte, Pastor] Rim of the World church [Pastor Michael Wieszchowski] St. Anne in the Mountains Catholic Church & Retreat Center [Rev. Michal Osuch, C.R] Friday, May 19th - Praying for Communities in SBC that List Church[es] or Ministry Podcast: Praying for churches & ministries in Landers, San Antonio Heights & Morongo Valley City/Church/Ministry/Prayer Points: Eph. 6:18 - Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Lift up the name of each church, city, ministry and leaders [if known] before the Lord. Ask for souls to be saved, discipled, evangelized, boldness and lives transformed by the Gospel and the word of God. Pray for hunger and thirst for righteousness in the workers. For the leaders of the churches to find a balance between rest and ministry; intentional time with the Lord in prayer/Bible study; for vision, cooperation, collaboration & provision; blessings on their marriage & children. For the churches & ministries to grow internally and externally. Add what the Lord puts on your heart. Landers [Pop. 2,699; located north of Joshua Tree & Yucca Valley, next to Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base] Landers Community Church [Calvary Chapel, Sr. Pastor Ruben Vasquez] Bread of Life Mission [Sr. Pastor John Batin, Assoc. Charles Myers & Pat Slaby] Calvary Christian Fellowship [Pastor Tye] San Antonio Heights [suburb in north Upland; pop. 3,111] San Antonio Heights Community Church [Pastor Jim Smith; Disc. Pastor Nick Greenwood] Nearest churches in Upland Morongo Valley [Pop. 3,159; located off Highway 62 south of Yucca Valley; 40 miles northwest of Palm Springs] Calvary Road Fellowship [Pastor Monte Wright] other churches nearby are in Desert Hot Springs Thursday, May 18th- Churches & ministries in Newberry Springs, Devore & Twin Peaks Podcast: Praying for churches & ministries in Newberry Springs, Devore & Twin Peaks City/Church/Ministry/Prayer Points: Lift up the name of each church, city, ministry and leaders[if known] before the Lord. Ask for souls to be saved, discipled, evangelized, boldness and lives transformed by the Gospel and the word of God. Pray for hunger and thirst for righteousness in the workers. Pray for the camps to be filled, creative ways to market their centers. May churches use these places to see marriages restored, healed and empowered. For the leaders of the churches to find a balance between rest and ministry; intentional time with the Lord in prayer/Bible study; for vision, cooperation, collaboration & provision; blessings on their marriage & children. For the churches to grow internally and externally. Add what the Lord puts on your heart. Newberry Springs [pop. 2,895, located on Route 66, to the east of Barstow & Dagget and south of Yermo, central in county] Newberry Springs Assembly of God Faith Baptist Church of Cherokee Road - Pastor David Brock Newberry Community Church – Pastor Ray Maese & Assoc. Owen Burch Devore [pop. 2,283; north of Interstate 15 & Interstate 215, about 12 miles NW of downtown San Bernardino] Community church of Devore [Marco Quintana – Pastor] Twin Peaks [pop. 2,747; located between Crestline & Blue Jay & Lake Arrowhead] Twin Peaks Community church [Pastor Mike Whisner; Assoc. Jonathan Trask] Calvary Chapel School | Church [Provides childcare] Pinecrest Christian Conference Center [Assembly of God] Wednesday, May 17 - Churches & ministries in Big River, Yermo & Edwards AFB Podcast: Praying for the churches & ministries in Big River, Yermo & Edwards AFB City/Church/Ministry/Prayer Points: Lift up the name of each church, city, ministry and leaders[if known] before the Lord. Ask for souls to be saved, discipled, evangelized, boldness and lives transformed by the Gospel and the word of God. Pray for hunger and thirst for righteousness in the workers. Pray for the camps to be filled, creative ways to market their centers. May churches use these places to see marriages restored, healed and empowered. For the leaders of the churches to find a balance between rest and ministry; intentional time with the Lord in prayer/Bible study; for vision, cooperation, collaboration & provision; blessings on their marriage & children. For the churches to grow internally and externally. Add what the Lord puts on your heart. Big River [pop. 1,115, southeastern corner of the county on Arizona border] Big River Baptist church [Southern Baptist] Yermo [pop. 1,191; east of Barstow on Interstate 15, south of the Calico Mountains] Silver Valley Baptist church [Pastor Cody Frazier] Yermo Bible Church [ICFA] Edwards Air Force Base [pop. 11,547 ; sits in 3 counties; eastern end is in San Bernardino County Oasis Christian Fellowship [Pastor Ron Slack] First Southern Baptist Church Edwards Air Force Base Church [Chapel on base] Assembly of God Church Tuesday, May 16 - Forest Falls, Trona/Searles Valley & Hinkley Podcast: Praying for the camp & churches in Forest Falls, Trona/Searles Valley & Hinkley City/Church/Ministry/Prayer Points: Lift up the name of each church, city, ministry and leaders[if known] before the Lord. Ask for souls to be saved, discipled, evangelized, boldness and lives transformed by the Gospel and the word of God. Pray for hunger and thirst for righteousness in the workers. Pray for the camps to be filled, creative ways to market their centers. May churches use these places to see marriages restored, healed and empowered. For the leaders of the churches to find a balance between rest and ministry; intentional time with the Lord in prayer/Bible study; for vision, cooperation, collaboration & provision; blessings on their marriage & children. For the churches to grow internally and externally. Add what the Lord puts on your heart. Forest Falls [pop. 920, north of Oak Glen, near Yucaipa & Mentone] Forest Falls Seventh-day Adventist Church Valley of the Falls Community Church [Evangelical Free church] FOREST HOME CHRISTIAN CAMPS Trona/Searles Valley [pop. 87 & 1,259; remote desert area north of Barstow, est. 25 miles northeast of Ridgecrest in Kern County] St. Madeline church [Roman Catholic] Christian Fellowship – hosts AA/Narc Anonymous meetings New Hope of Searles Valley [Foursquare] Trona Community Church [United Methodist] First Baptist Church - Larry Cox, Senior Pastor Hinkley [pop. 1,259; located northwest of Barstow, east of Mojave, north of Victorville] Hinkley Bible Church [Christian Non-denominational] Pastor Robert McDonnell Monday, May 15 - Praying for the churches/ministries in Green Valley Lake, Mt. Baldy & Baker Podcast: Lifting up Green Valley Lake, Mt. Baldy & Baker - the churches/ministries City/Church/Ministry/Prayer Points: Lift up the name of each church, ministry and leaders [if known] before the Lord. Ask for souls to be saved, discipled, evangelized, boldness and lives transformed by the Gospel and the word of God. Pray for hunger and thirst for righteousness in the workers. Pray for the camps to be filled, creative ways to market their centers. May churches use these places to see marriages restored, healed and empowered. For the leaders of the churches to find a balance between rest and ministry; intentional time with the Lord in prayer/Bible study; for vision, cooperation, collaboration & provision; blessings on their marriage & children. For the churches to grow internally and externally. Add what the Lord puts on your heart. Green Valley Lake Green Valley Lake church - Calvary Chapel - Pastor Steve Harrison Hume SoCal - Hume Christian Camps Camp Cedar Crest - retreat center used for any type of group. Camp Pondo - Christian camp Mt. Baldy Mt. Baldy Village Church – interdenominational; Pastor Ron & Gay Thomas Baker Baker Bible Church – Independent Fundamental Churches of America Iglesia Bautista Fundamental De Baker – Pastor Ruben Salazar Our Lady of the Desert Mission [Catholic Church] - Rev. Remigius O. Owuamanam, S.M.M.M. Friday, May 12 - Praying for SBC Churches/Ministries to Experience Growth & Revival Podcast: Lifting up your church & others in your community to see growth & revival Prayer Points/Verses: A revival that only God can get the glory; not manmade; with a hunger & thirst for the things of the Lord increased; [Hab. 3:2] A fresh outpouring of the Spirit of Holiness upon the church that results in people making things right with the Lord and with people. Ps. 110:3 A reverence and fear of God that would keep believers from intentional sin. 2 Cor. 7:1 A fresh outpouring of His Spirit of knowledge, wisdom and understanding that increases growth and how to manage it. Is. 11:2 A boldness to always proclaim the gospel in all circumstances. Acts 4:29 For conviction & revelation of God’s love on the lost resulting in a massive harvest of souls. Acts 2:37 For an awakening to those attending but not participating, resulting in more surrendered lives to be active in worship & the work of the ministry. Josh. 24:15 Thursday, May 11 - Praying for Specific Communities in SBC without a church – Day 4 Podcast: Praying for a harvest of souls in: Lytle Creek, Blue Jay & Oro Grande Prayer Points/Verses: Ps. 105:1; Rom. 10:17; 1 Pet. 3:15 Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Ps. 105:1 for hearts to be open to the Gospel, people saved, discipled and grow. for intercessors to go to these towns and pray on site for churches in the large cities to be compelled to go to these areas for love & compassion for the people in these communities for believers in these areas to do prayer walks in their neighborhood for the Lord to put it on the heart of some to commit to pray UNTIL a work begins Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. Rom. 10:17 for laborers to be led by the Holy Spirit to evangelize these towns for an outreach or community event that would meet a need for home Bible studies to begin for a revival, awakening & reformation in these towns for Jesus to be magnified, honored & revealed as Lord But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Pet. 3:15 Wednesday, May 10th - Praying for Specific Communities in SBC without a church – Day 3 Podcast: Praying for ministries to spring up in Arrowbear, Cedar Glen & Rimforest Prayer Points/Verses: Acts 20:24; Rom. 1:16; Matt. 28:19-20 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24 for intercessors to go to these towns and pray on site for the Lord to put it on the heart of some to commit to pray UNTIL a work begins for laborers to be led by the Holy Spirit to evangelize these towns for people who live in these communities to pray for a local ministry for love & compassion for the people in these communities for hearts to be open to the Gospel, people saved, discipled and grow. \ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. Rom. 1:16 for believers in these areas to do prayer walks in their neighborhood for an outreach or community event that would meet a need for those to find leaders or businesses to come alongside and help for house churches to spring up for home Bible studies to begin for Jesus to be magnified, honored & revealed as Lord Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matt. 28:19-20 Tuesday, May 9th - Praying for Specific Communities in SBC without a church – Day 2 Podcast: Asking for nearby believers to minister to Fawnskin, Daggett & Oak Glen towns Prayer Points/Verses: Acts 13:47; Mark 16:15; Matt. 5:15-16 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” Acts 13:47 for intercessors to go to these towns and pray on site for the Lord to put it on the heart of some to commit to pray UNTIL a work begins for laborers to be led by the Holy Spirit to evangelize these towns for people who live in these communities to pray for a local ministry for house churches to spring up for love & compassion for the people in these communities He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15 for believers in these areas to do prayer walks in their neighborhood for an outreach or community event that would meet a need for those to find leaders or businesses to come alongside and help for hearts to be open to the Gospel, people saved, discipled and grow. for home Bible studies to begin Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matt. 5:15-16 Monday, May 8th - Praying for Specific Communities in SBC without a church – Day 1 Nipton [pop. 158, near AZ & NV borders, closest church in Baker, CA 50 mi. away]; Pioneer Town [pop. 365, closest church 4 miles away in Yucca Valley]; Angelus Oaks [Mountain community hosts camps, pop. 385, nearest church in Forest Falls 7 miles away]; Havasu Lake [across for Lake Havasu City in AZ, pop. 438, nearest church in Big River 22 miles away]. Podcast: Asking the Lord of the Harvest to send workers into towns without a church in SBC Prayer Points/Verses: Matt. 25:35; Jer. 29:7; Matt. 10:40; Matt. 9:38 • for intercessors to go to these towns and pray on site • for the Lord to put it on the heart of some to commit to pray UNTIL a work begins • for laborers to be led by the Holy Spirit to evangelize these towns • for people who live in these communities to pray for a local ministry • for house churches to spring up • for love for the people in these communities • for believers in these areas to do prayer walks in their neighborhood • for an outreach or community event that would meet a need • for those to find leaders or businesses to come alongside and help • for hearts to be open to the Gospel, people saved, discipled and grow • for home Bible studies to begin Friday, May 5th - Reaching People in our Communities thru Prayer who interlap Our Churches Podcast: Praying we get a mindset to intercede for people we encounter in our community Prayer Points/Verses: Jerusalem [those closest to us] For neighbors/neighborhood; pray for each house, trailer, farm, and business that you pass. Pray for families who live around you. Ask the Lord for opportunities to talk to them and help them out in some way. For schools as you drive by them. Intercede for Christian administrators, teachers, and students. Ask God to use them as light in the public school system. Pray for the children you encounter. Whisper a prayer for every child you see. We might be the only person who prays for that child today. Or ever. Judea [those in our community] Pray for people who attend other places of worship in the community. When we drive, watch for places where people who follow other world faiths worship. Ask God to open their eyes to the truth of the gospel and to give them courage to step out for Christ. For those using & distributing at food banks as you pass by them. Bless those who volunteer to give, who donate the food, who distribute to love those who need it with dignity and respect. For shoppers/customers where you purchase items or services. To come to know Jesus or grow in their walk with the Lord or be set free from strongholds. Pray for people you regularly see. Include: gas station clerk, bank teller, and anyone else whose path you cross with regularity. See every one of them as people who cannot be saved apart from a personal relationship with Jesus. Samaria [those we may or may not like] For community needs found through local news sources Every time you hear a siren. For the victim & their family, the emergency responders, safety for the carriers and the medical staff awaiting them Pray for your healthcare providers. For divine wisdom, balance of work and rest, guided by integrity not money, follow the Hippocratic oath that says above all I must not play God. Pray for government officials. Pray for them by name. Use our web site to look up the links to a list of government officials over your community. Pray they serve with integrity, allow your church to grow without pushback, support the freedom of religion and hold to high standards. Thursday, May 4th - National Day of Prayer Podcast: Asking for the people in our church to pray for our Nation, State, County & Community Prayer Points/Verses Using the source: The National Day of Prayer - Prayer Guide (mail-globalchristianrelief.org) Father, pour out Your spirit and bring revival Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? –Psalm 85:6 Give our leaders knowledge and wisdom The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. –Proverbs1:7 Move our hearts to earnestly love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another. –John 13:35 Help us intercede for those lacking religious liberty. Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the fesh. Rather, serve one another in love. –Galatians 5:13 God, please turn our nation to repentance. Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts … –James 4:8 Empower us to fulfll the Great Commission. … how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him … unless someone tells them? –Romans10:1 Wednesday, May 3 - Praying SBC Churches/Ministries can Reach our communities – Part 3 Podcast: Praying we become outward focused by working with fellow believers Prayer points/verses Respect & Collaborate – 1 Pet. 2:17 Maintain appropriate boundaries, and respect all with whom we engage. Collaborate with others who are passionate about something we are as well [ex. Exercise, gardening, feeding homeless, etc.] Turn existing ministries outward – 1 Cor. 3:7-9 Challenge church groups with an inside focus to find a way to become involved with the community outside the church; [Examples: A choir might sing at a nursing home, or trustees could sponsor a neighborhood clean-up] Recruit & advertise beyond the church for help in events Build relationships with those taking part in existing programs that serve the community, such as ESL classes, food pantry or clothes bank users, daycare families, etc. Reach out through community events – Acts 1:8 Plan “bridge events” designed explicitly to draw people from the community by providing for them something they need or enjoy Encourage church members to invite their friends and neighbors Attend community events with intention to get to know others Tuesday, May 2 - Praying SBC Churches/Ministries can Reach our Communities – Part 2 Podcast: Praying we get out, get to know, listen, learn & build relationships with our community Prayer points/verses: Get out & Get to know - We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 Get out in our neighborhood. Walk the streets. Map the area, and record our observations. Note how the community is changing. Assess community needs and assets. What are the needs of our context? Who are our neighbors, and how can you serve them?; Be attuned to where God is already at work in our community. Listen and learn - My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19 Know that ministries that truly bless a community often arise out of conversations where we listen for the hopes and dreams of people in our community; Interview residents of the community. Sit in a park, diner, or coffee house. Ask simply, “What are our challenges, hopes, longings and dreams?”; Get to know the major public officials. They are people with tremendous influence. They need to know of our church’s commitment to the community; Involve many people from our church in this work. Hold one another accountable to the tasks of engaging and learning from others; Discern clusters of issues and concerns that arise from these conversations. Ask what issues, suffering, injustices, or brokenness might you address. Build authentic relationships - Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10 Strive for meaningful engagement with others, not superficial gestures; Make sure we are reaching out to people for the right reasons. If our motive is simply to get them to come to church, people will see right through to it. That it would be done because of compassion, love and we have news that gives life. Monday, May 1 - Praying SBC Churches/Ministries can Reach our Communities – Part 1 Podcast: Praying we reach our communities combining the Great Commandment with the Great Commission Prayer points/verses: Matt. 28:19-20; 22:37-39; Gal. 5:14 Expand our vision; regard our community as an extension of our congregation; looking at our neighborhoods, workplaces as a mission field. To understand church attendance is no longer a cultural expectation; what’s happening within the church — preaching, worship, music, Bible study — is no longer enough to attract people That we don’t sit in our church building waiting for people to come; ask God for ways to meet people where they are and invite them Reveal the connections between the Great Commandment in Matthew 22 (love our neighbor as ourself) and the Great Commission in Matthew 28 (go and make disciples). That our Evangelistic outreach expresses our love of others. Do what Jesus did – who primarily engaged people through everyday encounters, rather than in the Temple or synagogues. He fed people, met our everyday needs, and enjoyed the fellowship of others. Express love and compassion for our community in big and small ways; acts of kindness, smile, say hello, ask if you can pray for them, offer to help someone struggling Make it a common practice to pray for our neighbors and lift up community concerns. Ask for a willingness to share our faith and reach out to others with boldness [Acts 4:29] Seek creative ways to reach the community; ask our Creator for innovative ideas Get to know the community surrounding our church via demographic data while remembering statistics don’t reveal the whole story Friday, Apr. 28th - Using Paul’s Ephesians letter to Pray for SBC Churches/Ministries Podcast: Praying for our church/others to have Spiritual Growth & Wisdom Prayer points/verses: Eph. 1:17-23 & 3:14-21 Strong faith in the Lord & love for God’s people [v1:15] Spiritual wisdom/insight [v1:17] Grow in knowledge of God [v1:17] Flooded with light & confident hope [v1:18] Understand God’s power for us; the same that raised Jesus from the dead & seated Christ next to God in heaven [v1:19-20] Greater understanding of the authority of Jesus; above any ruler, power, leader or anything else; now & forever & how it benefits the church [v1:22] Empowered with inner strength through the Holy Spirit. [3:16] Our roots would grow down into God’s love making us strong [3:17] Divine ability to understand how wide, long, high & deep is God’s love for us [3:18] Experience the love of Christ with all fullness of life & power from God [3:19] Recognize & give glory to God who’s able by his mighty power to work in us more than we could ever ask or think. Glory to Him in the church forever [3:20-21] Thursday, Apr. 27th - Using the Prayer of Jesus to Pray for SBC Churches/Ministries Podcast: Praying that we have a revelation of Father God’s love that causes us to be united Prayer points/verses: John 17 Many will come to know the only true God & Jesus Christ [v3 & 1 Tim. 2:4] People will have a revelation of who God the Father is [v 6; Is. 64:8] Protection from the divisive tactics of the enemy [v11; 1 Cor. 1:10] Believers would be filled with joy that would overflow for the world to see [v13; Ps. 16:11] Kept safe from the evil one [v15; 2 Tim. 4:18] Make us holy by your truth [v17; 1 Pet. 1:16] We would be one as God, Jesus & Holy Spirit are one. [v21; Ps. 133:1] Experience perfect unity so the world will know Jesus & God’s love [v23; 1 Pet. 3:8] Revelation of God’s love for us and able to share that with others [v26; 1 Jn. 4:7] Wednesday, Apr. 26th - Basing our Prayers for SBC Churches/Ministries from King David Podcast: Praying we seek the Lord for directions & find a rock of escape in troubled times Background: In 1 Samuel 23:2-29 Prayer points/verses: When the enemy tries to steal what we need to survive, seek God’s will [Phil. 4:19] For laborers for the harvest, keep our focus as a church on rescuing people [Matt. 9:35-38] Recognize we are not in a battle against flesh/blood but spiritual darkness [Eph. 6;12] People might betray us as they did Jesus; pray church members will forgive & seek the Lord what to do next [Eph. 4:32] Our focus is to love unconditionally as God to us [Jn. 15:12] If we keep seeking the Lord in every hardship, eventually the enemy will stop [James 4:7] When tempted, seek the Lord for a way of escape [1 Cor. 10:13] Tuesday, Apr. 25th - Prayer Guidelines from King Jehoshaphatfor SBC Churches/Ministries Podcast: Praying God turns what looks like a Valley of Devastation to a Valley of Blessing Background: Three armies with large numbers of soldiers declared war on Judah & Jerusalem and they were already nearby. There was little time to prepare for this battle. King Jehoshaphat was terrified of the news. He begged God for guidance. Ordered the people to fast. They came to Jerusalem. He stood before the community & prayed. They heard instructions & encouragement from God through Jahaziel [a Levite]. Responded with praise & worship. Next day King sent singers in front of army singing “Give thanks to the Lord – his faithful love endures forever.” At the moment they began to sing, the Lord caused their enemies to kill each other; none escaped. The King & his men gathered plunder. Spent time praising the Lord in the Valley of Blessing. Key verses: Prayer 2 Chron. 20:6-12; God’s response 2 Chron. 20:15-17; Jehoshaphat’s call to the people [ Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.” Points: seek the Lord when trials come - alone & with others; fast if life threatening; wait for instructions, begin prayer with worship of who God is, what He has done and what He promised, address the issue to God after presenting your case; then ask for His help and guidance; be humble like Jehoshaphat, [We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help]; after hearing from the Lord, spend time in worship thanking Him; follow His instructions; praise Him for the results, which often are above & beyond what we expected. Monday, Apr. 24th - Gleaning from Nehemiah to Pray for SBC Churches/Ministries Podcast: Praying people in churches will turn to the God of Heaven for direction, protection & motivation to stay the course until completion Background of Nehemiah: Exiles returned to find Jerusalem’s walls in shambles; gates destroyed by fire and few resources to rebuild it. Nehemiah was the cupbearer to the Persian king who granted him supplies to do the mission of rebuilding the wall/gates. Experienced opposition from neighboring rulers. Learn from Nehemiah: to pray in a group when there is a situation; by himself when you don’t know what to do; at work when a crisis arises or you need wisdom; know God and His power, speak to God of what He has done for your church & for others & for His people, He wants His name honored; pray before you do a new project, while you are doing the project and after the project is done give God praise for it and for its future success; for our real enemy – the devil – that he would not succeed in killing, destroying or stealing the work of God in our churches, ask for God’s help when there are people involved, knowing our battle is not against flesh/blood but against spiritual darkness, pray about everything small or big; start the day in prayer, thank God for what He has done; ask God for forgiveness for anything that needs to be addressed; like the Lord’s prayer ask for strength and wisdom for the day [your daily bread]; have faith and contend for God’s ability to turn things around or bring success in what He leaded the church to do; be ready to be the answer to your request if God leads Prayer points from Nehemiah’s prayers 1:5-10: 9:5-38: praise You because you are a great & awesome God, keep your promises; acknowledge our sins & family member in church; not obeying; remind you of what you promised Lord, help church to look for the promises and conditions of God and bring them up in prayer, you want your name honored, God lives forever, are the Creator, performed amazing things for our church and others, you speak to your people, seek your instructions for our church, forgiveness for pride & stubbornness in any area, remind you God you are forgiving, gracious, merciful, slow to become angry and rich in unfailing love, despite the sins of Israel he didn’t abandon, but provided for their needs, overcame their enemies, in their time of trouble they cried to You O Lord and you heard their prayer. You rescue time and again when we come to you, listen & obey. Friday, Apr. 21st - Gleaning from Joel & Hosea to Pray for SBC Churches/Ministries Podcast: For a revelation of God’s compassion resulting in a church fully committed Background of Joel: Israel was invaded by Tyre, Sidon, and Philisti AND they experienced devastation from locusts that destroyed agriculture and livestock, which caused a drought, fires and famine; locusts were seen as God’s judgment for their sins; fear gripped the people over losses and enemies approaching Learn from Joel: God calls us to obedience; like a parent, consequences from disobedience; call to repent because the day of the Lord is near; need to be ready for the return of Christ, once we repent of our sins, God will pour out His spirit on us; restore us and reap the rewards. Prayer points from Joel 2:12-14: turn to the Lord now; give God our hearts, fast, weep & mourn over sin; ask God to rend our hearts (show us anything that is offensive to Him), acknowledge His Lordship, surrender control of our lives, remember God is merciful, compassionate, slow to get angry; filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. For the sins of our church, repent, for the sins of our city, repent, for the sins of our county, repent, for the sins of our state repent, for a reprieve from the consequences that could come. Background of Hosea: God told him to marry a prostitute & have children to demonstrate how Israel had been acting; gave his children names that sent messages of judgment. Much idolatry, injustice, turning away from God to other gods Learn from Hosea: Cycles: people more interested in themselves than God’s direction turn to sin then judgment for sin then bring people back to God, dangers of religious ceremony with no genuine devotion nor commitment to the Lord; compromise standards, selfish ambition leads to ruin, lack of integrity in activities affects others; flows into society breeding dishonesty, corruption, danger of God’s judgment. With sincere repentance, asking for God’s mercy & renewing our commitment to the Lord, can find forgiveness, restoration, God’s favor & blessings. Prayer points from Hosea 6:1-3: return to the Lord, recognize what areas of our lives is more about what we want than what God desires, confess it and turn from it; where consequences occurred because of our sin know God will heal & bandage our wounds & restore us, what a loving God, seek to live in His presence daily, make it our aim to know Him more throughout each day, cling to His promise that the Lord responds to this kind of search with refreshing and restoration. Thursday, Apr. 19th - Prayerful Look at the Letter to the Church in Laodicea Podcast: Praying SBC Churches/Ministries become hot for God, purified by fire Prayer Points from letter to Church of Laodicea [Rev. 3:14-22] Background: Paul talked about it (Col 2:1; 4:16); Wealthiest of all 7 church cities; Bank industry made them rich; proud of cloth/dyeing material/wool manufacturing; had medical school made eye ointment; had water supply problem, aqueduct build brought water from hot springs to city; tepid upon arrival; believers didn’t stand for anything, self-sufficient, had material possessions, felt confident, satisfied & complacent Complaints: Not hot or cold, lukewarm; Rich but poor; Don’t need anything but naked; Have everything they want but miserable & wretched; can’t see anything wrong but blind to apathy Instructions: Buy gold purified by fire, for God’s refining fire, for a baptism of fire to take the temperature from lukewarm to hot; to be hot for the things of God; see wealth as a tool to share with others & further the gospel; buy white garments from self-sufficiency to need for God’s cleansing; from clothed in the finest to standing naked before the Lord to examine any area that needs to change; buy ointment for eyes from blind to see as God sees; The Lord corrects & disciplines everyone He loves; be diligent and turn from your indifference; the Lord is knocking & asking to come in, hear His voice, open door, He’ll come in and eat together Scriptures: Matthew 13:22; Is. 1:18; Luke 3:16; Ps. 139:23-24; Heb. 12:6 Prayer points: Temperature of love for the Lord would get hot; expect and learn under pressure than seeking comfort & ease; regularly repent of things that make us look dirty; accept the washing of the Lord; if there is something not understood, ask for God’s eyes on it; when hard consequences happen as a result of sin, that’s God’s love to keep us from worse; look for any indifference to the things of God Wednesday, Apr. 18th - Prayerful Look at the Letter to the Church in Philadelphia Podcast: Praying SBC Churches/Ministries that we live like Jesus is coming soon Background/Facing: Wealthy due to commerce & trade; gateway to Asia minor; little Athens; Founded by citizens of Pergamum; Kept barbarians out; brought in Greek culture/language; Destroyed in AD 17 by earthquake; aftershocks kept people living outside city Warnings – Opened a door but GOD will keep it open; Opposition but God will make bow down; Great testing but God will protect Did well: Persevered despite little strength; Obeyed God’s word; Didn’t deny the Lord Consequences: We are in a time of testing of: enduring until completion James 1:2-4; trusting & having faith 1 Pet. 1:7; obeying & character building Deut. 8:2-3; reverence for God will help us not sin Ex. 20:20· Prayer Points: We will look to God’s who can make a way where there seems to be no way; we look for open doors when other doors shut; accept closed doors & seek which door to go through; whatever causes concern, look for the BUT GOD truths; times of testing have great purpose & develop enduring traits; that we persevere not give up, know that God will protect us and strengthen us; God sees everything we do – little or no strength, obey His word, not deny Him, Apr. 19th - Prayerful Look at the Letter to the Church in Philadelphia Tuesday, Apr. 18th - Prayerful Look at Letters to 7 Churches in Revelations: Sardis Podcast: Praying SBC Churches/Ministries to Wake Up Prayer Points/Verses: Church of Sardis [Rev. 3:1-6] Background/Facing: Wealthy city; 2 locations mountain & valley; earthquake destroyed AD 17; rebuilt never recovered; Many ancient ruins as a result; what appeared to be great came down; experienced earthquake that caused it to go from a large city to a small town; now inhabited by cattlemen and shepherds but once was the wealthiest city in the region; How far it has fallen! Why? Complaints/Confess: –asleep, dead; Like the cursed fig tree; Reputation alive but dead; Like Artificial flowers; look real/alive; need no water/food; No tears for lost; real spiritual life with worldly practices; no hunger for God’s word; excuses not to go to church; lip service versus heartfelt worship. Instructions/Actions: Wake up! Out of slumber [Eph. 5:14]; Strengthen what “little” remains (almost dead) [Matt 17:20]; Actions not meeting God’s requirements (faith without works is dead) James 1:22-25; Go back to what you heard/believed at first (hold to it firmly) Rom. 2:29; Repent and turn to Jesus AGAIN [Matt. 4:17] Consequences/Conviction: Come suddenly like a thief, erase names from book of life; Victorious not soiled with evil will WALK with Jesus in white (clean) Prayer Points: Walk in the spiritual gift God has called you [more motivated]; Keep an eye on anything that becomes fruitless; Remember what the Father and Jesus did at the cross for you; Daily repent and turn to JESUS again and again and again; Identify anything that is artificial not sincere or genuine; Ask God to reveal any “dead” areas in your life. Monday, Apr. 17th - Prayerful Look at 7 Churches in Revelations: Pergamum & Thyatira Podcast: Praying SBC Churches/Ministries return to Their First Love for Christ Prayer Points/Verses: Church of Pergamum [Rev. 2:12-17] What they faced: 4 cults & emperor worship [pressure to conform]; Antipas [possible church leader, taught against cults, martyred horribly – fear of martyrdom]; Balaam like & Nicolaitan teachings [carry out lustful desires – compromise to sexual sin & eat food to idols]; Being led astray from God by compromised teachings Complaints: Don’t allow idol worship [Deut. 5:7-10]; Don’t participate in sexual sin [1 Cor. 6:18-20] Instructions: Repent; do not tolerate, do not conform, do not allow these teachings Consequences: Come to you suddenly; with sword of mouth, Victorious, given hidden manna & new name on white stone and only recipient will know what it means Prayer points: Worship only God not man, Be careful no man is idolized, None like Him our Creator; Turn to God for our healing, Not trust in drugs, Ultimate healer – Jehovah Rapha; Turn to God during storms - Not the weather station, He’s our anchor & redeemer; Trust God for joy & provision - Not entertainment nor stuff, He’s our source of life, manna; Trust God for protection - Not our strength, He’s our Shepherd Church of Thyatira [Rev. 3:1-6] Did well: their love/service for God; their faith/endurance; Constantly improving in these areas; manifested love and faith, concern and care for others Complaints – Jezebel teaching compromise [1 Jn. 2:15]; Prophetess Jezebel [not real name; just acted like her; sexual sin & food offered to idols); to work with unions, entire work of city, made up of pagans, meetings devoted to worship of erotic idols, debauchery & to make a living had to join; her teaching “business is business”; Would they compromise under the pressure to conform? Instructions: Repent from compromising, conforming to pressure to Jezebel demanding compliance; work for God not man; test her teachings against God’s word Consequences: suffering will follow if continued conforming & other churches will know (Heb. 4:12). If you don’t follow her, you will have authority over nations like Jesus and given light in the darkness Prayer points: Jesus Sees & Judges [fiery eyes, bronze feet]; Compromise or Committed? Either have consequences; Filter for false teachings [it’s okay to …] ; Stay under His authority & you’ll have authority to smash evil; Pressure builds patience > endurance > finish the race! No matter how dark; He is our Morning Star Friday, Apr. 14th - A Prayerful Look at the 7 Churches in Revelations [Smyrna & Ephesus] Podcast: Praying SBC Churches/Ministries return to Their First Love for Christ Prayer Points/Verses: Church of Ephesus [Rev. 2:1-7] • Did well: worked hard; patiently endured; didn’t tolerate evil people; examined claims of those who say they are apostles but are not; patiently suffered for Christ without quitting; hated the evil deeds of Nicolaitans [dabbled in occult, ate food sacrificed to idols, committed sex outside of marriage] • Complaints: Don’t love God; Don’t love each other; Not the same as at beginning of relationship; Fallen far; Good efforts no longer sprang from love • How to change: Turn back to God; Do the works you did at first; Loving God/others fulfills the law [Matt 22:36-40]; Love should be the springboard from which we do all things for God and for others • Consequences: Don’t repent, lampstand removed; If victorious in fruit from tree of life in God’s paradise Church of Smyrna [Rev. 2:8-11] • Did well: suffered from persecution, experienced poverty but are rich in God’s eyes, faced opposition from Jews against Christianity and non-Jews who expected loyal worship to Roman ways • What’s ahead: devil will throw them in prison; suffer for 10 days, possibly die; to test their faith • Instructions: not to be afraid of coming suffering, remain faithful, trust in God • Consequences: If faithful won’t be harmed by second death, receive crown of life • Reminders: Ultimate victor is Jesus; Ultimate test is suffering thru - Pressure & poverty, Prison & persecution; Ultimate enemy is Satan; Ultimate solution is trust to Be fearless & faithful; Ultimate reward is life – the Crown of life/Eternal life Thursday, Apr. 13th - If My People .. Humble .. Pray .. Seek .. Turn .. Heal .. Part II Podcast: Continuing to pray our church follows 2 Chronicles 7:14 & others in our county Repentance Prayer Points/Verses: Not pressing through when we don’t see results right away, not asking You Lord what else is needed or lacking. Jn. 4:24; Matt. 6:33 Not praying for more laborers for the harvest and expecting people to get saved without any effort on our part. Luke 10:2 Not giving of our time to volunteer in areas that our skills, experiences, passions, spiritual gifts could be used due to laziness, fear, filling our time with things that do not give life, cares of this life. Heb. 13:16 Not concerned, praying for and/or supporting other ministries other than our own. 1 Tim. 2:1 Not seeing the body of Christ as one, being divisive by thinking our ways are better. 1 Cor. 1:10 Not seeking God’s approval more than people, as a result we shy away from telling the truth. Gal. 1:10 Not fearing God more than our body, as a result we hold back afraid of persecution and suffering. Matt. 10:28 Not being bold and courageous in sharing our faith, too afraid of rejection, not knowing what to say or some other excuse. Acts 4:29 & 31 Not loving the Lord and heavenly things more than our love for sports, entertainment, music, art, possessions and food. 1 Jn. 2:16 Wednesday, Apr. 12th - If My People .. Humble .. Pray .. Seek .. Turn .. Heal .. Restore Podcast: Praying we follow 2 Chronicles 7:14 for our church, our community & county Repentance Prayer Points/Verses: Not coming to the Lord humbly, forgetting who it is we are praying to. For more reverence when we pray, more acknowledgement of who God is, praise & worship before we babble on and on. Eccl. 5:1-2 Not treating the sanctuary as holy, being on our cell phones, not giving respect to the place and the person behind the reason for the building. 1 Chron. 29:16 Not looking at the plank in our eyes but instead the splinter in others, being critical and judgmental, not merciful. Matt. 7:1-3 Not obeying the great commission but putting the responsibility on the leaders in the church to save the lost and disciple them. Matt. 28:19 Not praying for the church, the service, the leaders, the elders, the laypeople, then complaining when we don’t get something from the service. 1 Tim. 2:8 Not participating in the worship because we don’t like the music, the song, the style or think we have a bad singing voice, when all we need is to make a joyful noise to the Lord and be faithful to pray for the worship team. Ps. 100:4 Not giving of our finances cheerfully, rolling our eyes when someone talks about tithing when you say to support those who minister. Mal. 3:8-10 Tuesday, Apr. 11th - Catching our Second Wind as Week Progresses in Churches Podcast: Praying people catch the zeal of the Lord Prayer Points/Verses: For zeal from the Lord to manifest in great energy, enthusiasm, passion, fervor, fire, devotion, eagerness for the things of the Lord - Romans 12:11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord Leaders and laypeople would have fresh vision to do each of their ministries like Elijah - 1 Kings 19:9-10 Then he came there to a cave and lodged there; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. Church would be a team, all hands-on deck, everyone doing their part to minister at the church and to the people in their world of influence – Heb. 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Those called to be teachers grow in zeal, hunger then study and share God’s Word – 2 Tim. 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. People would discover their spiritual gifts and use them to edify the church and to minister to the lost – 1 Cor. 12:7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. People would feel free to confess their sins helping them to grow in being distinct from the world in love and holiness, so they can share this good news with others 1 Jn. 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Members would share the gospel this week—and see more lives changed! Matt. 24:14 - And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Giving would be faithful, as well as joyful, consistent, and sacrificial. 2 Cor. 9:7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Members would encourage each other with praises of God’s greatness and less on the woes of this world, knowing God is greater than all of darkness – Is. 42:13 The Lord will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies. All would experience the presence of God, a move of the Holy Spirit, that times of refreshing would come. Acts 3:19-20 Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. Monday, Apr. 10th - Day after Easter week – how can we pray for Churches? Podcast: Committing to pray for our church, leaders & lay people; refueled after Easter week Prayer Points/Verses: Refuel all those who gave ministered this past Easter week in any way; filled afresh with the Holy Spirit, fresh anointing, empowered to serve again, soul restored & strength renewed. Ps. 23:2-3 That we would have unity amid diversity—loving those with whom we have nothing in common but the gospel. Ps. 133 That a culture of discipling would form in which making disciples is viewed as an ordinary part of the Christian life. Matt. 28:19 That faithful elders would use Scripture to train members to do the work of ministry. Eph. 4:12 That a hunger for studying the gospel would form among members so that they can guide and guard one another in it. Matt. 5:6 That transparent, meaningful relationships would become normal and remaining anonymous strange. 2 Chron. 19:9 The preaching of God’s Word—that it would be biblically careful and Holy Spirit imbued. 2 Tim. 4:2 That elders would remain above reproach, kept from temptation, complacency, idols, and worldliness. 1 Tim. 3:2 That the church’s songs would teach members to biblically confess, lament, and praise. Ps. 32: 5, 11 That the church’s prayers would be infused with biblical ambitions, honesty, and humility. 1 Pet. 5:6-7 Friday, Apr. 7th [Good Friday] - Praying for Church Services this Easter Weekend Part II Podcast: Praying people attending Good Friday service will never be the same Prayer Points/Verses: The presence of the Holy Spirit will be evident in the service, causing people to turn to the Lord in repentance and experience the life transforming power of the Spirit. (Acts 4:31) The word of God would be alive/powerful sharper than any two-edged sword exposing in each person what’s in their hearts and the truth would set them free. Heb. 4:12 The people of God will yield to the Spirit and follow in His leading and guidance from the word; people would not be pew sitters but empowered disciples (1 Corinthians 2:4-5) God will give people His utterance and then fill him or her with boldness to declare the word beyond the church walls. (Ephesians 6:19-20) Every sick and oppressed person that comes to service will be healed, freed and delivered by the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word. (Luke 4:18) The worship team will yield to the Spirit as they lead the people in worship and choristers will minister in the power of the Spirit in songs. The sound systems will work properly, that none will malfunction during the service. That everything and every aspect of the service will be orderly. 1 Corinthians 14:40 The ushers will not be a distractor but helper to the overall service; the greeters and those directing visitors/members, will be able to help everyone feel welcome. Matt. 5:46-48 At the end of the service, God would be glorified, and people would testify what the Lord did in their lives and the lives of others. Ps. 115:1 Thursday, Apr. 6th - Ways to Pray for the Church Service Part I Podcast: Praying for the church service[s] during Easter week Prayer Points/Verses: Pray that members will believe the enemy cannot destroy the body of Christ no matter what he tries to do. Matthew 16:18 Thank the Lord that Satan can never prevail against us and against me; we are the church; we are the body and members of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:27 Pray and declare the ground and worship center where you meet are sanctified by the blood of Jesus and the Spirit of Holiness. Numbers 7:12. Pray over the atmosphere, declaring that Jesus is Lord; that people will sense the presence of the Lord from their first step on the grounds (Philippians 2:10-11) Pray and ask the Lord to breathe afresh upon every worshipper, the chairs, and the ground. Job 33:4 Consecrate the sanctuary, the chairs where people will sit, the altar and upon every physical object that the worshippers will touch. Ex. 29:37 Pray that God will order peoples’ steps to the service, bringing people from the community, drawing them in to the service. (Isaiah 43:6) Pray and bind blinding (evil) spirits that keep worshippers from receiving God’s word in their spirits and from being fruitful. (Matthew 13:15) Pray that every unsaved person that comes to service will surrender to the Lord, call on His name and become born again, saved in Jesus name. (Acts 2:21) Pray that the people’s heart will be opened to receive the word, that the word of God will have free course and unhindered in their hearts. (1 Thessalonians 2:13) Wednesday, Apr. 5th - More to Pray for Your Church Podcast: Ten More Things to Pray for your Church/Community Prayers Points/Verse: Pray for cooperation in the community among theologically like-minded churches. As barriers – denominational, racial, ethnic, class – come down so the Church in unity can accomplish more than any church can do on its own. Phil. 1:18 Pray for the children of the church; those who teach and care for them will do so with love and patience so that parents are free to serve and worship as the Lord leads; that as those children grow up in church, they will grow strong in faith, coming to know Jesus as Savior and Lord early in their life; and as they become the adults and parents of the next generation. Mark 10:14 Pray for a vision for missions; people will endeavor to be a part of the going, sending, and supporting of missionaries. Matt. 28:19-20 Pray for the business of the church; for those entrusted with the oversight of such matters, that they will be faithful to fulfill all business matters in a timely way. 2 Corinthians 1:12 Pray for small group leaders, Sunday School leaders, Life Group leaders; faithful men and women entrusted with the task of helping other believers grow into a full measure of maturity; that they will be strong in their own faith, and sensitive and discerning when leading others. James 5:16 Pray for special ministries of the church; unique to each congregation; for the resources needed to do the work and the vision from the Lord who, what, when & where to minister. Eccl. 3:1 Pray for church leadership, always sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit; needs met whether they work outside the church or get their finances from tithers. Heb. 13:17 Pray for the physical buildings and grounds to be properly maintained and cared for & for those supervising the property; minimal updates, budgets in place, sufficient funds to upkeep, mortgages paid off early, creative ways to use building to pay expenses. 1 Cor. 4:2 Pray for a spirit of understanding among the leaders, members, visitors and outsiders; people will get along, apologize and forgive quickly, quick to listen and learn. Phil. 2:1-4 Pray that visitors to the church will have a positive first experience, from the parking lot to the invitation, and come back for more; that the Lord will grow His church by bringing to it the people that He wants to serve in that location – people of all ages, races, and classes. We are all one in Christ. Acts 2:47 Tuesday, Apr. 4th - Praying for your Church & Community Podcast: Ten things to Pray for Your Church & Beyond Prayers Points/Verse: your church will have a positive testimony in the community; be known for compassion, love, and grace, instead of protests, criticism, and hypocrisy. John 3:21; 1 John 4:7, 19 each Sunday the Lord will lead the right seekers to your church; that they will be ministered to effectively and loved abundantly. Acts 2:41; 16:14 the congregation will enthusiastically accept the vision of the leadership. 1 Timothy 5:17 for the marriages and families in your church to be strong, the building blocks of the church. Eph. 5:33; 6:1, 4 for an evangelistic spirit to pervade the members of the church; that each week members will have clear opportunities to build relationships and share the message of Jesus. Acts 2:46-47 for generosity, it's common a small percentage provide the funds for ministry; ask God to break this pattern and the majority will be cheerful givers. 2 Corinthians 8:7; 9:7 for volunteers, enough volunteers to cover all the ministries of the church so that they will not be stretched thin and burned out on serving; for a balance between serving and being served. 1 Cor. 12:4-7 for those who lead in musical worship; for preparation time to be a time of worship for them personally as they seek the leading of the Holy Spirit, and that the worship service will not be a ‘show,’ but an offering of praise. Psalm 150:1 for the youth of the church, for strong roots of faith to maintain a positive witness throughout high school and into college/career; for their leaders to have the necessary wisdom to teach and lead in the 21st century in a way that connects with teens and attracts more. 1 Timothy 4:12 for a spirit of unity, not divided over personalities, worship style, personal preferences, and other minor concerns; that this spirit of division will not pervade your church, but yours will be a church known for its peace and unity. Eph. 4:3 Monday, April 3rd - Introduction & Unity Vodcast Podcast: Interceding for believers across SBC to pray for churches & ministries & unity Prayer Points/verse: Love for believers in other churches; Phil. 2:2 - make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Repent of arrogance, haughtiness, better than thoughts & replaced with sense of team players, Rom. 12:16 - Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.; Watch what we say about each other, seek peace & edification instead; Rom. 14:19 - So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Share our resources with one another & be of one heart & soul; Acts 4:32 - And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. Be sympathetic, humble, harmonious & watch out for callousness, pride & division; 1 Pet. 3:8 - To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit. All strive to share the gospel with courage & faith & compassion for the lost; Phil. 1:27 - Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel. Do everything to preserve unity; may they know we are Christians by our love for one another; Eph. 4:3 - being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Source: https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Unity-Among-Believers

Adam McCann, writer for WalletHub wrote an article entitled 2022's Most Sinful Cities in America. They compared 180 cities using 7 major categories broken down by 38 indicators for illicit behavior. Sadly, four of the cities are in San Bernardino County. They are San Bernardino, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana. The Lord knew how we should address such disturbing news - pray. Join us this month in following God's way of dealing with sin on a corporate level. Let's seek an awakening of God's people to pray, seek His face [not hand], unite in intercession & repentance on behalf of the sins. Let's believe for revival of lives transformed by the Holy Spirit which reform cities. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land - 2 Chronicles 7:14 Reference: 2022’s Most Sinful Cities in America (wallethub.com) "City living has its advantages, but more residents usually means more pollution, more rats, and more trash. The problem is worse in some cities than in others. LawnStarter ranked 2023’s Dirtiest Cities in America following one of the trashiest times of the year, the winter holiday season. We compared over 150 of the biggest U.S. cities across four categories, including pollution, living conditions, infrastructure, and consumer satisfaction. Depending on where you live, you may want to buy some air fresheners, mouse traps, or a can of Raid." Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, National Transportation Research Nonprofit (TRIP), Numbeo, Other LawnStarter Studies, Salvage-Parts.com, Texas A&M Transportation Institute, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Three California Cities Rank Among The 'Dirtiest' In America - NewsBreak Friday, Mar. 31st - Dirtiest Cities: Consumer Satisfaction Podcast: Praying to increase Consumer Satisfaction re: Dirty, Pollution, Garbage Disposal, Greenery & Parks % of Residents Who Find City Dirty and Untidy: San Bernardino 93.75%; Ontario 50%; Fontana 60%; Rancho Cucamonga 0% % of Residents Dissatisfied with Air/Water Pollution: San Bernardino 91.67% & 70% ; Ontario 66.67% & 25%; Fontana 55% & 35%; Rancho Cucamonga 33.3% & 16.67% % of Residents Dissatisfied with Garbage Disposal: San Bernardino 43.75%; Ontario 50%; Fontana 30%; Rancho Cucamonga 0% % of Residents Dissatisfied with Greenery and Parks: San Bernardino 68.75%; Ontario 70%; Fontana 37.5%; Rancho Cucamonga 33.3% Prayer Points: City officials will create ways to address the air and water pollution problems, Improvement in air quality and water drinkability, our county seat city SB would improve in cleanliness, inspire organizations to take one section of city and clean it monthly like they do the roadways, raise the standards for businesses/residences to keep properties clean, garbage and sanitation would look at areas that need to be updated/cleaned; more parks and greenery; people would voice their concerns to their public officials loudly enough & be heard; help the leaders see a dirty city invites crime, poverty and poor economic growth. Salvation, Transformation & Reformation to the cities. Gospel preached with boldness, lives changed, cities reformed. Scriptures: Is. 1:16; Deut. 23:12-14; Lev. 25:35; Prov. 22:2; 2 Cor. 8:9; Prov. 20:13; 31:8-9 Thursday, Mar. 30th - Dirtiest Cities: Infrastructure Podcast: Praying Infrastructure issues improve: Landfills, Waste Regs., Recycling, Alt. Fuel & Junk Yards Tons of Waste in Landfills & Rating of State Waste Regulations and Measures; #1 highest waste in CA over 50% 1,172,625; #2 is LA at 736K; San Bernardino Solid Waste Management Division (SWMD) is responsible for the operation and management of the solid waste disposal system for the largest county in the United States. Our disposal system consists of five regional landfills and nine transfer stations. Refuse and Recycling Collectors: 160 facilities; 72 closed; 1 clean closed; 3 inactive; 3 planned; 81 active [42 have notifications to fix something not up to code] Alternative-Fuel Stations: 5th place for clean vehicle rebates; 385 in SBC; Fontana 16; Ontario 44; Rancho Cucamonga 24; San Bernardino 54 No. of Junk Yards: in SBC there are 193 junk yards Prayer Points: Trash collectors safety and able to sort properly; residents help in sorting their trash as requested; more products made that can recycle; truth about alternative energy; example electric cars use batteries that cannot be recycled; if electric grid goes down or asked to conserve electricity like last summer, no electricity for vehicle; truth be told and viable ways to help the environment; junk yards have rules to recycle materials for use on other products, innovations how to reuse things; faithfulness to what we have; not overbuying; county officials and Waste Management Division ethical with funds, waste site facilities follow regulations, rules reasonable to follow; less landfills & what to do with those that closed. Scriptures: Lk 16:12; Deut. 19:14; Acts. 2:45; Matt. 6:19-2; Lk. 16;10 Wednesday, Mar. 29th - Dirtiest Cities: Living Conditions Podcast: Praying to improve Living Conditions in Homes Population Density (Residents per Square Mile) - SBC has a population density of 106 people per square mile as of 2018. San Francisco County has the highest population density in California with 17,344 people per square mile followed by Orange County with 3,342 people per square mile and Los Angeles County with 2,421 people per square mile2. Share of Overcrowded Homes - SBC worst residential overcrowding rates in CA; ranks 9th among 58 counties; 1 out of 10 units is overcrowded Share of Homes with No Kitchen or Plumbing Facilities – couldn’t find data, not having a kitchen could be problematic long-term, costly; no plumbing poses health risks; especially long-term. Share of Homes with Mold, Signs of Mice or Rats, Cockroaches or Sewage Disposal: couldn’t find the data; any one of these issues poses a health risk to those in residence. Unsheltered Homeless Rate – CA has highest homeless rate at 67% unsheltered; in 202 0SBC had 2,389 adults/children homeless by count; sheltered increased by 28% [944] leaving 1,445 unsheltered. Cities accounting for 76% of the homeless are in the cities of Barstow, Colton, Fontana, Ontario, Redlands, San Bernardino, and Victorville. Scriptures: Is. 32:18; Prov. 19:17; 28:27; 14:31; Deut. 15:11; Prov. 31:8-9 Tuesday, Mar. 28th - Dirtiest Cities: Pollution Podcast: Praying to improve Pollution Issues: air, water, greenhouse/gas, fuel & smokers Median Air Quality Index: Worst air quality in the US ratio is #US vs #CA in #1 are: position San Bernardino [1/1], Fontana [8/3], Ontario [10/4], Rancho Cucamonga [16/6]. Air pollution particulate matter 17.6 daily average. Presence of Water Quality Violations: yes throughout the county; Currently, our region faces challenges with the man-made groups of chemicals per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exposure to certain PFAS can lead to adverse health effects in humans. Greenhouse-Gas Emissions (Metric Tons CO2e) per Capita: SBC is in a Greenhouse Gas Reduction plan. that will reduce 7,891 Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalents (MT CO2e) per year from new development by 2030; currently MTCO2e/SP 6.7% with goal to lower to 5.4% by 2040. Annual Excess Fuel Consumption (Gallons per Auto Commuter): SBC highest rate of people driving alone; driving further to get to work; more delivery trucks due to warehouses & distribution. Percentage of Smokers – 13% in SBC almost 275K smokers Prayer points: County Supervisors who sit on the South Coast AQMD is the regulatory agency responsible for improving air quality; leaders on the Water districts: SBMWD serves San Bernardino & unincorporated cities; each major city has its own water district/leaders; officials overseeing Greenhouse/Gas emissions; more ways to help commuters spend less time, fuel and money commuting; smokers decrease. Scriptures: 1 Tim. 2:1-2; Rom. 13:1-2; Prov. 21:1; Dan. 2:21; Rom. 13:1; 1 Pet. 2:17 Monday, Mar. 27th - Laziness: High school dropouts & Teen Disconnect Podcast: Praying for SBC regarding Laziness: High school dropouts & Disconnected Youth High School Dropout Rate: In SBC 2.6% dropped out county wide; San Bernardino 2.6%; Ontario 2.6%; Rancho Cucamonga 1.6%; Fontana 1.5%; Worst in county is Trona Joint Unified at 58.5%; Victor Valley Union High at 5.9%; Barstow Unified at 3.4%; Lucerne Valley Unified 3.1%. Disconnected Youth (16-24) Rate [not in school nor working] by city: San Bernardino unemployed 16.7%; No diploma 27%; 31% HS grad; 27% some college; 14% college degree. Ontario 4.1% unemployed; 24% no diploma; 27% HS grad; 22% some college; 25% college degree Rancho Cucamonga 3.4% unemployed; 8.5% no diploma; 19% HS grad; 25% some college; 47% college degree Fontana 4.2% unemployed; 23% no diploma; 28% HS grad; 23% 26% some college; college degree Prayer points: Increase in grad rates, decrease in drop outs, ways to help students stay in school and be motivated, more intervention for those who drop out with disabilities; more parents take an active role in child’s education, those 16-24 able to find jobs and better work ethics, more teachings, Bible studies, family discussions on the benefits of working versus being lazy, break the stronghold of entitlement, pride and arrogance, more understanding of God’s love vs selfishness. Scriptures: Ps. 119:66; Dan. 1:17; Prov. 18:15; 2 Thess. 3:10; Prov. 13:4; 10:4 18:9; 2 Thess. 3:11-12 Friday, Mar. 24th - Laziness: Volunteering vs TV Watching Podcast: Praying for SBC & Laziness: Time given to Volunteering vs Watching TV Volunteer Rate: 30% formally volunteer, 40% fundraising, 34% food distribution. Top causes in order 1 to 6: hunger/homelessness, health/wellness; faith/spirituality; animal/wildlife, children/youth, environment/conservation. Avg. 52 hours/year; baby boomers highest percentage; women more than men. Volunteers benefit with a stronger sense of unity, improved overall physical and mental health and aids to resume building. Avg. Daily Time Spent Watching TV by hours: By age group: 18-34 [1.37]; 35-49 [3.24]; 50-64 [5.43]; 65+[7.14]; all adults 4.16 [FYI comparison interact with smartphone avg. 3.30 hrs/day in addition to TV] Prayer points: More people would volunteer at churches, see its importance and value to the body of Christ; more education on why helping others benefits health emotionally, spiritually and mentally; increase in volunteers for good causes; opportunities to build relationships with people outside their comfort zone; the kindness, sacrifice and love displayed would improve communities, volunteers touted more in ads, movies, shows; church volunteers see it as every member being part of a family and all are needed; TV filters used; people would monitor what and how much they watch, is it redeeming the time. Scriptures: Lk. 6:38; Heb. 13:16; 2 Cor. 9:7; Rom. 12:2; Jms.4:4; Matt. 6:2; 1 Jn. 2;15 Thursday, Mar. 23rd - Laziness: Adults Not Exercising & Avg. Work Hours Podcast: Praying for SBC regarding Laziness: Adults not exercising vs Work Hours Share of Adults Not Exercising: SBC has a countywide campaign called Vision 2BActive; educating and encouraging people to increase their physical activity. In a typical week, youths 5-17 should be physically active at least 60 minutes/day; adults 30 moderate daily 5 days/week. Currently 34% youths meet the goal and only 23.5% adults. Facts: 75% SBC residents live within 1 mile of a local park, 5 miles from a regional, state or federal park. Vision2BActive – Vision2BActive (sbcounty.gov) Average Weekly Hours Worked: National average is 34.6 hours/week; SBC averaged 35.5 for the last 12 months. Found average commuter time/week by city: San Bernardino [28.9 hrs]; Fontana [34 hrs]; Ontario [31.5]; Rancho Cucamonga [32.2]. Prayer points: more adults to exercise the minimum 30 minutes/day, motivate others to do the same including their family, address obesity and need to treat our temples well from home, church and studies, people would take up the 2Bactive challenge that SBC provides, people will walk more; use stairways, see the benefits, commuting time would lessen; more jobs available closer to their homes or move closer to jobs; teachings on how to balance work, family and body care; parks, trails, would be used more and safe. Scriptures: Ps. 128:2; Ps. 127:1-2; Prov. 23:4-5; Eccl. 3:12-13; Matt. 6:23-24; 1 Cor. 6:19-20; Prov. 24:5; 31:7 Wednesday, Mar. 22nd - Vanity: Tanning Salons & Top 5 Plastic Surgeries Podcast: Praying for Cities ranked on Vanity: tanning salons & plastic surgery [Sex Reassignment Surgery prayer included] Tanning Salons [measured per Capita.] We found around 30 near the 4 cities. Interest on Top 5 Plastic Surgeries. US Stats: 92% on women; 13-19 make up 2%; 30-39 make up 45%. Top five procedures: nose reshaping, eyelid surgery, facelift, liposuction, breast augmentation. [Awareness] Sex Reassignment Surgery on minors/adults: Transgender Surgery Institute of Southern California [Santa Monica]; UCLA Gender Health Program’s pediatric practice [Los Angeles] on minors & Gender Clinic at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health (Palo Alto] Prayer points: People will be filled with an awe and reverence from the Lord, the fear of the Lord would be honored more than outward appearance, people would see their value in God more than in how they look, tanning salon owners/workers required to notify clients of potential harm from tanning beds i.e. cancer, premature aging, immune system compromised; plastic surgeons not push unnecessary/costly procedures; laws to protect minors from getting reassignment surgery; education of health issues on the surgery, exposure & expelled if done solely for the money, laws passed it can’t be done as a minor, more teachings on beauty skin deep by families and churches. Scriptures: 1 Sam. 16:7; Jer. 4:30; 1 Pet. 3:3-4; Ps. 139:14; 2 Cor. 4:16 Tuesday, Mar. 21st - Lust: Online Dating Apps [i.e. Tinder] & Teen Births/Abortions Podcast: Praying teen births/ abortions decline & increased moral standards in OL dating apps About Tinder – most popular online dating app that finds singles who live locally; reputation as a hook up app, shows pictures profiles that you swipe right if you like, left if not interested. Requires a picture and short blurb about yourself including relationship goals. Most used by age 52% 18-29; 38% 30-49; 10% 50+. Two good articles addressed it from a Christian’s perspective: if it tempts you delete it; use caution when meeting someone, make sure of their motives. Estimated Teen births/abortions in Cities/county: County teen births 12.5% vs. abortions 8.7% 1,025 vs. 715; San Bernardino [127 vs. 74]; Fontana [126 vs 73], Ontario [106 vs 62] , Rancho Cucamonga [103 vs 60] . Prayer points: People review apps for safety features before using, Christians pray before using an online dating app, higher standards required when using the apps [i.e. conservative pictures, nothing abusive, aggressive, immoral allowed in conversations]; apps used for sexual immorality would diminish in use; people delivered from sexual addictions, revival among those developing, promoting & using the apps, teen births continues to decrease in rate; abortions among teens decrease, more education on the option to adopt; increase promotion of abstinence before marriage at home, in school and at church. Scriptures: 1 Cor. 10:23; 2 Tim. 2:22; 2 Cor. 6:14; 1 Cor. 15:33; 1 Cor. 13:4-7; Gen. 2;18 Monday, Mar. 20th - Lust: Adult Entertainment Establishments/Events & Online Podcast: Praying for the Lust Indicators in Sinful Cities – Adult & XXX entertainment & events About Cities: San Bernardino [SB] ranked 10/182; Rancho Cucamonga [RC] ranked 64/182; Ontario ranked 93/182, Fontana ranked 113/182 Adult Entertainment Establishments per Capita [escort services; gentlemen’s clubs, etc.] – San Bernardino [13+]; Ontario [9]; RC [9]; Fontana [11] [also Victorville, Rialto] Erotic/Burlesque Events per Capita – over next 2 months over 12+ events Google Search Interest Index for “XXX Entertainment" [measures search interest for online adult entertainment] Prayer points: Less adult entertainment establishments replaced with a healthy business; people who own will get saved & change the business; people attending these place on ground or online will be convicted and delivered and set free; those who are victims from sex trafficking will be found, counseled, healed, released and find new edifying work, those who succumb to this work for the money will see its long term damage to multitudes; takers get penalties more than the ones supplying. Scriptures: Matt. 5:28; 1 Jn. 2:16; Gal. 5:16; Col. 3:5; 2 Tim. 2:22; Job 31:1; 1 Cor. 6:18 Friday, Mar. 17th - Greed: Casinos, Gambling, Charitable Giving Podcast Cities: San Bernardino [SB]; Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga [RC]; Fontana each ranked 42/182. Casinos per Capita: San Manuel Yaamava Resort & Casino [Highland], Dads Casino Party & Poker Night [Ontario]; E-l33t Gaming [Upland]. The lure of Las Vegas gambling. Share of Adults with Gambling Disorders: 38K in SBC; CA has Office of Problem Gambling (OPG) that provides education, counseling, treatment and identification. Included is helpline, training and technical assistance, public awareness campaigns and research. Three major organizations help gamblers: Gamblers Anonymous for gamblers specifically similar to AA. Gam-Anon for the spouse, family or close friends of compulsive gamblers. GamTalk a 24/7 moderated online peer support forum. Charitable Donations as Share of Income: Six out of ten (or 60%) households give to charities; By age group broken below; all tend to give to local places of worship. Millennials on average/annually give $481, 84% give & make up 11% of donors; Gen X gives $732 on avg/annually; 59% give regularly, tend to fund raise & volunteer ; Baby boomers give $1212 avg/annually; 72% give; make up 43% of all donations; Silent Generation gives $1,367 avg/annually; 88% donors; 11% of population give 26% of all donors Prayer points: Decrease in gambling compulsion, for the 3 groups helping the gambler, family of gambler and the peer support forum to see an increase in attendance and freedom; state will continue to provide more help to those with the problem & education at places that allow gambling; churches will address best uses of money especially as prices of commodities increase; people give more to charities and tithe as the Lord encourages, as a result see needs met. Scriptures: Proverbs 13:11; 1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 6:9-10; Matthew 6:24; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35 Thursday, Mar. 16th - Smoking & Debt-to-Income Ratio [Excesses/Vices] Podcast Excesses/Vices: Praying for Decreased Smoking & Poverty Podcast Adult Smokers [11% over 178K in SBC; US avg 15%, 18% high school students used e-cigarettes/vaping machine 1/x daily] SBC promotes resources to quit smoking & lists the risks/harms: Stained teeth/tongue; dulled sense of taste/smell; Bad breath; Gum disease; Tooth loss; bad skin; bad smelling clothes/hair; poor sports performance, longer healing times and risk of illness, lung cancer. Debt to Income Ratio: Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is the percentage of gross monthly income that goes to paying monthly debt payments and used by lenders to determine borrowing risk. Top 10 cities & their poverty rates %: Muscoy 39.3%; Adelanto 38.5%; Barstow 36.4%; Lenwood, 35%; Trona 33.9%; Homestead Valley 33.3%; Lucerne Valley 31.4%; San Bernardino 30.6%; Needles 26.5%; Victorville 23.3%. Prayer points: Continued education on the harms of smoking; more education on vaping to youth; decrease in number of adults/youth who smoke any type; churches find creative ways to not only feed the poor, but also help them learn how to manage their income; schools return to teaching budgets, community colleges offer classes on how to save/spend affordably; more teaching from pulpits on scriptural money management principles; people would take some of these poorest cities and pray for them for a month or year; of the 10 poorest cities 4 legalized cannabis distribution in all forms; for the city councils to see the correlation to poverty and use of it; find alternative ways to build their economy and income. Verses: Heb. 12:1; 1 Cor. 10:13; 1 Cor. 6:12; Lev. 25:35; Prov. 22:2; 2 Cor. 8:9; Prov. 17:5 Wednesday, Mar. 15th - Marijuana, Opioids & Drug Overdose [Excesses/Vices] Podcast Population Using Marijuana [measures 12 & older who used marijuana in past month] 12-17 4.68%; 18-25 25.9%; 26+ 13.5% [in the US 15% use MJ] Concerns THC in MJ increased; risks intoxication, anxiety, agitation, paranoia, psychosis, schizophrenia, addiction, cognitive impairment, poor performance at work, poor judgment, poor concentration, difficulty in recall & attention. Retail Opioid Prescriptions Dispensed 12-17 yrs [1.72%]; 18-25 [3.25%]; 26+ [3.59%] Drug Overdose Deaths [measures deaths due to drug poisoning] 2021 San Bernardino county had 1,630 drug overdose deaths, intentional & non. By age: 20-29 [304]; 30-39 [322]; 40-49 [307]; 50-59 [373]; 60+ [269] [trend showing an increase in senior drug overdosed deaths in the last several years] Prayer points: more education on risks/harms of MJ use; drug enforcement agencies able to crack down on illegal distribution of drugs esp. fentanyl, more people voice their opinions against drugs at city hall meetings like a Christian pastor group did in Barstow; boldness and courage to believers to speak up, more informed with data to prove the problems, prevention programs in churches, education in Christian schools about harms, more education on opioid addictions/risks, awaken people to the truth and set them free from the addictions, transformed lives by the gospel. Verses: Luke 4:18; 2 Cor. 3:17; Ps. 107:10-22 Tuesday, Mar. 14th - Excess Drinking & DUI Fatalities [Excesses & Vices] Podcast Excessive Drinking [measures age-adjusted prevalence of binge and heavy drinking among the adult population.] By age alcohol use past month: 12-17 [6%]; 18-25 [45%]; 26+ [50%] Binged alcohol past month: 12-17 [4%]; 18-25 [28% ]; 26+ [21% ] Drank alcohol 1-2x/week: 12-17 [47% ]; 18-25 [45% ]; 26% [49% ] DUI-Related Fatalities per Capita 114 fatalities [2020] 2nd highest county in CA; LA #1 216 [2020] 4,753 DUI convictions [2018] Ranked 5th highest county in CA; highest convictions by age: 42% [21-30]; 27% [31-40] Prayer points: more education about dangers & health risks of binge drinking; harder rules in colleges specifically CSUSB; Loma Linda University; Chaffey Community college; Victor Valley Community college; University of Redlands, tough love documentaries about DUI fatalities, victims injured to speak up or who lost a loved one; more on social media about it; less DUI fatalities; more law enforcement car checks; the freeway marquis to post about not drinking; that there is no tolerance when caught; MADD speaks to schools; more celebrate recovery groups open to the public Verses: 1 Cor. 6:12; Eph. 5:18; Phil. 4:5; 1 Pet. 5:8 Monday, Mar. 13th - Podcast: Excesses/Vices: Obesity, Fast Food & Caffeine Consumption Share of Obese Adults in San Bernardino county 7-in-10 Adults or 69% are Overweight or Obese Students in Grades 5th, 7th & 9th: 4 in 10 overweight or 43% overweight [23% at health risk; 20% needs improvement] Top obese school districts: Fontana 49.4%, San Bernardino 48.5%, Rialto & Colton 48.4%, Victor 44.7% Fast-Food Establishments per Capita in SBC 1050 Fast Food Restaurants serving 2,121,220; that’s 1 per 2,020 people & 1 per 19 sq. miles. Top cities with most: Ontario 132; San Bernardino 99; Rancho Cucamonga 96; Fontana 95 Share of Adult Coffee Drinkers [measures share of adults who drank ready-to-drink coffee in past six months.] How much is too much? More than 4 cups brewed coffee, 10 cans of cola or two "energy shot" drinks [caffeine content varies in drink] 16-oz. energy drink can have 54 to 62 grams of added sugar; exceeds max amount rec. per day; guarana in energy drinks increases caffeine amount Health risks excess caffeine: serious heart and blood vessel problems; heart rhythm disturbances; increases heart rate and blood pressure, anxiety, sleep & digestive problems, dehydration Verses: Proverbs 23:20-21; 30:8: 23:2; Phil. 3:19 Friday, Mar. 10th - Top 10 other SBC Cities based on Jealousy Categories Podcast Top 10 by category Worst: Ranked top 10 in 3 categories: Earp, Vidal, Nipton, Cima, Baker, Green Valley Lake, Fawnskin; Ranked in 2 categories: Angelus Oaks, Colton, Edwards AFB, Essex/Fenner, Amboy/Cadiz Theft: Green Valley Lake 153%: Edwards AFB 75%; Forest Falls 51%; Fawnskin 48%; Silver Lakes & Helendale 34%; Nipton 23%; Cima 23%; Vidal & Baker 22% Vehicle Theft: Montclair & Ontario & Bloomington & Fontana & Rialto 6.5%; Colton 6.2%; Upland 6.1%; Chino 6%; Grand Terrace 5.9% Burglary: Fawnskin 14%; Green Valley Lake & Earp 13%; Nipton 11.4%; Cima 11.3%; Baker & Argus/Trona 11%; Amboy/Cadiz 10.9%; Essex/Fenner 10.8%; Big River 10.6% Vandalism: Needles/Havasu Lake 50%; Earp 42%; Victorville 24%; Pioneer Town 22%; Angelus Oaks 21%; Seven Oaks/Barton Flats 19%; Colton 18%; San Bernardino Intl Airport 17.6%; Newberry Springs 17.4%; Vidal 16.5% ID Theft: Fawnskin 5.4%; Green Valley Lake 3.5%; Earp 1.4%; Nipton & Cima & Baker/Oro Grande 1.3%; Vidal, Essex/Fenner 1.3%; Amboy/Cadiz & Edwards AFB 1.2% Prayer points: Crime rates go down in all stealing categories in each city; outreaches that address stealing; sentences for thieves to work & payback what they stole to the victims; more graffiti laws in each community; citizens vote to ensure vandals fix, pay for, or paint over damaged items; task forces to find vehicles faster esp. for those selling parts for more evil; greater education for cybercrime preventions, more cyber PI experts to identify criminals; where there are no city council, county supervisors create teams to address the problems & prevent Scriptures: James 3:16; Heb. 13:15; Ex. 20:15; Prov. 6:34; 14:30; 10:2; Eph. 4:28 Thursday, Mar. 9th - Jealousy: Theft, Vehicle Theft, Burglary, Vandalism, ID Theft Podcast About 4 Sinful Cities: San Bernardino [SB]; Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga [RC]; Fontana Jealousy by rank in order out of 180 cities: SB 108; Ontario 140; RC 144; Fontana163. Theft: RC 17%; Fontana 14%; Ontario 13%; SB 8% Vehicle Theft: Ontario/Fontana 7%; SB 5%; RC 3% Burglary: SB 8%; Fontana 6%; Ontario 5%; RC 3% Vandalism: Fontana 14%; SB 12%; Ontario 8%; RC 3% ID Theft: Ontario/SB/RC/Fontana .8%<= Prayer points: Reminder of the 10 commandments; deliverance from those who are under the enemy’s control; for people to be content with what they have; things stolen returned as part of consequence or paid back when sentenced; ministry to those who steal; is it based on needs or wants; education how to spend & save money; increase cybersecurity teams who can find & sentence cybercriminals; thieves have to labor and do honest work with their own hands, then learn to share; salvation to thieves, transformation, reformation to cities Scriptures: James 3:16; Heb. 13:15; Ex. 20:15; Prov. 6:34; 14:30; 10:2; Eph. 4:28 Wednesday, Mar. 8th - Top 15 SBC Cities Highest Violent Crimes Podcast Top 15 Most Violent Ranked Cities in SBC [# of times ranked in top 5 by category]: Green Valley Lake [5], Vidal [5], Baker [4], Earp [4], Havasu Lake [3], Big River [3], Adelanto [3], Oro Grande [2], Fawnskin [2], Big Bear Lake [1], Angelus Oaks [1], Hinkley [1], Devore [1], Sugarloaf, Barstow. All ranked Violent Crime Grade F. Top 5 by Categories: Assault: Green Valley Lake 13%, Hinkley 8%, Havasu Lake, Devore & Oro Grande 7%. Armed Robbery: 6% Angelus Oaks & Earp, 5% Vidal, 4% Big River, 3% Adelanto. Rape: 4% Green Valley Lake; .45% Baker, Fawnskin, Earp, Adelanto. Murder: 3% Baker, 1.6% Vidal, .7% Earp, .5% Havasu Lake, .2% Green Valley Lake. Kidnapping: 4% Baker, 3% Vidal, 2% Fawnskin, 1% Big River, .8% Green Valley Lake. Drug crimes: 45% Baker, 39% Green Valley Lake, 38% Big River, 26% Adelanto, 14% Vidal. Animal Cruelty: .6% Oro Grande, .3% Earp & Vidal, .2% Havasu Lake & Big Bear Lake Prayer points: Cities where % is so much higher than others have more attention by law enforcement & city community leaders; ways to identify why this is a problem, though in some cases in obscure places; victims of the crimes committed able to find healing, restoration, and deliverance; county supervisors make teams visit these communities with creative solutions to prevent the crimes, county & cities address the drug crimes that are so high, task forces able to do operation rescue in these areas, though small not to be forgotten. Scriptures: Hosea 4:2 ; Proverbs 3:29 ;Proverbs 3:31;Psalms 11:5; Psalms 72:14 Tuesday, Mar. 7th - Anger/Hatred Fontana Podcast About City: Ranks 142/180 most sinful cities overall; 147/180 for anger/hatred; Overall crime grade is D-; violent crime D+; property crime D; other crime F; a crime occurs every 38 minutes; top issues are drug crimes at 21% [very high] theft 14% [high]; vandalism 9%; vehicle theft 6% Repent & Scriptures: [Forgiveness] – forgive any one or any organization who offended you, reconcile with anyone who has a grudge against you, be merciful as God is merciful to us, forgive daily, love enemies, pray for them and those who hurt you, don’t judge [Col. 3:13; Mk. 11:25; Matt. 5:44; 6:15; 18:21-22; Lk. 6:27-30 & 37] Prayer points: drug crimes in Fontana decrease, crime grade improves, those selling, marketing, making and distributing the drugs be caught, sentences harsh enough to cause restraint of future crimes, confusion in the camps of gangs & cartel, South Fontana and Mexican Mafia prison gang La Eme decrease in size & power, Fontana Police Department ethical, just, wise and captures criminals, give them seeing eyes, motivated by law & justice not vengeance, balanced lives with family & work, integrity, more preventive programs, churches pray & help Monday, Mar. 6th - Anger/Hatred Rancho Cucamonga Podcast About City: Rancho Cucamonga ranks 131/180 cities overall; 144/180 for anger/hatred; crime grade overall D; violent crime C; property C-; other D; A crime occurs every 2 hours 41 minutes; top issues 20% vandalism; 10% theft; 5% drug crimes. Repent & Scriptures: harsh words vs a soft answer; selfish desires, lust, want what I want when I want it vs. content in what we have; not reconciling with people we offended; not vengeful, being good to those who hurt us, praying for our enemies vs talking bad about them, not quarrelsome, always trying to pick a fight or argue, vs kind, teachable not resentful, repentance leads to a knowledge of the truth [Prov. 15:1; James 4:1; Matt. 5:23-24; 2 Tim. 2:23-26; Rom. 12:21; 2 Prov. 22:10] Prayer Points: the truth of God’s word penetrates the hearts of those planning crimes, set free from sexual, drug and alcohol addictions, more firearms caught in Operation Rescue; more task force finds, strong convictions and sentences that puts a fear in criminals, punishment worthy of the crime, reformation in prisons, churches/ministries pray for prisoners and have programs to help juveniles not become criminals, conflict management classes taught in prisons and schools, In RC: West Valley Detention Center, Superior Courthouse of CA in RC, judges, defense lawyers & prosecutors. Friday, March 3rd - Anger/Hatred Ontario Prayer Podcast About City: Ontario ranks 125/180 cities overall for most sinful; 145/180 for anger/hatred category; a crime occurs every 1 hour 3 minutes (on average); overall crime grade is D; violent D; property D+; other D-; top issues are 13.5% drug crimes; theft 11%; 7% vandalism; 6% vehicle theft. Pray about Anger/Hatred Indicators: Violent Crimes; Sex Offenders; Aggravated Assault; Bullying; Hate-Crime & groups; Deaths due to Firearms; no Mass Shootings; no Terrorist Attacks Repent with Scriptures: Foolishness; venting our anger, no self-control, yelling, arguing, quick to anger, hot tempered people, stirring up strife, bitterness, hotheaded, insecurity, perverse tongue, mad at people, cursing, being rude [Prov. 14:16; 15:4; 15:18; 16:32; 19:11; 29:11; James 1:19; Eph. 4:30-31] Prayer Points [control anger]: salvation, deliverance, holding their tongue, self-control, slow to anger, stop arguing, quick to listen to understand, quiets contention, decrease, crime grade improves, drug crimes decrease, Ontario Police Department, Drug task forces: Inland Empire Clandestine Lab, Inland Regional Narcotic Enforcement, Drug Enforcement, High-Intensity Drug Trafficking, Ontario City jail, Prison Fellowship, Kairos, Jesus is the Key prison ministries. Thursday, March 2nd - Anger/Hatred San Bernardino Prayer Podcast Info: San Bernardino Crime grade overall is F; violent F; property D+ and other F; every 26 minutes a crime occurs; top issue: drug crimes 41% extremely high and gang activity, high poverty rate 21%. County Pray about: Crime decreases in violence, sex offenders, aggravated assault, bullying, hate-crime, hate groups, firearm deaths, mass shootings, terrorism; crime grade improves, less violence, less property crime & lower drug crimes; gangs divide & decrease; Central Detention Center, San Bernardino City Jail, Central Valley Juvenile Detention & Assessment Center; Operation Consequences; public safety, Criminals, Prisons reformation by the transforming Gospel, deliverance from gangs & addiction, Fatherhood programs succeed and increase, The Mom and Dad Project grow & graduate parents via court orders. Repent/Scriptures: uncontrolled anger, revenge, bitterness, offenses, malice, slander, obscene talk, quick-tempered, quarreling, act before thinking, hating anyone [ Psalm 37:8; Eph. 4:26-27 James 1:20; Col. 3:8; Prov. 14:29; 1 Tim. 2:8; Ps. 4:4; 1 Jn. 3:1] Wednesday, March 1st - Watch the vodcast: Call to Pray for the sinful cities in SBC.

One of the seven major influences in society is in the area where we celebrate the arts, entertainment and sports. Consider how much time and money we spend in any or all of these? Jesus cautions in Matthew 12:34, "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." What we fill our minds with can positively or negatively impact our speech and behavior [GIGO Garbage In Garbage Out or Good In Good Out]. Join us in praying for this far reaching, money making and powerful tool during the month of February? Share this with others so they too can pray for this giant. Feel free to comment below. Others would love to know your thoughts. Tuesday, Feb. 28 - Celebrities in Music, Sports, Movies, Theaters [Higher Standards] Podcast: Praying for celebrities: musicians, athletes, actors/ actresses [Deliver them from Evil] Prayer Points/Scriptures: Musicians – Salvation; more songs pure, inspire, encourage, express what we can’t but better, keep them from temptation; deliver them from evil, higher standards & morals in how they live and conduct themselves in performances [Ps. 68:25 & 1 Chron. 15:16] Athletes – safety & protection, perform ethically, same sex only play in high contact sports, teamwork vs. self-promotion, ethical, moral standards, salvation, able to overcome temptations of fame, fortune & fans [1 Cor. 9:24 & 1 Tim. 4:8] Actors/Actresses – salvation, able to play roles with moral standards, courage to say no to parts that promote evil, able to overcome temptations, balance family/work life, better role models, delivered from evil, protection from fans & paparazzi [1 Jn. 1:11 & James 1:22-25] Personal Challenge: Pick your favorite musician, athlete and actor and pray for God to reveal Himself to them and deliver them from evil Monday, Feb. 27 - Secular Film Industry [Garbage In Garbage Out or Good In Good Out] Podcast: Praying for secular film industry staff, content and influence. Prayer Points/Scriptures: Staff – saved, delivered from evil, set free from addictions, higher standards, better morals, transformation and reformation in the industry [Col. 3:17 & 2 Cor. 5:17] Content – better material, family friendly, inspirational, thoughtful, provoke to good behavior, documentaries that inform without inciting violence, healthier scripts, clean humor, creative ideas that foster better citizenry, less sensational, more educational; responsibility to help not harm people nor children [Prov. 17:22; Luke 17:2] Influence – less images of violence, murders, accidents, blood, gore, stabbings, disturbing images, sexual situations; viewers recognize real from fiction; monitor quantity and quality of films; aware how it impacts sleep, dreams, feelings, mental health, fears; more so in children Ps. 101:3a; 2 Tim. 1:7; Prov. 3:31 Personal Challenge: Next time you choose a film; stop before watching, pray you will turn off anything that is offensive to God and then pray for those who made the film. Friday, Feb. 24 - Arts/Entertainment/Sports - Cable & TV networks Podcast: Lifting up staff behind shows; viewers abide by TV ratings; HPN’s growth Prayer Points/Scriptures: Staff – [writers, directors, owners, costume, make-up, etc.] salvation, higher standards, believers share their faith; Christians pray together; model their faith; better morale, not fall prey to many temptations, lust of the flesh, eyes & pride of life. 1 Jn. 2:16 Parental Guidance Ratings – TV-Y; Y7; Y7FV; G; PG; 14; MA [V-Violence, S-Sex, L-Language, D-suggestive dialogue] Parents and viewers pay attention to ratings; have boundaries what not to watch; those rating the shows do so with integrity; children, teens and parents agree to discuss why shows negatively impact them. Col. 3:5-8 Hollywood Prayer Network – more people commit to pray vs. complain; more join the network [it’s global]; more resources for those in the entertainment industry to stay pure; specific guides with prayer points that meet the needs of the entertainers/staff; model Christlike behavior among unbelieving entertainers. Col. 4:2-6 Personal Challenge: Next time you complain about a show, take the time to ask for forgiveness then pray for all those who put it together. Phil. 2:14 Do everything without complaining and arguing Thursday, Feb. 23 - Entertainment – Christian & Secular Concerts [What’s the Difference?] Podcast: Praying for the environment, purpose and safety at Christian & Secular Concerts Prayer Points/Scriptures [NLT]: Environment – people consider where venue held; what type of people will attend; what will be allowed/not; worship of God or man - 2 Cor. 3:17 vs James 3:16 Purpose – bold gospel messages, worship encouraged, clean entertainment preferred over those promoting evil; fans recognize the motives of the artists/bands - 1 Thess. 2:4 vs. Prov. 21:2 Safety – security guards, people prepare for potential dangers, drugs, drunkenness, open sex prohibited; educate audience before concerts, safety precaution signage posted conspicuously; Prov. 18:10 vs. Prov. 14:16 Personal Challenge: Read this article Christian Concerts vs. Secular Music Events: What's Different? (fanawards.com). Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you when deciding and paying for attending a concert. Wednesday, Feb. 22 - Entertainment – Streaming Services for Movies, TV Shows & Music Podcast: Praying for streaming sites show ratings clearly & increase family & clean options, consumers to filter content and consider how much they spend Prayer Points/Scriptures: Content Filters - Clear markers that show content rating for music & shows; services provide more programming based on healthy choices; strong parental controls - Psalm 101:3 (NIV) Charting Site – Simple navigation to choices based on personal preferences; able to find cleaner shows & music early on; not push evil agenda; Eph. 5:11-15 [NLT] Consumer Costs – services charge reasonably; consumers recognize amount spent on entertainment; addiction doesn’t pre-empt paying for needs; Prov. 21:20 [NLT] Personal Challenge: Choose one of the top video and music services or one that you use and pray the consumers cry out for cleaner material and the streamers meet that desire. Tuesday, Feb. 21 - Topic: Entertainment/Arts/Sports – TV Shows [Where to Draw the Line?] Podcast: Praying for the content, viewers & parents of TV shows Prayer Points/Scriptures: Content – more family friendly less violent, vulgar and villainous; more Christian based healthy writers, more G/PG rated desired by viewers; more public outcry for indecent shows; people speak up; better filters; Gal. 5:19-21 Viewers – frisk the content against Phil. 4:8; would Jesus watch it with them; monitor the amount of time sitting, what they eat while watching, recognize and turn off the shows that put God down or tempt them to do sinful things. Parents – monitor children; not use as a babysitter, recognize what content fosters good behavior and what promotes bad [Prov. 22:6] Personal Challenge: What about you? What do you watch? Would Jesus watch it with you? How much time do you sit viewing a show? Is it helping your body or hurting? Monday, Feb. 20th - Entertainment/Arts/Sports – Fairgrounds [All the Events Hosted] Podcast: Praying for events at SBC Fairgrounds to be family friendly, safe & free from crime. Prayer Points/Scriptures: Concerts & Shows – [strolling entertainers, clowns, jugglers, live bands; ] family friendly, G/PG rated; not risqué; Psalm 101:2-3 Livestock Show – [FFA and 4-H youth Jr. Livestock Auction select, purchase, feed, and groom livestock to be real life stock to be, graded and sold at fair; include steers, lambs, hogs, rabbits and poultry] Prov. 12:10 Exhibits competition – [Home Brew Contest, Preserved Foods, Home Arts, Ceramics & Plaster craft, all Crafts, Miniatures, Models, Collections, Fine Art, Photography and all Youth & 4-H] Ex. 35:10 Horse Racing - [Thursday through Sunday Live Satellite Wagering watch, bet live horse racing from all over the world in only simulcast wagering Facility in the High Desert region of California] Prov. 13:11 Wheel2Wheel Raceway is a 1/8 mile 7 degree banked oval dirt raceway located at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville, California. W2W races speedway sprints, dirt karts and mowers throughout the entire season. Welcoming drivers as young as 4 years old and beyond. It is the home track for the Speedway Sprint Cars fabricated by W2W Racing & 777 Racecars. 1 Cor. 9:24 & Phil. 2:3-4 Personal Challenge: Whether you choose to visit the county fair or not. Take a moment to pray for it, when you hear it or others advertised. Pray for the law enforcement, the staff, the bodyguards, and all the young and old who participate in the events. Friday, Feb. 17th - Entertainment: Secular Music [What’s appropriate and what’s not?] Podcast: Praying for higher standards to those involved in making/listening to Secular Music Prayer Points: Lyrics/Content– not evil propaganda, not from the devil, promotes good not evil, have better ratings for parents and adults, more messages that promote inspiration, healthy love, kindness to others, songs that contain violence, swearing, sex, alcohol abuse, drugs be labeled and banned; higher standards in the industry Singers/Musicians – sing & play because they support what they’re saying and is honorable; less motivated by violence, sex, vulgarity and debauchery; protect their voices, help the musicians to support the singers(s) and other band member; back up singers do the same; for their salvation, deliverance from drugs/alcohol, love of money & immorality, for the public to cry out for good models Listeners – Christians challenge the words against Phil. 4:8 [true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, worthy of praise]; what effect does it have on the listener; would Jesus listen to it; for unbelievers to censor the lyrics; to look at what they listen to and question it’s value and affects in their lives; people pay for and/or listen to music that is G/PG rated more than any other Personal Challenge: What secular music do you listen to? What does it cause you to think on – things of the earth or heaven? Good or evil? Tempted to do something against God’s will or to appreciate God’s talents to those who put together the song? Thursday, Feb. 16th: Entertainment - Theaters [Movie & "Live" Performances & Ratings] Podcast: Praying for all those behind the content shown at Movie & Stage Theaters. Prayer Points/Scriptures [ESV]: Movie Theaters – less R rated; more family friendly films; clean environment; volume remains safe for ears; more movie goers choose better content; corporations who own the franchise of theaters have higher moral standards; patrons conduct themselves with respect to others; cell phones off; salvation of workers, managers & owners; sex not allowed in theaters; ensure under age not watching R & NC17 - Ps. 101:3 Stage Theatres – patrons choose clean performances; more family friendly acts; platform allowed for Christian as well as secular talent; safety of performers; salvation to owners, managers & performers; types of plays not immoral; contains healthy humor; thought-provoking not incite hostility; artists who sing or dance or do something creative is clean; doesn’t encourage immorality; patrons show appreciation for performers – Col. 3:5 Motion Picture Association of America [MPAA] – rates films appropriately; public outcry for better films, less indecency, more G & PG rated films; PG rated films not include R rated material, keep within the boundaries of each rating - 1 Cor. 6:12 Personal Challenge: Next time you watch a movie at a theater or at a live stage, pray for the people involved and the content portrayed. When driving by a theater, lift up a prayer for it to be used for healthy entertainment. Wednesday, Feb. 15th: Entertainment – Christian Music [Expression of Praise & Worship] Podcast: Praying for those behind Christian Music [Lyricists, Artists, Musicians, Record Labels] Prayer Points/Scriptures [ESV & NLT]: Lyricists – able to be creative in their lyrics; words would reach believers to encourage, comfort, challenge, convict; messages would reach unbelievers with the Gospel [James 5:13] Artists – creative ways to sing the lyrics in a way that captures the hearts of the hearers, health/safety over their vocal chords, balance of time with family/friends and time with the Lord, able to resist temptation, remain humble [Col. 3:16] Musicians – Able to play unique sounds from their instruments, unified, able to play together with harmony and creativity that supports the singers; clever & innovative ways to make sounds that glorify God; protection from demonic influence [Ps. 150:3-6] Record Labels – Able to distribute to new groups beyond; creative marketing to reach the lost; protected from the love of money; Godly wisdom in running the business; able to find best singers who can reach the world for Christ and encourage believers to worship & praise [1 Chron. 15:16] Personal Challenge: Pray for your favorite Christian artist. Pray for those involved with the current song/lyrics that ministers to you right now. Tuesday, Feb. 14th: Sports/Entertainment: Auto Speedways & Motocross Raceways [Christ remains honored] Podcast: Praying for Fans, Racers, Tracks & Ministries focused on Auto & Motocross racing Prayer Points Drivers – salvation, Christians model Christ well & with integrity/purity; able to overcome temptations; safety when driving; their pit crew & helpers safe & alert Fontana Auto Club Speedway – continues to be free to televise & say the invocation; the cross remains the center of the activities; safety to fans/track staff; gospel shared boldly; fans won’t idolize instead appreciate talent, skill & courage San Bernardino Stock Care Speedway – safety to all racing & supporting the race on tracks; alcohol restrictions before/during/after races; Motocross Glen Helen Raceway – extra precautions for those on the bikes, enforcement of safety gear, dirt prepared properly; orderly conduct on/off the track; prohibition to drugs and alcohol before/during/after the race Christian Race Ministries – Racing with Jesus & Beyond Checkered Flags Personal Challenge: If you attend or watch any of these types of races, pick a team to pray for.If you do not, consider choosing one of the raceways to cover in prayer. Monday, Feb. 13th - Christian Film Production Companies [Reaching the Unreached] Podcast: Praying Christian Film Production Companies reach more people Prayer Points/Scriptures []: Audience – more people watch, reaches secular and Christian viewers, receptive, shares with others, promotes them to believers/non-believers; brings to Christ and/or grows in faith; 2 Peter 3:9 Films – creative, unique, innovative, compelling, persuasive, quality acting/filming, secular and Christian actors perform well, scenes challenge arguments against God; 2 Cor. 10:5 Gospel – preached without shame; clear, penetrating, creatively presented for different age groups; Rom. 1:16 Directors/Producers – Choose content that will make people think about the Lord, purity vs. immorality, courageous faith, right decisions in a dark world, challenge both the believer and unbeliever to grow in the knowledge of God; 2 Peter 3:18 Personal Challenge: Consider your choice of films. Are you supporting the ones that promote the Gospel? Choose one of the top Christian film producing companies from the list above and pray for them. Friday, Feb. 10th - Art – Museums in SBC [Honoring the Creator or Created?] Podcast: Praying for the exhibits in SBC Museums [Designers, Managers, Artwork] Prayer Points/Scriptures [ESV]: Designers – for Christian artists to be able to showcase work that causes the beholder to give glory to God for their skill and talent. For secular artists to create items that also demonstrate the handiwork of God and not for evil promotion. [Exodus 35:35] Museum Managers – Would listen to their patrons, what’s appreciated and what’s not. Find sources to exhibit healthy work and skill, fostering creativity in the visitor, highlight the talents and unique designs, encourage understand of historical items, embrace cultural roots without denying the existence of God as the creator. [Prov. 19:20 & Matt. 10:33] Artwork – People would not worship the created but instead appreciate the craftsmanship skill and gift [if good]; content would be holy not lewd or immoral; help understand history better & learn from it; see things from different perspectives [Rom. 1:25] Personal Challenge: Look for a museum in your city or nearby and find out what it exhibits – for good or evil. Pray for it to be used by God to help people think about His handiwork. If it’s historical, that people would learn from past issues and improve. If used for evil, pray for less visitors, people to speak up on of what they approve and disapprove. Thursday, Feb. 9th - Entertainment/Sports - Super Bowl 2023 [Potential for Good & Evil] Podcast: Praying for the upcoming Super Bowl 2023 – the teams, viewers, performer Prayer Points/Scriptures [NLT]: Teams – Chiefs/Eagles; pray for Christians athletes to be bold in sharing their faith with godly behavior & not fall prey to temptations; for Chaplains to reach non-believers for Christ; for their salvation; open doors; open hearts. Hold to high standards in behavior before/after the game. [Romans 1:16] Viewers – behave respectfully, praise players who demonstrate good sportsmanship i.e. helping opponent off the ground; giving team glory when win is made; not yelling at refs; share their faith with those they are watching with; filter what they watch before game; commercials & during half-time. [1 John 2:15-17] Performers: Rihanna [half time performance]; Chris Stapleton [singing National Anthem; clean Country singer]; Sheryl Lee Ralph [singing hymn Lift Every Voice & Sing, Abbot Elementary actress, clean show]; Babyface [singing America the Beautiful, songwriter & record producer]; DJ Snake [pregame entertainment; French rapper/DJ]; Navy women flyers. Pray for God inspired songs to move the audiences/teams; for lewd songs/actions to stop; for patriotism to be highlighted; the pregame doesn’t hype people to do evil; salvation of the performers, those who used to be Christians return to higher standards and morals and display that in their performances. [Ps. 101:2-4] Athletes in Action hosts a breakfast before the game; pray for the gospel to be shared; able to encourage other athletes to join; for speakers to honor God and share their faith boldly; for the organization to reach their dream to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport, in every nation and able to help athletes find a relationship with Jesus and use their platform to make a difference in the world. [Matt. 28:19-20] Personal Challenge: If you plan to watch the game, pray in advance to avoid the temptations from the performances, commercials and game upsets. Ask God how you can be a good model of Christ, if watching it with others. If you aren’t watching it, pray for people to not imbibe in ungodly behavior and for believers to be bold in witnessing their faith on the field. Wednesday, Feb. 8th - Entertainment: Music – Grammys [Reformation & Repentance] Podcast: Praying for the Salvation & Reformation of the Grammys & Those Involved Prayer Points/Scriptures [ESV]: Repentance – 2 Peter 3:9 Salvation [could be prodigals] Ezekiel 11:19-20 Less people listen and/or watch Romans 12:1-2 ESV Reached with the Gospel in many ways including visions of Jesus Christ [like Mia's Testimony getting saved after having a vision of Christ] Arguments upended by the Truth 2 Cor. 10:3-5 Unholy Video/Grammy Performance fizzle out; more people abhor it and speak up about it; Ecclesiastes 7:5 ESV Reformation of the Grammys - James 4:4 ESV Personal Challenge: Pray for one secular music artist who doesn’t know Jesus. Use the following Acts 4:12 to guide you. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. 14 Bible Verses To Pray For Your Unsaved Family Members (ambitionsforchrist.com) Tuesday, Feb. 7th - Entertainment/Sports: Video Games [Self-Controlled or Controlled?] Pt. II Podcast: Praying players & parents would create margins of play based on the pros/cons Prayer Points/Scriptures [NLT]: Time – how much spending? Is it best use of time? Is time wasted? [Eph. 5:16-17] Content – Would Jesus play this with me? Why or why not? Does it help or hinder a person’s walk with the Lord? Could you play this around children? [Ps. 101:3] Boundaries – What type of margins should one apply for costs, time, who to play with? If sitting, for how long for your health? [Refer to 1 Cor. 6:12] Personal Challenge: Honestly answer the following questions before playing: Will it edify or entertain me? Am I obeying self-will or God’s will? Does the game glorify God? Will playing result in good works? Does it help me exhibit self-control? While playing, does it redeem the time? Does it pass Phil. 4:8 frisk test? Will playing fit in with your life goals? Does it help give an eternal focus? Monday, Feb. 6th - Entertainment or Sports: Video Games [To play or Not to Play?] Part I Podcast: Praying for ESRB, Ratings, Categories, Developers to have Higher Standards Prayer Points/Scriptures [NLT]: Entertainment Software Rating Board [ESRB]; Ratings: EC; E; 10+; T; M; A; RP Categories: Substances - Eph. 5:18; Blood/gore & Violence: 1 Peter 3:9; Hosea 4:2; Humor: Proverbs 17:22; Ephesians 5:4; Language: Colossians 3:8; Gambling: 1 Timothy 6:10; Nudity & Sexuality: Ephesians 5:5; Game Developers: Ps. 11:5 The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence. Personal Challenge: Review the categories above used by the ESRB to rate video games. Which ones should you not play if they have those elements? Friday, Feb. 3rd - Sports: Extreme Fighting, Fans, Betting, Professional & Christian Athletes Podcast: Praying about Sports: Extreme Fighting, Fans, Betting, Professional & Christian Athletes Prayer Points/Scriptures Extreme fighting [MMA, UFC, Boxing] goal is to physically harm the other person until they are knocked unconscious or incapacitated. Pray for their salvation, whether God would endorse this type of fighting. (1 Corinthians 10:31) What does the Bible say about extreme fighting / violent sports? | GotQuestions.org Fans – not idolize, not elevate over God, not obsessed with teams/games, harboring hatred against other fans for opposing teams. 1 John 2:15-17 Betting – fantasy sports, gambling, addiction, what’s the motive, would God endorse it Should a Christian participate in sports betting? | GotQuestions.org 1 Tim. 6:9 B Professional athletes – be a good model, avoid drugs or steroids, cussing, fighting with the opposing team, physically abusing women, sexual impurity. 1 Timothy 4:12 Christian athletes – not let it become an idol; keep identity in Christ not the sport; passion more on Christ than winning; good witnesses of their faith; good mentors to younger athletes, donate time & money to charities; (1 John 5:21) Personal Challenge: Which of the following have you experienced as a pro to playing sports? – discipline, camaraderie, fellowship with fans, exercised self-control following sports rules & with teammates or opponents, endurance, perseverance? How did that help you in other relationships? Thursday, Feb. 2nd - Those involved with the Major Sports watched in the US Podcast: Praying for those involved with the Major Sports watched in the US Prayer Points/Scriptures [NLT]: Owners – protect their staff/teams; not cut costs leading to dangers; not love money; healthy business deals, high standards. [1 Timothy 6:10] For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. Advertisers – cleaner ads especially at major events watched by so many; more moral standards [Isaiah 5:20] What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. Players – safety, play ethically, high integrity, avoid enhancing drugs, build camaraderie, family time [Ps. 25:21] May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you. Spectators – healthy rivalry, not idolize, avoid arguments over best team, time balanced with family, friends & God. [2 Timothy 2:23-25 ESV] Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, Team staff – consider safety not just winning; build team spirit, encourage self-control in practice and play, build morale & character; same standards expected for all players [Proverbs 25:28 ESV] Personal Challenge: Do you watch any of the most preferred sports in the US? If so, how much do you spend in watching, betting, or buying sports team paraphernalia? How much time do you spend viewing it? Ask the Lord to show you if it’s crowding out time with Him or those you love and/or spending more money than you have? Check out How should a Christian view sports / athletics? | GotQuestions.org. Wednesday, Feb. 1st - Intro to Celebration Prayer Challenge [Arts, Entertainment & Sports] Prayer Points/Scriptures [ESV]: Whether it be art, entertainment or sports – does it pass the test is it true AND honorable AND just AND pure AND lovely AND commendable AND excellent AND worthy of praise? Keep. If not, reconsider its place in your life. Philippians 4:8 Is anything made, played or viewed worthless, blameless or help one walk with integrity? Psalm 101:2-3 Would Jesus endorse one's involvement with it, no matter the capacity? Colossians 3:17 Does it cause addiction? Is it godly? How much do people spend on it? Titus 2:12 Personal Challenge: Identify some of the ways you celebrate arts, entertainment and/or sports. Which ones are helpful and which are not? Allow the Holy Spirit to shine light on your involvement with them; what to keep, what to discard. Podcast: A Call to Pray for the Arts, Entertainment & Sports Industries

New Year challenge to pray for the media rather than complain about it. We can make a difference as we unite in prayer. Each weekday there will be one specific aspect of media that we will cover like reporters, owners, billboards, etc. Let's take back the power of the air waves. Links below access resources & podcasts. Tuesday, Jan 31st – Battle for the airwaves [Prince of confusion vs Prince of Peace] Scriptures: PDF Page of Verses about the prince of the air & The Prince of Peace Prayer strategy: Pray along with the podcast. Use the PDF verses to help you see what God says about this battle for media’s messages. Personal challenge: Take 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? Podcast: Praying God’s word over the battle for the airwaves [Lord of Heaven’s Armies vs the powers of darkness] Monday, Jan. 30th – Social Media - Blogs & Pinterest & LinkedIn [Tools or Timewasters?] Scriptures: Prov. 15:14/1 Cor. 10:31; Luke 12:15; Phil. 4:19; Col. 3:23/Eph. 2:10 & 5:16 Prayer strategy: Pray for the pros to increase on each platform & be used more by Christians across the world to reach/teach about Jesus. Pray about the cons on each platform; that believers would challenge how & what they use them for; how much time they use on them and how better to use them for their needs. Personal challenge: Which, if any of these do you use? How much time do you spend on them? To ensure Jesus is Lord of your time, ask Him to help you use these tools efficiently and productively; not wasting any time. Podcast: Praying for Blogs/Bloggers, Pinterest/Pinners, LinkedIn/Professionals to use these tools wisely Friday, Jan. 27th – Search Engines – Google, Bing/Yahoo, DuckDuckGo Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:21; Psalm 25:5; Psalm 86:11 Prayer strategy: Pray for the owners & leaders, developers, staff, higher standards & morals; ethical & legal use of personal data; Christian workers to share their faith & model Christlike behavior; used more for good than evil; better monitoring for cybercrimes including sex trafficking of minors; anything hidden that is evil would be brought to light; helpful more than harmful. Users learn to test everything and not be gullible to what they find. Pray the verses for users. Personal challenge: Use the scriptures to pray for yourself when you use Google or any other search engine – test, keep what’s good, led by truth; fear the Lord when searching knowing He is with you at all times. Podcast: Praying for Google and other search engines to hold to God’s standard Thursday, Jan 26th – Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok & Snapchat [When is it good to share?] 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. PDF Points Personal challenge: Do you use any of these apps? If so, consider what affect 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 & those who use it for illicit gains. Podcast: Praying for users of Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok etc. [What needs to be shared?] Wednesday, Jan. 25th – Social Media - YouTube [O Be Careful Little Eyes What You See] Scriptures: Matthew 6:22-23; 1 John 2:15-17; Psalm 101:2-4 Prayer strategy: Pray for users to filter what they choose to watch; redeem the time if believers, more Christian channels increase and help disciple/evangelize; for those uploading videos are motivated with good ethics; use disclaimers if they aren’t experts; content that is disturbing, vulgar or distasteful have ratings and decrease. 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: Praying YouTube be used more for good than evil & users monitor time spent Tuesday, Jan. 24th - Social Media: Facebook [Does it really connect us?] Scriptures: Proverbs 18:2; Colossians 4:6; 1 Timothy 5:13 Prayer strategy: Pray for users to be cautious what they post; cautious what they read; slow to post; quick to listen; cautious of who wants to be “their friend”; have “real” friends versus acquaintances; cautious of marketing; cautious of time use; scams & sexual temptations. Personal challenge: How much time do you use Facebook? If not at all, do you use another media site to connect with people like LinkedIn? Ask the Lord to show you what boundaries He wants you to apply when using it? Podcast: Praying God’s word over Facebook - this giant social media platform Monday, Jan. 23rd – Social Media: Informational Web Sites like Wikipedia Scriptures: Romans 12:2; John 16:13; Psalm 25:5 Prayer strategy: pray for people findings sources to look for current information; relevant answers; accurate facts; written by people who have experience, knowledge or credentials; not motivated by bias and opinions, and identify if they are being persuaded, informed, marketed to buy, or entertained. Pray people less gullible and more educated. Personal challenge: What sources do you tend to seek for information? Apply the CRAAP test. If it doesn’t pass, look for ones that do pass. Additionally, when making statements that come from your internet surfing, be sure the source is credible. Podcast: Praying for Internet Surfers to Learn how to seek reliable information from Web Sites Friday, Jan. 20th - Magazines [To View or Not to View] Scriptures: Luke 11:34; Isaiah 52:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 Prayer strategy: Look at the list of magazines & pray over those that need to increase and be successful. Look over those that promote consumerism; pray for the readers to consider the marketing. Then look again and pray over those that need to decrease. Personal challenge: What magazines do you read? Pray the Lord will show you whether you need to keep subscribing or purchasing them? Individually they cost much rather than annual subscription. Time waster or time helper? Podcast: Praying for magazines to improve our lives rather than tempt us Thursday, Jan. 19th - Printed Media [Influential or Insignificant] Scriptures: Matthew 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 4:18; Proverbs 16:16 Prayer strategy: Pray for all printed matter that attempts to persuade people to buy what they don’t need, vote for someone that is unethical, vilify opponents or competitors, use services to entrap, increases consumerism and feel you have a poor self-image. Pray also for printed matter that reaches people for Christ; disciples, evangelizes, sells needs, fosters improvement, healthy work habits, informs about political candidates in a healthy way and causes people to be wiser. Personal challenge: What printed matter did you see today? Pray that the Holy Spirit will help you discern what was healthy and what was harmful? If you have control over the paper, shred, contact to stop sending and find ways to not get anything God opposes. Podcast: Praying for Printed Media to be Healthy & Readers to Discern Wednesday, Jan 18th - National & World News [Servants of the Lord or Slaves to the devil] Scriptures: Micah 6:8; Is. 40:15; Psalm 2 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. Podcast: Praying for National & World News Sources [Truth vs. Evil] Tuesday, Jan. 17th - Praying over the Current News Scriptures: 1 Thess. 5:17; Eph. 6:18; Luke 18:1-8 Prayer strategy: Open BREAKING NEWS: Stop & Pray (sbcuniteandawake.com); pray for some of the current news stories. Consider interceding for those who were injured or killed in traffic accidents, for safer roads, for drivers to respect rules of the road, road conditions. Petition for law enforcement to catch criminals quickly, for reformation of the criminals, for safety to police/staff, for exposure & prosecution of political leaders who commit crimes, economy to improve, Council members who voted on Cannabis super center to be built in Barstow discover the negative impact it will have on drivers, business, drug crimes. Personal challenge: What news did you hear today? Pray for the people, the organizations, the sources and the other readers. Podcast: Praying for Today's Current News Monday, Jan. 16th - Local News Agencies in San Bernardino County Scriptures: Matt.12:36-37; Is. 59:14; Num.13:25-33 Prayer strategy: for salvation to those presenting the news; to speak righteousness & reveal truth; conviction of speaking falsehood; hearers to discern what is not true; deception as end time narrative, contend for truth to be relayed, not biased, favoring one side; not with an agenda; strengthen and direct the will of all who write and shape the coverage of newspapers; remove & replace those with evil motives with those for truth. Personal challenge: Read the story in Number 13:25-33. Ask whether you are getting swept up by the fearmongering or by faith. Consider what local news you listen to and filter it with help of Holy Spirit; discern what is good and what is evil. Podcast: Praying for Local News Agencies [Reveal truth; Expose Evil & Pure Motives] Friday, Jan. 13th - Christian Media Staff/Journalists [Protect & Prevail] Scriptures: Isaiah 52:7; 1 Chron. 16:23-24; Col.1:28 Prayer strategy: able to withstand the slander, malicious gossip, twisting their messages, able to overcome the opposition in love, their protection, openness to the gospel, harvest of souls, encouragement, equipping, training and inspiration to believers; commitment to spending time with God personally, accuracy, open doors, creative methods of delivery. Personal challenge: Think about what you hear of, listen to, or know about a Christian media source. Take a moment to pray for God’s blessings over their messages and its effectiveness. Let’s believe the Lord can use this source to minister to many that face-to-face evangelism and discipleship cannot. Podcast: Praying for Christian media to prevail & flourish Thursday, Jan. 12th – Readers of Media [Consumed or Informed, TMI, NEI, JEI] Scriptures: 1 Sam. 16:7; Ps.1:1-2; O Be Careful Little Eyes hymn Prayer strategy: Pray for the ignorant, the unlearned, the ones who are easily deceived to see the truth, for filters of good vs. evil, consumption vs information, for readers to think about the agendas behind the messages; for God to shine light on the content & reveal hidden motives; challenged to not waste time; take breaks; fast media for a time then see how they viewed the onslaught of information Personal challenge: Now that we’ve looked at various types of media, which ones cause you to be consumed? To buy what you don’t need? To waste time? To help you get something? Prepare you for disasters? Ask the Lord to show you which ones you should stop listening to and which ones to continue. Podcast: Praying for Media Readers to be Mindful of what they see & hear Wednesday, Jan. 11th – Billboards & Truck Signs Scriptures: Col. 2:8; Ps.119:37; Phil. 2:14-16 Prayer strategy: content, message, maker, owner, protection from vandalism, readers, Christian writers, secular writers, business writers, graphic artists, motives, G-rated; viewing safety. Personal challenge: Be mindful of the signs you see on various billboards. Pray you remain safe and not distracted; that you pray and not complain about the messages; you pray some get removed and replaced. Podcast: Praying for those involved in Billboard Content Tuesday, Jan 10th - Radio stations [Far-reaching vs Far-fetched] Scriptures: Prov. 18:21; Matt. 12:34-37; Prov. 13:3 Prayer strategy: Pray for the listeners to hear good and not evil; for those dispensing the information to clarify opinions over facts; for Christian stations to reach a larger audience inc. those in prison, nursing homes, homebound, the lonely, young mothers, to preach the gospel and the word that will not return void; sufficient finances to stay on air Personal challenge: Identify the stations you listen to for information & pray for their staff. Are the messages filling your heart with good or evil? Pay attention to what you are saying. Frisk your thoughts – on things above or worldly? Good or evil? Truth or Lie? Podcast: Praying for Radio Stations [content & workers] Monday, Jan. 9th - Weather News [Forecasting Fear or Forearm] Scriptures: Matt. 16:3; Ps. 107:29; Eccl. 11:4; Lk. 12:54-56; Job 37 Prayer strategy: for those presenting the weather; the staff & owners behind it; if the motive is to inform, prepare & help the listener or to control, increase fear & deceive; that they forewarn & not be fearmongers, exposed if overdramatizing, embellishing with hype & sensationalism, facts not fiction, emphasis on prediction not necessarily accurate, God can change the weather; listeners able to discern fact from fiction Personal challenge: What weather media do you seek to find out the forecast? Knowing that the weather affects Air quality; Wind, Rain; Snow, thunder, Drought; food supply; fires & much more, pray for those in your community affected by one or more of these conditions. Podcast: Praying for those who Forecast the Weather Friday, Jan. 6th - Advertisers in Media: SBSun, Redlands DailyFacts & IE Daily Bulletin Scriptures: Philippians 3:18-19; Luke 16:13; Galatians 6:7-8 Prayer strategy: Advertisers to be ethical, truthful, not exaggerate, not manipulate. Ones to raise funds for causes – honest & use uprightly.Consumers or users aware of harms to children, clutters minds, makes feel bad, tempts, stereotypes, mindful if need or want, sexualizing women, negative effects, amount of time looking at ads Personal challenge: Think about the ads you saw today.Categorize them by need, wants and temptations. Pray that you will not be seduced to buy something you don’t need with money you don’t have nor be tempted to do something that’s against God’s will. Podcast: Praying for the Advertisers in Media Thursday, Jan. 5th – Journalists & Content: SBSun, Redlands DailyFacts & IE Daily Bulletin Scriptures: 2 Peter 3:16; Rom. 13:1-5; 1 Jn. 5:9-10 Prayer strategy: Safety & protection to good ones, grant grace, strength, courage, discernment, understanding and wisdom. Help them to have Accountability, be Objective, discern the truth, gain Favor, Observe Constitution, report with Moral values, Expose groups with nefarious motives. Remove those using this to manipulate, deceive, control, promote evil, cause strife & remove religious freedoms. Personal challenge: What reporter provided you news today? Think about what it took for them to access the information, then write it. Pray for them by name and all the supporting staff, cameramen, editors, etc. If good, pray; accordingly, if not, pray they change or get replaced. Podcast: Journalists & Supporting Staff who report & present the news Wednesday, Jan. 4th – Owners: SoCal News Group & Media News Group Scriptures: 1 Tim. 6:10; Is. 59:14; Micah 6:8 Prayer strategy: Pray for the SoCal News Group groups that own & operate three of our local newspapers: San Bernardino Sun, Redlands DailyFacts and the Inland Empire Daily Bulletin. Points to pray for leadership: not motivated by love of money, strive for fair reporting; focus on accuracy; enforce Journalist Creed, truth & morality. Personal challenge: What specific source(s) did you choose to get news today? Stop & pray for the management to follow Micah 6:8 to act justly, to love mercy & to walk humbly with God. Was the news they lure you with hype & sensationalism Podcast: Owners & Operators of 3 Local Newspapers Tuesday, Jan 3rd - Whose Report will you believe? Scriptures: Ps. 1:1-3; Is. 5:20; Rom 12:2 Prayer strategy: Identify & list other forms of information you seek that come from different platforms. 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. Begin identifying and listing which ones you seek for information. 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? Podcast: Whose report will we believe? | Reference: Prayer for Media - theglobalwatch.com Monday, Jan 2nd - Introduction to the Media Challenge Scriptures: Eph. 2:1-3; Is. 9:6; Phil. 4:8 Prayer strategy: Focus on the media you listen to or watch. Pray for the salvation of all involved in reporting the information. Forgive them if they shared anything that offended you. Filter what you hear using Phil. 4:8 Is it true? Honorable? Right? Pure? Lovely? Admirable? Excellent? Worthy of praise? Personal challenge: Ask the Lord if He wants you to keep choosing to listen to this media. Vodcast: Media prayer challenge - YouTube