1Timothy 2:1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 7 And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I'm not exaggerating—just telling the truth. 8 In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.
In the first verse above Jeremiah is telling the captives in Babylon to work towards and pray for peace and prosperity for their captor's city.
Next we have Paul telling Timothy to have believers pray for their government leaders with pretty much the same goal in mind. The goal being good welfare and peace.
In 2009 the city I live in was named the "third dying-est city in the country" by Forbes Magazine. It breaks my heart when I hear God's people, some of which are making upwards of $20 and more an hour complaining about their jobs. Based on the verses we read today I want to encourage you to pray for your city, for your government leaders. I want to encourage you to work towards your city's prosperity and peace. That means you will need to do the following:
1. Pray for the businesses and leaders in your community.
2. Work well at your job. Don't be lazy. Do your work and pick up slack where you can.
3. Don't complain about your job or your leaders. Be an example to others in your words.
4. Be thankful. If you have a job you have much for which to be thankful.
5. Get out of debt.
6. Look for ways to help the needy and do it.
7. Encourage other believers to do all the above.
NOTE: I may not send these out again until March 3.
Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr
1 comment:
Steve this is so uplifting. Thanks for reminding us that we are commanded to pray for our leaders! God bless.
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