February 1st, 2017
We Need Intercession!!!!
I have to admit I have sat back and been pretty quiet during this political chaos that seems to be going on in our nation. Trust me, not because I don't have an opinion, but rather because I have tried to show the love of Christ. A sharp tongue will NEVER portray the love of God and in this day and time people are watching us "Christians" to see how we behave. I think the Beatles were on to something when they said that All We Need Is Love. 🤗Gods love changes everything. Our identity in Christ becomes an anchor and the old is made new. There are too many people that still believe they are too "dirty" to come before the Lord. That is a lie straight from the enemy. Doesn't matter the life you have lived, because of Gods amazing grace you CAN be forgiven. When we decide to establish a covenant with God and submit to His authority it changes everything, starting with our hearts. An inward change of heart will result in an outward change of behavior....so YES people are looking at us to see how we behave. And don't think for one second that the enemy won't pop up, he surely will try to remind you of your past, but shake it off. Remember who you are in Christ. Redeemed, Restored and Chosen! Tired of seeing all these protests, marches, and riots instead of unity? Reach out and show the love of God to someone, it may be what brings them to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ! A friend of mine posted something last night on her FB page that caught my attention and heart: (hope you don't mind Sheila!)
She said it's not that she hates anyone on the outside, but rather that she loves those on the inside of her home much more.
So today I ask you to intercede. Our nation needs prayer. May it begin in your homes and spread like wildfire. Pray for your homes, pray for your city, county, state and our White House!
It doesn't matter if you agree or disagree with who's been elected into any position, as a Christian we submit to the authority of God who has already given us instructions.
Romans 13:1
Think about this:
( My devotion today)
There is no better time to renew our commitment to pray for our leaders than the start of a new presidential administration. Donald Trump needs our prayers and we should give them freely and eagerly no matter how we may have voted.
I know our president needs prayer, because I know I do. My own life and church leadership depends on prayer. I am aware that much of the blessing in the life of our church unfolds because of the prayers of people united in seeking God's way. Blessings are not earned by prayer, nor should blessings be presumed because of prayer. But I do believe prayer increases our readiness to live humbly, wisely, and courageously.
These are also the qualities our new president needs. After a divisive campaign, an extraordinary economic collapse, a period of ecological vulnerability, and a time of war and global instability, our president and our nation need humility, wisdom, and courage. Wherever we or our congregations may be politically, these three qualities should guide our prayers for the leaders responsible for our nation and our world. Leadership that is lacking in any of these three will be far less constructive than these trying times demand.
Our president needs the humility to live and lead in dependence upon God, practicing a clear estimate of our human and national limitations. Few qualities are more characteristic of Jesus than his willingness to serve in dependency on the Father, "emptying himself and taking the form of a servant." Humble servant leadership is the essence of Jesus' power. Let's pray that as a new season of presidential leadership begins, Donald Trump will live before God with a clarified awareness of who he is and who he is not.
(Mark Labberton)
So let the interceding begin! Prayer changes everything including us! God speed my friends!
-D